CARDBOARD BRIDGE

You wouldn’t expect cardboard to be strong enough to build a bridge, but that’s exactly what ingenious architect Shigeru Ban decided to use to build a bridge across the Gardon River in his latest work of architectural innovation. You might be familiar with his previous work (his Curtain Wall House, Nomadic Museum, and Paper Church in particular), but the bridge, his latest work, proves that Shigeru Ban is truly a brilliant architectural mind in the world of green and context-sensitive design.

The bridge, located over the Gardon River in southern France, is made almost entirely out of cardboard tubes (281 to be exact), and is strong enough to carry 20 people at a time. The steps of the bridge are constructed from recycled paper and plastic. And how does it stand up, you may ask yourself? It turns out cardboard is surprisingly strong when engineered as precisely and creatively as Ban has designed it, but the foundations do get a little help from wooden boxes packed with sand.

The bridge also sits adjacent to an ancient Roman Bridge, creating an interesting juxtaposition. “It is a very interesting contrast, the Roman stone bridge and the paper bridge. Paper too can be permanent, can be strong and lasting. We need to get rid of these prejudices,” Ban said.

The Sliding House

The Sliding House, by dRMM Architecture, may look like a simple timber barn or shed, and you may not be impressed by it — until you discover that it contains a surprise within it. The design of this home is so unique that, well, there is no real actual architectural term to describe it. In fact, the best way to describe it is to say that the house slides!

You see, what appears to be house’s exterior walls and roof are actually a second skin that slides across a longitudinal axis to reveal a second facade. Sliding back and forth, the mobile exterior offers the house’s residents incredible flexibility with the look and behavior of the building. The lighting and mood of the interior spaces can be altered with the simple movement of the exterior. The building’s architectural trick also mean the heating and cooling loads of the house can be manipulated throughout the year.

The house was designed by London-based practice de Rijke Marsh Morgan for a client who desired a retirement home. The house is made up of three buildings arranged along a longitudinal axis, with a garage set perpendicularly, off to the side. A small patio was located in front.

Glass and red rubber work in unison with the timber of the roof/wall enclosure to create a pleasing and unassuming shape that resembles the barns and sheds of the rural countryside. The entire house sits on a concrete bed, which partially hides the surprising mechanism that allows the home to reveal a second facade.

How to Build an Eco-friendly House?

Eco-friendly house can save some money for the home owners and they do not have any negative impact on the environment.

How to build an eco-friendly house? 

There has been a considerable improvement in the construction of the buildings which has reduced the negative impact on the environment. The eco-friendly construction techniques have reduced energy usage by using sustainable building materials and employing alternative sources of the energy in the house. The innovative water management techniques have also led to conservation of water.

Energy-Efficient Design

Eco-friendly houses should be designed to minimise energy losses. The design of the house should consider environment and local climate conditions to make best possible use of solar energy. The house should be properly insulated to ensure energy efficiency and minimise energy loss. Painting the roof of the house white keep homes cool in summer by letting less heat in and warm in winter by not allowing more heat escape than other roofs. The efficient building design should also consider properly placed windows to allow ventilation in the house.

Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainable building material is the one which reduce the energy usage and fits harmoniously within the ecosystem. Recycled wood can be used for making tables, planter, studs and headboard. The recycled plastic can be used to make water tanks, pipes and pet bottles. Recycled denim can be used for the insulation of the walls. The eco-friendly building materials emit low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), low embodied energy (the sum energy inputs used to make any product) and are easy to recycle.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

The home appliances used in the house such as air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators can save substantial amount of energy. The manufacturers had developed energy efficient appliances which use less electricity to help save some money for the consumers. The government agencies had certified these appliances to help consumer identify these products as energy savers such as Energy Star in America.

Alternative Source of Energy

The incorporation of alternative sources of energy can also contribute to the environment. Installing solar panels is very common these days. Using the sun to heat the water for domestic use and also for space heating and cooling can also reduce energy usage.

Water Management

Water management is often overlooked in an eco-friendly house project. The rain water should be collected in the rain barrels and water from the shower can be used in lawn. Low flow toilets should be installed and leaks should be fixed.

Benefits to Homeowners

Eco-friendly houses not only save money for the owners but also conserve energy and are environment friendly. As the materials are toxin free it leads to increased occupant health and also reduce maintenance costs.

Simple Passive Solar House by Mimosa Architekti Respects its Site in the Czech Republic

This charming single family residence in the Czech Republic was carefully designed to respect its site and make the most of available solar exposure. Oriented to the east and the west, the home soaks up daylight while utilizing shade devices and recessed windows to prevent overheating in the summer. Designed by Prague-based Mimosa Architekti, the House in Bohumileč uses natural materials and a simple framework to help it fit into its rural setting.

Located in the small village of Bohumileč in the Pardubice region, this two story home was built for a family of four. Inspiration for the home came from a rustic house with a saddle roof, and the building’s volume and materials fit within the context of its natural setting. Seeking to be unobtrusive, the home takes on the motto of rural simplicity. The exterior is clad in simple wooden slats, while the interior features lots of glass, pale wood floors, white walls, and wooden accents.

An east-west orientation lines the home up to take advantage of an open southern aspect. A large flat awning to the south shades the deck and the living room from overheating in the summer, while the remaining windows are either recessed or built out in order to block direct sunlight and glare. Deciduous trees on the east, south, and west protect the home even more during the summer by providing shade, but in the winter they are leaf-less and let the sun shine through.

Inside, the living spaces are located on the southern side to take advantage of more daylight, while the kitchen, staircase, and service areas sit on the north side where daylight is not needed. Decks off each side of the house expand the living space to the outdoors to take in the sights of the neighborhood and the adjacent pond.

Seven stunning green buildings that already exist

Green buildingsGreen structures built across the globe

Environment preservation has to be taken up on a large scale and applied in our everyday lives. Water and energy conservation along with reusing materials and encouraging recycling is the need of the hour. Surely, all this can be done a lot more easily if we build sustainable structures. Going green becomes really easy if we have an infrastructure supporting it. After the success of a few green buildings, more eco friendly structures are in construction around the world. Let’s look at a few green structures built that have given a head start to this movement.

1. Bank of America Tower, New York, US

Bank of America Tower In house power plant conserves energy

An LEED platinum certified construction built in Manhattan. The hallmark of this skyscraper is the in house power plant that generates about 70% of the energy used. The 4.6-megawatt plant provides both heat and electric voltage for hot water supply and running the heating as well as cooling system. In addition to generating its own power, the plant also garners energy by burning natural gas and sourcing waste heat. A floor to ceiling cover of translucent insulating glass brings in natural light.

2. Dalby Forest visitor centre, North Yorkshire, UK

Dalby Forest visitor centre Water conservation and renewable energy use have been kept in mind

The reception desk at this site is made out of old used materials while the roof is done up with tire tubes. The entire building can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. Renewable energy from solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbine is used. Water conservation has been kept in mind as toilets are flushed with rainwater instead of the regular water supply. The boiler is fueled with wooden chips and bits gathered from the forest nearby.

3. CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad, India

Green Business Centre Waste water us recycled using root zone treatment

This building is amongst the very few outside US to acquire the LEED platinum rating. In fact, this was the first building in India and also outside the U.S. to be endowed with this certification. It is actually the office of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and a public-private venture between Government of Andhra Pradesh and Godrej & Boyce Mfg Ltd. The building applies green construction techniques like using renewable energy, recycling, water conservation and energy efficiency. There is a green roof and waste water is recycled using root zone treatment. Solar photovoltaic cells generate indigenous power supply.

4. 30 The Bond, Sydney, Australia

30 The Bond Uses passive chilled beam technology for energy efficiency

The headquarters of Lend Lease, this was the very first CBD building in Australia to acquire the 5 stars rating meted out by the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating. This sustainable structure employs the passive chilled beam technology for energy conservation. In addition, the natural ventilation and fully operable shading facades help to reduce carbon emissions. Local and eco friendly materials such as linen, cotton, wool, sisal, goat hair, leather, and bamboo are used here. There are winter garden rooms, water saving fittings, and a terrace garden with native drought resistant plants.

5. Centrum Galerie, Dresden, Germany

Centrum Galerie Received the BREEAM Excellent rating

This massive shopping complex is known for being the first building to receive the BREEAM Excellent rating not only in Germany but also in continental Europe. The building uses daylight as much as possible and incorporates a green roof. There is an energy saving mode built. Other distinguished advancements are a high-quality design and a comprehensive transport plan.

6. RIT’s University Services Center, New York, US

RIT’s University Services Center A highly energy efficient construction

Built in Rochester in New York, this is a LEED platinum certified construction. The University Services Center at Rochester Institute of Technology uses renewable sources of power including solar pholovoltaic cells. Almost 90% of the waste during construction was recycled and recycled materials are used even for running the building. The power usage for heating and cooling is reduced by 50%. Water conservation, biodiversity by cultivating native vegetation, control plan for erosion and sedimentation are a few other eco-feats achieved here.

7. Shangri La Botanical Gardens, Orange, Texas

Shangri La Botanical Gardens Recycled materials are used in construction

Eco friendly energy systems are installed here; wind power plants supply energy and there are thirty six solar panels that can generate about 300 watts of electric voltage. The wood used is from trees fallen down during the 2005 hurricane Rita. Also, the geothermal well for heating and cooling is a marvel. The construction allows in ample daylight and is built on a concrete foundation made up of fly ash usually thrown out as waste. There are also heat reflecting metal roofs that use up less energy, corn based eco flooring, parking lot from recycled asphalt, etc. This center has also received US Green Building Councils Platinum certification.

The Glasshouse Combines a Pendant Lamp with a Terrarium Full of Lush Greens

Terrariums are a way to fashionably bring plants into an indoor space. Building upon the beauty of the classic concept, Czech designer Krstyna Pojerova has taken the terrarium to the next level. Called Glasshouse, this chic hanging terrarium also doubles as a pendant lamp, adding both light and life to any room

The terrarium lamp is made from an onion shaped glass orb. Rather than just an access hole to change the light bulb, the bottom of the glass inverts inside, forming a protective lip around the opening. This holds all the goodies inside, and provides the perfect amount of space to support a new mini garden! Through the opening, you can cultivate your fresh herbs, pick small flowers, or simply water the little green plants.

The lamp portion shines down on your little garden, supporting photosynthesis even in dim spaces, and the excess heat produced by the bulb incubates your fresh herbs, keeping them happy and healthy. There’s also plenty of room to water your plants, and also room for soil. Holes on the top of the orb allow healthy plants to sprout through — but they may need a little guidance.

The Glasshouse was created to foster the urban kitchen, and let city dwellers with no outdoor or window space grow their own fare in a unique way. Aside from adding life to a room, the hanging lamp adds a punch of color and a beautiful design.

The Glasshouse can be ordered from the Czech site Art-Light.

World’s Largest Solar Bridge Crosses The River Thames in London

London's largest solar roof is now under construction -- and it's set on a bridge! The massive 6,000 square meter array photovoltaic array is currently being installed by Solarcentury on the Victorian-era Blackfriars Bridge in London. The project is on track to become the world's largest solar bridge - when completed, Blackfriar's roof will hold 4,400 individual photovoltaic panels and produce around 900,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. Renewable energy will account for half of the station's energy needs and reduce annual CO2 emissions by more than 500 tons -- the equivalent of 35 American households.

Over 100 bridges, 20 tunnels, and six public ferries cross the River Thames, but only Blackfriars will shine in photovoltaic glory. Solarcentury is working in conjunction with other public transportation and facility upgrades to reduce pollution and congestion, improve the passenger environment, and act as a catalyst for regenerating some of London’s more deprived areas. Lengthening the station’s deck will require 14,000 tons of new materials. In an effort to keep environmental impact to a minimum, hefty loads will be transported by barge instead of via London’s crowded roads.

Originally built in 1884, Blackfriars station is overdue for the retrofit, which will bring this steam-era railway into the 21st century and give travelers direct access to key local attractions including the Globe Theater and the Tate Modern. The station’s redevelopment is part of Network Rail’s £5.5 billion Thameslink program, which aims to improve the interchange between the national rail and the London Underground. Once the upgrade is complete, as many as 24 trains will be able to run the tracks every hour, nearly doubling the station’s capacity. Upping the amount of north-south traffic along the Thames will be a good thing when the 2012 Olympics come to town.

“Station buildings and bridges are fixed parts of our urban landscape,” said Derry Newman, Chief Executive of Solarcentury in a statement, “it is great to see that this one will be generating renewable energy every day into the future. For people to see that solar power is working is a vital step towards a clean energy future.”

Brisbane may have a solar-powered footbridge and there are plenty of other green bridges out there, but Blackfriars Bridge is set to hold the record for the longest — at least for now.

World Habitat day: India raise awareness for adequate housing

India joins rest of the world in marking World Habitat Day on October 3, 2011. The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day to draw attention to the current global state of the human habitat and to push toward adequate housing for all.

Habitat for Humanity, a Christian non-profit organisation that addresses issues of poverty housing, will engage in a month-long observance, highlighting challenges of housing and sustainability faced by communities across India, a Christian Today report said. “We would join nations across the globe in marking World Habitat Day, a time when we can highlight the problems of homelessness and the challenges in addressing the issue,” said Justin Jebakumar, director of Habitat for Humanity India, Delhi HRC.

“Habitat’s vision is to have a world where everyone can have a decent place to live, as safe shelter brings dignity and honor to all especially women and children. To achieve this, we aim to develop innovative housing and shelter assistance models,” he expressed. For this year, the United Nations has chosen the theme ‘Cities and Climate Change’ to point to impacts of disasters resulting from climate change.

“World Habitat Day falls during the month when demographers predict our planet’s seven billionth inhabitant will be born. The future that this child and its generation will inherit depends to a great degree on how we handle the competing pressures of growing population growth, urbanization and climate change,” UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon said.