Green and Sustainable Architecture

Submitted by: Mehak Mahmood Submitted to: Sir Zahid Tauqeer Ahmed
Roll No: F2017101066

Summary
Book: Sustainability in Architecture and Urban Design
By: Carl Bovill
Content: Part III (The Residential Scale) Page No: 145
Topic No: 18 Topic Name: Green Materials
Sustainability have more important principles and roles in the architecture and urban design.
Carl Bovill’s book tells us more about the use of green materials which will have a sustainable
impact on the living environment.
In this topic of green materials, he have mentioned all the use of sustainable materials that can
be used efficiently in the design of residential scale buildings. As the use of green materials is
necessary, the other things that should be kept in mind include:

 Where the materials come from

 How to use the materials properly
 How they can be recycled
Materials have a whole process which starts from the mining. After mining, materials further
process continues like harvesting, transporting and manufacturing. These processes requires
the form of energy and then they undergo in the process of waste stream. All products have a
life span and after being wasted they can be utilized by recycling them.
Materials can be recycled easily into multiple materials and of the same material type too. An
example of steel is given which can be recycled as steel.
The main consideration is the use of low outgassing of volatile organic compounds. VOC’s are
the organic chemicals which have high pressure at room temperature. Its examples include:
new car smell and the smell of new carpet. Materials can be purchased which have low VOC
outgassing.
Different types of materials are explained for the sustainable purposes.
  Wood siding have a long life which can be used for
exteriors as they are a renewable product.
Wood Siding

 Fiber cement boards, which have many textures and are very
durable.

 Use of stucco which is a dry concrete mix. Fiber Cement Boards

Rammed earth can be used for the residential building purposes. It is an earth which is mixed
with cement. This form is then pressed onto the wooden frames which then makes it a solid
wall.
U.S houses are mostly constructed with wooden frames and they are in the form of straw bale
houses. These straw bale houses are framed with timber which is a durable materials and can
be recycled. The outer part of the house is covered with stucco while the inner portion of the
house with plaster.
Roofing:
The roofing systems should be in light colors especially during summers.
Use of asphalt shingles is a good example as they are quite durable and
fire resistant. Other use of roofing are:

 Metal roofing
Wood Shingles
 Wood shingles
 Tile roofs
Floors:
For floors there are many materials through which they can be covered.
These include:

 Wood which is durable and it is a sustainable choice.

 Solid unfinished wood floors
 Engineered wood flooring Wood Flooring
 Cork flooring
Cork is a bark tree. It is harvested on the 9 year cycle without hurting the trees.

 Concrete tiles

Cork
  Terrazzo flooring
 Carpet flooring in which wool carpet is the most ecofriendly choice.
Gypsum Board:
Gypsum boards are used for the interiors and ceilings in residential houses. It has a core of
gypsum plaster. Gypsum boards produces waste streams during the construction but as there
are no toxic compounds in it, it can be recycled into a new gypsum board.
Interior Walls:
For the interior walls it can be finished with paint, wallpaper, wood paneling and tiles. Water
based, latex paint have low VOC so paint is the most common form of interior finish. Wallpaper
can also be used as interior finishes but most wallpapers have vinyl and vinyl is not actually
ecofriendly. It can cause mold growth behind the wall. So in order to use wallpapers just keep in
mind that they do not have high rate of VOC’s as vinyl free wallpapers are also available.
Cabinets:
Plywood is quite durable for the usage of cabinets. Solid wood or plywood for the making of
cabinet doors with a very low VOC paint coating. For the finishing, natural oil is recommended
as they protects wood from moisture and the damaged spots can be re-finished.
Countertops:
Granite is the most common for the strong countertops. Composite
countertops are made from recycled glass, porcelain or stone concrete
binder. Wood can also be used for the better looking of countertops.
Use of stainless steel which produces a surface that is much easier to
clean and durable. Stainless steel is ecofriendly and recyclable.
Composite Countertops

To conclude, this topic discussed by Carl Bovill tell us more in detail about the green materials.
There is a rapid growing list of programs which provides ways for developing more green
substances for the sustainability. In U.S. there are different organizations and centers which
take care of these products and produce a good quality of recyclable materials. The Forest
Stewardship Council guarantees that the wood is sustainably harvested. Green Seal, Green
Label Plus and other councils helps in producing more environmental friendly materials and
thus providing products with a good quality.

Plywood Stainless Steel

Wood Paneling