How to Improve Indoor Air Quality with Design

With research showing that we spend around 90% of our time indoors, it is important to care for and pay attention to the quality of the air we are breathing where we live, work, and play. Studies have also shown with increased levels of carbon dioxide and VOCs, productivity and concentration decrease as well. 

Vertical or Horizontal shades

When it comes to choosing which exterior shading system to apply whether horizontal or vertical, they come in three options (fixed, adjustable, and retractable). The external shading systems are more effective than the interior shading systems (blinds) simply because, if the sun’s energy does not enter the house, then it does not have to be dealt with. The exterior shading louvers often need little or no maintenance as well apart from the paint maintenance.

How the location of your house can affect the environment

The location of your house can preserve undeveloped sites, and focus or target previously developed sites. This way, you will preserve green fields and benefit from existing infrastructure. Locating your house or building on a site that has been previously developed will help preserve the green fields, prime farmland, and protect habitat for species that may be threatened.

Roof ponds as passive heating and cooling systems

The roof pond is a system that passively incorporates water elements to passively cool and heat the building. Experiments have been run and done by the pioneer Harold Hay on skytherm roofing, however, the true potentials of this system have not be utilized or been well explored by the construction industry. 

The system comprises of

Construction 101: Soil Types

More often than not, we as architects tend to be involved and immersed with the conceptual design process as well as the experiential and quality of spaces that are created by our designs we, therefore, tend to neglect an important and a crucial element and a possible asset of the site – the soil. The soil type and nature of the site can dictate and guide architects through the design process, resulting in architecture that responds to its environment and is in harmony with its surroundings. Sustainable design begins with clear and thorough evaluation of the site.

Earthships : Beyond Sustainability

Studio Home Events Studio Home Events Subscribe Earthships: Beyond Sustainability The public face of sustainable design and building is becoming the overly green skyscrapers and overflowing terraces with luscious big trees. However, more so than ever, these beautiful and poetic renders by architects cease to come to life due to their cost of construction and […]

Top Architecture YouTube Channels

With the technology gift at our hands, there are plenty of sources and websites that offer knowledge and courses, however, this could also be overwhelming and daunting if you do not know what you do not know. Therefore, to save you a couple of hours of surfing the web and getting lost in the black hole of YouTube, Here’s our favorite architecture YouTube channels that offer valuable insights.

How to Recycle and Reuse Construction Waste

In our fast growing world, it is important to remember the scarcity of our resources and the consequences our actions have on the environment and the generations to come. It is our duty as participants in today’s and makers of the future to sustain the health of our planet.

How to pass your LEED Green Associate (GA) Exam

Tips and study tricks on how to not only pass but also ace your LEED Green Associate exam.