WHAT IS CIRCULAR ARCHITECTURE?
Circular architecture can be defined as the construction of buildings that adhere to a sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly model.
It also lays its foundations in the recycling or use of certain construction materials (instead of discarding them and generating even more waste).
The construction industry is one of the most polluting in the world (considering the constant gas and waste emissions derived from it).
However, circular architecture seeks to reverse these negative effects and promote architectural projects that are focused on energy saving, recycling and reuse.
One of its ultimate purposes is to give a second life to buildings, or to some of their main components, such as their pipes, pumping systems, etc.
The circular architecture is based on a cyclical model that seeks to optimize the useful life of each material. In this way, construction resources are optimized and the reuse of many elements is promoted.
This model gives great importance to the materials discarded from other works (these may have been recycled or reconverted to be successfully used again).
MAIN FEATURES OF THIS MODEL
Circular architecture has very particular, interesting and distinctive characteristics. These are some of them:
1. Eliminate or reduce the use of non-renewable materials, or those that require a lot of energy to extract.
2. It promotes the use of materials that have a minimum ecological and environmental impact.
3. The constant circulation of resources promotes energy efficiency, the recycling of some raw materials and better waste management.
4. Construction systems become more sustainable.
5. This circular model challenges the linear system of the current economy (which is based on the extraction, use and disposal of certain elements and construction materials).
6. It makes sure to optimize the use of all the components of the building, while redesigning elements that can be used successfully in the future.
7. Circular architecture focuses on building buildings that are more energy efficient.
8. The circular economy inspired this type of architecture. Therefore, it challenges the conventionalism that everything has a beginning and an end, and bets on more returnable and sustainable constructions.
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WEIGHT FACTORS IN CIRCULAR ARCHITECTURE
Studying the keys to circular architecture is fundamental when dimensioning this concept with greater clarity and efficiency.
In this sense, we would like to share with you some important factors of this deeply environmentalist architecture:
1. Design of an adaptable house
The design of new buildings must be completely adaptable to the requirements and needs of their future owners or tenants.
It is crucial that the buildings gradually adapt to the changes or transformations that these people will experience throughout their lives.
This change in the way of conceiving and designing buildings prolongs their useful life more effectively.
2. Use of recyclable materials
The incorporation of recyclable materials in circular buildings is one of its critical success factors.
It also admits the use of manufactured materials (from other waste generated in the industry).
The selection of more organic, natural or biodegradable materials reduces gas and waste emissions, as well as energy expenditure in the construction sector.
The most ideal is to work with materials such as wood or stone, since they have a greater recycling capacity.
The construction industry is responsible for 40% of carbon emissions worldwide.
Additionally, it is one of the main producers of waste and residues in the world. Hence, the execution of strategies, or standards, such as Passivhaus, are so relevant. These houses must reduce energy consumption to a minimum, or better yet, they must generate their own green energy.
3. Analysis of the life cycle of the building
This analysis consists of designing buildings focused on their life cycle. Therefore, it must include both its future reuse and its eventual demolition process.
It also implies knowing the impact that these new buildings will have on the environment.
What will be its footprint on an environmental scale? How much will it cost from a sustainable point of view? These are some of the questions that should be asked during this analysis.
Analyzing the life cycle of a building is very useful to identify the carbon footprint that would be generated, as well as the energy required for its construction. Those who carry it out must be familiar with the processes of extraction and obtaining of the materials used. Additionally, they must know their manufacturing, use, repair, maintenance and recycling data.
4. Rehabilitation incentive
In this context, rehabilitation is synonymous with reuse and reduction of waste in relation to new construction.
This process also reduces energy consumption, or the emission of gases that are harmful to the atmosphere. The goal is to preserve a portion of the structure, rather than proceed to tear it down or demolish it entirely.
Simultaneously, it is important to specify that rehabilitation processes can improve the quality of life of the people who will live in the new buildings.
To do this, they must have thermal and acoustic comfort systems, while dramatically improving air quality. Looking for Industrial Projects Development Company in Vadodara?