Best Practices for Materials and Constructive Techniques’
For designers and architects, materials and constructive techniques play an essential role. Decisions have to be made and those decisions are often very complicated; especially when it comes to environmental impact. Wood, for instance, is a material with an excellent CO2 footprint and outstanding constructural properties, while on the other hand, the use of wood is often associated with deforestation, which not only destroys ecosystems and habitats, but also causes climate changes. A logical question then is: is the use of wood in architecture actually sustainable?
Something different. The production of brick requires a relatively large amount of energy, which results in a serious CO2 footprint. On the other hand, bricks last for generations and are often made from a renewable raw material, namely river clay. Don’t the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Last September, the archdaily.com published an extremely complete overview online, titled ‘Best Practices for Materials and Constructive Techniques’. Not only the advantages and disadvantages of many construction materials and techniques are discussed, but also suggestions and tips are given to make best constructive and ecological choices as responsible as possible.
Photo: Koninklijke Nederlandse Bouwkeramiek (KNB)
