New Building Material - Eco insulation

This is the new way insulating your roof if aerolite (Think Pink) is not your option. It is a product that has been tested and proven. This product also reduces air leakage between walls and ceilings and also easier to cover the hard to reach places.

Eco-insulation is made 100% out of recycled newspaper. It is pumped into the ceiling or wall cavity by professionals. Eco-insulation presents sustainable low embedded energy content.  The thermal resistance specified by this product is also exceptional and covers a great amount of area.

This product was awarded a ‘Company Excellence award for the year 2008’ by the South-African Energy Efficiency Association for their contribution towards energy saving.

Treated with a specially formulated fire retardant, Eco-insulation is tested and classified in accordance with SANS 428 and is fire rated – No spread of flame. 

The second quality that caught my eye is the fact that Eco-insulation has a natural ability to become an integral part of the ceiling, wall or floor by filling all the gaps and irregular spaces and therefore producing a significant improvement in noise suppression. Eco-insulation has a noise reduction co-efficient of 0.90 (90% sound energy absorption)

This is also a non-toxic and non-irritant product containing no pesticides, requiring no special clothing to handle it. It is resistant to biological and fungal attack and is unattractive to insects and rodents.

Eco-insulation blown onto the ceiling to prevent any air leakage.

Minimum blown in thickness of 125mm gives you an R-value of 3.29, which would suffice if you take in consideration the values given by the roof tiles / sheeting added. This means that one product could replace the combination of the two we are currently specifying on plans.

Before the insulation is blown onto the ceiling space each down light is covered with a metal cup to prevent insulation to interfere with the light fittings. 

After the insulation was blown onto the ceiling space. Clearly the cups are still visible and this way access to the fittings are not restricted.

For more information follow this link: http://www.eco-insulation.co.za/

Improving ‘Low Cost’ to ‘New Age'

Living in a low cost home provided by government is a everyday reality and is in demand like never before. Does that mean they should all be box shaped and consist out of block because it said ‘LOW COST?’ … My theory = The better quality homes we can provide for the need (keeping in mind we cut costs but it lasts) at a suitable rating the more we can provide and have happier community living in ‘HAPPIER HOMES’.

Since Energy Efficiency has made is way to all building being constructed is surely made its way to low cost houses too. Provided that they have efficient hot water supply, isolated roofs and walls, lighting etc. it is still a challenge orientating a box shaped building north.

Looking into alternatives a decision was made to design a house for each direction, meaning if the site face north so should the living areas. Having to do this so many things becomes a challenge…

• Front door faces to the street
• The shortest drainage connection
• Wind blowing from the wrong direction
• Shaded areas making certain parts of the house unlivable

These are everyday challenges we don’t realize. Put yourself in their shoes and what would you do?

A few websites for ‘improving low costs’ gave me the following, and with considering it there is a positive and negative to each of these so I do not say this is a PERFECT design; what I am saying is for you to consider this and re-think what you would have wanted being in this situation.

1. The Shack Chic

http://www.cherryflava.com/cherryflava/2008/06/shack-chic-the-future-of-low-cost-housing.html

This structure is called the ‘Abōd’. It is a lightweight, durable structure that can easily be shipped in a box and quickly be assembled on site.

Positives:

1. Quick to assemble
2. Easy to move (Each owner can move their own house)
3. Security tool to assemble and dismantle you own home
4. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye

Negatives: 

1. Very high building cost (R12 000 per m²)
2. Easy to move - Each owner can move their own house, maybe not such a good idea as they will pick up and leave at any given time
3. No additions to be done to the structure if it’s not the same structure.

2. The Pod

http://www.thecoolhunter.net/design/Classroom-Of-The-Future/

http://www.cherryflava.com/cherryflava/2008/06/shack-chic-the-future-of-low-cost-housing.html

This structure called the “Pod” pop-up temporary structure. It is used as mobile classrooms and is placed on site and has a set of hydraulics that expands to create open rooms / units to live in.  

Positives:

1. Aesthetically looks good
2. Gives the unit an ‘Urban design’ and style
3. It is a modern design

Negatives:

1. Definitely costly
2. Not too easy to assemble on site as mechanical equipment is required for the hydraulics to expand the units when being installed.
3. Don’t think any additions would be possible if not the same style / material
4. Security of such ‘high tech’ buildings – always a risk of theft / vandalism

 3. Alligator House

http://www.homeexteriorinterior.com/alligator-house-low-cost-house-design-for-katrina-refugees/

The structure gets its name from the shape that looks like an open-mouth crocodile. These are structures used for the refugees from post-Katrina. It is a structure that is more developed in length than width. They made use of insulated panels, translucent white plastic and interior is coated with wood and ceramic tiles.

Positives:

1. Aesthetically it is good
2. Used cost effective materials that gives a all in one good look to the building
3. Extension is possible

Negatives:

1. Only extends in length ways
2. Not easy to assemble and can’t be done by the owner himself
3. Temporary housing  

My conclusion :  There is more to what the eye can see. Low cost houses can be something from a vision. It is our duty to allow the design to speak for themselves and by looking at the above we can do more than just an ordinary house. "Think out of the box"...

Sustainable Container Homes

Reusing waste material to build more sustainable homes, this is the way to go according to architect, Benjamin Garcia Saxe. Using discarded metal containers may strike as a foreign concept but this is a way of saving many say.

It is also a true way of modern day homes that can be affordable to all, energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  “Reusing of redundant and environmentally hazardous waste materials provides a plan of action that could reduce need for extraction and processing of new materials. As landfill waste continues to increase, most of which comprise of construction and demolition debris, reusing materials already in sight can vitally prevent landfill growth for a greener tomorrow.”  

This project “The containers of Hope” was conceptualized by the architect himself and self-built by his clients. The house consists of 2 x 12m long metal shipping containers, plasterboard partitions and glass aluminum doors and windows.

http://www.theurbn.com/2011/11/containers-of-hope-a-sustainable-home/

These are some of the pictures explaining the 'Containers of Hope' as they rise one-by-one up in the air to create hope for those in need.

I believe that with the necessary research this can be a possibility for us as well. It is already proven that it not only works but pleases as well.

For more container designs, have a look at the following video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxbRM6R6KWA&feature=colike

* * * * * * * * * *

Also see: "10 Brilliant Sustainable Shipping Container Homes"

http://designcrave.com/2009-06-22/10-brilliant-boxy-and-sustainable-shipping-container-homes/

Buildings with Wind Turbines incorporated into it's design

Designing with a difference?!

How do we create a beautiful building and incorporate something as unpleasing to the eye as wind turbines.

I have seen cellphone towers, generators, solar panels and wind turbines destroy the character of many buildings around town with their unpleasing aesthetics; but what makes these ones stand out from the rest?! 

http://www.fastcompany.com/1583813/strata-tower-the-first-building-with-wind-turbines-incorporated-into-its-design

A 19,7 million dollar skyscraper was about to make its way to the heavens of London as they nicknamed it “The Razor” now known as the Strata Building … This is one of a few in the world where design has been proven to go further than the extra mile.

This building was scheduled to be completed in July 2010 as a breath taking 408 apartment block with more than a difference. It is known to have 3 x 19 kilowatt turbines installed on its roof. The jumbo turbines each have five x 8,9m blades that suck wind from all angles with help from the "Venturi Effect".

This building has surely proven that with the turbines installed on its roof, it still makes a pretty picture..

* * * * * * * * * *

Another building that captured more than just the eye is the “Wind Tower”

This is the design from the architect ‘Richard Moreto’ and his “Biosmic Egg”… This building has been designed upon his finding that ‘Form follows function’ and later became ‘Function follows need’.

It is a concept of vertical living and he has said: "...that it’s like an organism with its own wind and atmospheric energy conversion system". This design offers stability and aerodynamic properties necessary for a structure of such height.

In my mind an amazing story behind the concept, following each step gracefully as a method behind design; referring back to the need for form and function. This one blew my mind and is not just easy on the eye, definitely something that would stand out but yet again blend in with surroundings if it might be considered in an urban environment. 

Follow this link to find out more about the 'Wind Tower"

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=venturi+effect+architecture&view=detail&id=8E6C8A23390304415EC233D44230C31ED0983B16&first=31&FORM=IDFRIR

Wind turbines - Efficient or Not?

Wind turbines 'less efficient than claimed' - This was one of the headings that captured me straight away. We are encouraged to go green and then…? Now as the heading mentioned we are faced with a statement that became instant fiction!

It is said that: “Wind turbines are 25 % less effective than the renewable energy industry claims, according to research.”

It is said that majority of wind farms that was secured, planned and permission granted to go ahead based all the facts, data and figures on false / inaccurate assumptions. An analysis was done over a twelve month period where the average load factor was well under the percentage figure the industry claims. 

Keeping this in mind, how do we move forward making this part of an energy efficient lifestyle? Up to date this is a scientific structure unknown to most. The idea behind it is a unique way of transferring a natural energy source and using it through technology for our own benefit. It is said that no form of electricity works at 100% capacity, 100% of the time... How true that is, only they will know! 

 “…over the past two years, wind generation across the sites fell below 20MW on 123 separate days for a combined duration of 25 days. For a total of nine days, output dipped below 10MW, barely enough power to boil 3,300 household kettles.” 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/renewableenergy/8236254/Wind-turbines-less-efficient-than-claimed.html

Water Efficiency - Recycling methods

As we become more alert to the use of electricity, gas, water and a number of other things, we try safe wherever we can.

I have worked through the processes to follow the additional notes, quotes and accessories we add to building plans to make it energy efficient.

To name a few, we have been looking at the following:

·         Solar geysers

·         Heat Pumps

·         Roof insulation

And there are lots more, but what about water efficiency?

This is definitely also on its way and up to now I have been looking into some water saving methods.

Greywater

Greywater is wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing. It gets its name from its cloudy appearance and from its status as being neither fresh (white water from groundwater or potable water), nor heavily polluted (blackwater, which contains feces or toxic chemicals). Greywater makes up 50-80% of residential wastewater, and can be easily recycled for domestic and irrigation use. This kind of water recycling saves money and also helps to limit water wastage and over-use in South Africa. Check out the various products that can assist you in recycling greywater in your home and garden.

http://www.sustainable.co.za/gardenresq-grey-water-system-maxi-water-recycling.html
http://www.gardenresq.com/

Rainwater Recycling

The gathering and storing of rainwater is called rainwater harvesting. Traditionally, rainwater harvesting has been practiced in arid (dry) and semi-arid area, and has provided drinking water; domestic water; water for livestock; water for small irrigation and a way to replenish groundwater levels.

More people have begun to install their own greywater recycling systems, as water supplies have become increasingly erratic across the country. Making good use of local water and giving consumers a clean and independent source of fresh water, takes the pressure off national water networks.

Different types of rainwater harvesting for residential purposes are used:

1. 1. Eco Rain Wet System 

Water captured from the roof is channeled into underground pipes that lead to the tanks; this system is designed to hide the tanks in the garden rather than to have next to your house. Wet system allows for bigger amounts of water to be captured.

1. 2. Eco Rain Starter 

This system is designed for houses that have been stabilized and where no excessive excavations can be done. This is also the easiest way of harvesting and the most known amongst us. A tank is placed next to the house harvesting the water from the gutters and captures it straight into the tank. It has a Leaf Beater rain head connected to one down spout with self-cleaning, insect proof screen to prevent leaves and large debris from entering the tank.

1. 3. Eco Rain Underground

This system is designed to collect water from the roof and channels it through underground pipes to an underground tank. Perfect for big spaces and when you want your tanks entirely hidden from the eye. This way you can also store bigger amount of water underground.

http://www.rainharvesting.co.za/item_list.php?cat=6&submit=View&gclid=CJTM4pmn1a4CFcIntAodvgx6dA

These are just some of the methods to safe some water, so next time you design a new building think of how we can safe some more... Every little bit counts.

Just for interest, here are some water facts:

http://www.worldometers.info/water/

• " "Worldwide, agriculture accounts for 70% of all water consumption, compared to 20% for industry and 10% for domestic use. In industrialized nations, however, industries consume more than half of the water available for human use. Belgium, for example, uses 80% of the water available for industry."
• "Freshwater withdrawals have tripled over the last 50 years. Demand for freshwater is increasing by 64 billion cubic meters a year (1 cubic meter = 1,000 liters)"
• "The world’s population is growing by roughly 80 million people each year."
• "Changes in lifestyles and eating habits in recent years are requiring more water consumption per capita."
• "The production of biofuels has also increased sharply in recent years, with significant impact on water demand. Between 1,000 and 4,000 litres of water are needed to produce a single litre of biofuel."
• "Energy demand is also accelerating, with corresponding implications for water demand."
• "Almost 80% of diseases in so called "developing" countries are associated with water, causing some three million early deaths. For example, 5,000 children die every day from diarrhoea, or one every 17 seconds."

Water consumed this year

(billion of liters)

907,835

(up to date: 7 March 2012, 20:10)

What are you doing to help safe OUR FUTURE?

New Building Material - Soundlite

Acoustic barriers

“Living next to a noisy neighbor could influence your comfort level, it could literally make life unbearable but what do we do?”

This was a question posted to me by email from an architect Rey, and the answer is … !

I have taken some time to ask architectural professionals for their advice and even did some research myself. The product market has such a big variety to choose from but what has been used and did it work?

A good product I came across is ‘Soundlite’. 

This is in the same range as the ‘Aerolite’ I discussed previously as a thermal barrier in roofs.

Surprisingly enough this product is:

• ·         Light weight
• ·         Good acoustic properties
• ·         Safe material to use
• ·         Good thermal resistance

…and the list goes on…

This is also a non-combustible base board and therefore it is a “Fire happy Product”

It is used in all applications such as commercial, domestic and industrial.

For those interested in specifying the product:

Install (25/40)mm thick "Soundlite" acoustic suspended ceiling tiles in (Coral/Ripple) vinyl facing complete with T sections, hangers, hold down clips etc. Installation strictly in accordance with manufacturer's detail & specification.

For more information see:

http://www.isover.co.za/Product-Range/SoundLite.aspx

http://www.roofinsulation.co.za/roofinsulation/soundlite.html

This is the product when installed, acting as a thermal as well as acoustic barrier within a building.

New Building method - Eco-beam Construction

Eco-beam construction

This is a method of building considered in our metro. Although this is new to some of us others recon this is the way to go. Like the slogan says: “Save a rand and build with sand”. This is also seen as an Eco friendly building method and is affordable to most.

The advantages seems endless..

·         Easy & light to install
·         It’s a recognized pattern
·         It is environmentally friendly & uses a renewable resource
·         Needs minimal facilities on location
·         Even cuts back on 66%  timber compared to the normal timber frame construction
This is to some a win-win situation… One of my famous sayings... “Seeing is believing” …and I am patiently waiting to see one of these structures go up in our metro.

Follow this link to see more info regarding this building method http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/articles/eco-beam.htm

What do you think, share your thoughts and let me know if you are just as excited as me?!

Sandbags fitted in between horizontal & vertical Eco-beams.

Mentors in training - here busy closing the sandbag before leveling it between the Eco-beam supports.

This is the end result. A work of art, all built from sandbags.