innovation
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We want to have a positive impact on nature and the environment with our buildings. We can achieve this by carefully selecting sustainable materials and reducing the consumption of energy, water and natural resources. In addition, we aim for flexible and circular buildings that can adapt to changing needs or can be partly reused. Nature-inclusive building is an important aspect that we try to integrate into all our designs.
WHY SHOULD WE REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION?
Reducing GHG emissions
Energy production and consumption significantly contribute to environmental problems such as air pollution, climate change, water pollution, thermal pollution, and waste disposal. By reducing energy consumption, we can mitigate the harmful emissions associated with non-renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels are by far the largest contributor to climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
Dependency on fossil fuels
The depletion of non-renewable energy sources increases scarcity, drives up prices, and increases our reliance on big oil companies. By reducing energy consumption and phasing out fossil fuels, we can decrease our energy dependency, enhance local resilience, and reduce energy inequalities. Ultimately, achieving energy self-sufficiency offers the most significant benefit of reducing our energy demand.
WHAT IS OPERATIONAL AND EMBODIED ENERGY?
The energy footprint of buildings can be broadly divided into operational and embodied energy. Operational energy is the energy consumed during the building’s lifetime for activities like heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances. Embodied energy is the energy used to extract, process, manufacture, and transport the materials used in construction.
HOW DO WE DESIGN MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS?
We can reduce a building’s operational energy consumption by taking climate and orientation into account in the initial design of the volume and envelope. Passive design strategies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it’s important to consider the lifecycle of buildings. Efforts to reduce operational emissions often lead to an increase in embodied emissions. For the remaining energy needs, we work with energy and installation consultants to integrate sustainable installation concepts into our designs.
To achieve a liveable and enjoyable carbon-neutral future for all, we have to ensure our energy is produced and consumed in a secure, affordable, efficient, and sustainable manner.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHANGE THE WAY WE BUILD?
The transition to a circular construction economy aims to limit unnecessary primary resource consumption, reducing environmental pollution and further ecosystem degradation.
Limiting CO2 emissions
By replacing primary, carbon-intensive materials with reused or bio-based alternatives, we can effectively reduce embodied carbon, conserve natural resources, and decrease waste in buildings. This approach is crucial for combating climate change and promoting sustainable construction practices.
Reducing raw material depletion
The over-extraction of finite resources like timber, sand, and metals not only leads to habitat destruction and pollution but also results in resource scarcity, increasing costs, and global supply chain dependency. Minimizing the use of virgin materials not only reduces waste and environmental degradation but also mitigates geopolitical risks and promotes economic resilience, ensuring the availability of resources for future generations.
WHAT IS CIRCULAR CONSTRUCTION?
Circular construction demands a paradigm shift in the building industry. Instead of viewing buildings as disposable structures, we must design them for longevity, adaptability, and material recovery. By prioritizing efficient material use, designing for disassembly, and preserving material value, we can transform buildings into valuable resource banks. These structures can store thousands of tons of reusable materials, which can be traded and re-purposed at the end of their service life, rather than being discarded.
HOW CAN WE MAKE CIRCULAR BUILDINGS?
By repurposing existing structures and designing buildings for circularity, we can drastically reduce our reliance on raw materials, both now and in the future. Demountable construction elements and material passports enable us to transform buildings into valuable material depots, facilitating high-value reuse. Our approach prioritizes the selection of environmentally friendly materials, including renewable and bio-based options that minimize embodied carbon. Additionally, we extend the lifespan of buildings by designing adaptable spaces that can evolve to meet changing needs and functions.
The use of bio-based and reused materials can inspire us to create even more beautiful buildings, developing new aesthetics and reinstating our connection with the natural world through the buildings we inhabit.
WHY SHOULD WE DESIGN MORE WITH NATURE?
The alarming rate of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation that we are currently experiencing is equally catastrophic as climate change. At the same time, these events are closely related, as climate change accelerates biodiversity loss and healthy ecosystems are a vital tool in combating climate change.
Reversing natures decline
By restoring ecosystems and improving biodiversity, we reduce environmental vulnerabilities and support natural ecosystem services. If nature is more resilient, wildlife will flourish and the risk of natural disasters decreases.
Improving life for all living beings
Designing our urban environment in symbiosis with nature not only supports and extends habitats for animals and plants, also urban micro-climates are improved. In short, making life better for all living beings.
WHAT ARE NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS?
Nature-based solutions in urban areas include the maintenance, restoration and creation of green and blue spaces. Urban green and blue spaces are public and private open spaces in urban areas, primarily covered by vegetation or water. Urban applications range from individual small-scale interventions on buildings or along streets, to large-scale solutions such as urban forests or rivers across an urban area, linked to wider landscapes.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT NATURE IN OUR DESIGNS?
In collaboration with landscape architects, we integrate nature inside, around and on top of our buildings. This has a positive effect on both the health and welfare of people, micro-climates and biodiversity. Green indoor and outdoor spaces offer possibilities for recreation, local food production and water storage when it rains. Collecting and storing rainwater improves climate-change resilience, while the water can also be reused for various purposes inside the building.
Nature is vital for functioning societies and economies. It provides the food we eat, filters the water we drink, cleans the air we breathe, and is important for our mental and physical health.
Colophon
projects overview
holiday home, texel
ptt binnenrotte, rotterdam
nuvo, kyiv
wärtz, zwolle
floating gardens, amsterdam