Ecological architecture
To realize ecological architecture different aspects are important. Choosing the right building method and materials not only defines the sustainability of the building but also influences the architecture and the quality (healthiness) of the internal climate. Important aspects in choosing the right building method:
Ecological cycle
All materials are part of a specific cycle. Considering materials in their entire (ecological) cycle is essential to make sure those materials keep their value even after being used as a building material. This makes it necessary to adjust building materials and –products to the building’s live-cycle (LCA). Besides this, energy used in production and transportation should be taken into account.
To prevent loss of value materials should either be reusable or be recyclable infinitely. This so called Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) principle means the re-use of the material may not result in a lower quality product. So not to make bollards from old car tires, but to use old car tires to make new car tires.
Health
Building materials influence the quality of the internal building climate. It’s important to use non-toxic materials. Because toxic emissions are invisible investigation is necessary. It’s not true ecological materials are always healthy materials: most toxic substances are to be found in nature. Sheep wool for example releases toxic gasses. We also need to realize what happens with small particles brought into the internal air by wear of materials: they get inhaled. Some materials have a cleaning, moist-regulating or healing influence on the internal environment. Also some materials can protect us from harmful electro-magnetic radiation.
Heat resistance (Rc) and heat capacity (C)
Physical aspects like heat resistance and heat capacity of building materials are important in the energy balance of a building. Using materials with a high heat resistance (good insulation) result in less energy loss trough the building envelope. A high heat capacity indicates a materials ability to store heat energy: it will take longer for the building to be heated and longer to cool down. This ability makes sure a building is not overheated on a hot summer day and stays warm longer during the night.
