Green Architecture
The world has opted to make” green” their best color of choice which leads having cities, household and so on having the green color. The word green has been on everyone’s lips since with it life becomes safe and sustainable, the economy is stable, and energy is very efficient.
Known as the thought of architecture that encourages the use of sustainable energy, using energy in a suitable manner and the recycling and safety usage of building materials and more so the position of the building in a way that tries to create a difference to the environment. Africa is not behind in this “go green movement” that the world state. That shows how the go green has created an impact.
After conducting my research, I discovered that ‘green’ architecture means differently Africa than it does in America and other European Countries. The technological levels cost of materials and governance are the main reasons behind this.
Relating how the ‘green’ architecture does mean in Africa is “attainable, are recover, ” and the result of becoming “feasible” is to become sustainable. Sustainable architecture in Africa is looking for ways to become profitable, learn from the old building ways, and conserve energy. We also find that it does promote recycling and still become necessary.
I have randomly chosen ten buildings from Africa in general. Whereby the country that leads is South Africa. Architects behind their designs are constructing homes and buildings that are not only pleasing to the eyes but also to the environment. They show how sustainable architecture practices have become. The buildings that I will mention in this article have been able to conserve the environment and cut down construction wastage.
Tough building regulations did not deter them to be eco-friendly and to reduce wastage of energy. Advocating sustainable energy sources has been the number one priority of all the buildings. Natural ventilation, cooling, and heating systems are the features of the buildings. The most interesting part is that these buildings are the cost incurred during construction and how easy the installation was.
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Sandbag Freedom Park, South Africa Houses
The building location is Cape Town, and MMA Architects designed them. The main reason for coming up with a sandbag home is to conserve money and so does the resources. The construction budget articulated to $ 6,000 hence its aim was achieved.
There was no transportation of materials since they were readily available in the area hence reducing the cost incurred. Labor used from its future residents. Hence they were able to cut down energy budget at the high rate. EcoBeams system was the way which this building stands. Hence replacing bricks and mortar with sand bags. Reports indicate how stable and safe the building is and also affordable.
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Vissershok School
This school place in Durbanville in South Africa and designed by Tsai Design Architects. Shipping is recovered to come up with the building impression. During the morning hours, it is used as a classroom and later in the evening used as a library.
Space enlarged with the tight budget. The large roof substantially reduces heat protects the direct sun rays to the container and the gap does allow ventilation and reduces excessive heat. Seating arrangement is stepped up to enable the day to day school activities. A wall that shields the school is of green foliage that does provide foliage and shelter while the children are playing.
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Floating School
The school locates in Makoko in the capital city of Lagos, in Nigeria. Architectures behind this creation are Kunle Adeyemi, NLE. It does accommodate 100 students will the help of 256 plastic drums which keeps it floating on water. The cost of construction and labor was highly cut down.
The reason behind this is the materials begins locally from wood. Its work came from the people in the locality. Solar energy provides the electricity hence reducing power bill. Toilets operate with the help of harvested rainwater. Hence there will be no environmental pollution. The cost of the building was $ 6,250 hence the budget well work.
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Econo Homes
They locate in Franschhoek in South Africa and designed by an architect by the name Pietro Russo. Sustainable designs used to build these homes hence giving the inhabitants better-living conditions. Materials used are of low maintenance to reduce reconstruction.
An off-site factory is the precise location of the homes, so the wastes in construction were highly cut and establish on the site. The clients wish the builders command since they place into any desired shape. Sleeping spaces, living room, and play area are a variety of space which these square modular units can create after arrangement.
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Africa Centre
Its exact location is in northern KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa and facing a south slope. It’s group around by four resource pods in a cruciform space. Natural ventilation help by a 15m water tower thermal stack.
Open plan offices are in each pod and organize around the courtyard to ensure exposure to natural light. Locally available materials apply to shade and support the central tower. The sewerage creates the site, and gray water irrigates the gardens through a loop system.
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El Mandara, Eco Resort
The location is in Fayoum, Egypt, and the designer is unknown. Popularly known for attracting tourists only they reduced substantially and identifies the tourist attraction. The building renovates by a group of youths who saw its potential and were not willing to let it go to drain.
Materials like mud bricks and palm fronds provide shelter from the desert sun. It is beside a lake recognize as Lake Quran and does not pollute the lake.
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‘Inno-Native’ Home
This home located in Accra, Ghana and designed by Joe Osae- Ado. The guy behind this design had an aim of building a home. That is an attractive and friendly to the eco- system. Materials used to construct the house are readily available that are timber, mud, and adobe blocks. Ventilation is support by screens makes by slatted wood to replace air conditioners. The floor breeze cools the house as its raised three feet off the ground. Backup solar systems use only the electric power is not available.
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Eastgate Center, Harare Zimbabwe, | Architect: Mick Pearce & Arup Associates
The greatest part is of concrete and ventilation is in the Eastgate Center which does similar work with the African termites’ molds which do cool themselves automatically. The building’s design profoundly shows Zimbabwean masonry. Regulation happens all year long without ventilation. This saves the owners expenses to putting ventilation that in return have reduced the tenant fee by 20%.
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Woodlands Spa And Forum, Homini Hotel, Cradle Of Humankind, South Africa | Architect: Activate Architects
The woodland spa’s design in a way that they would be minimal disturbance to the wildlife environment. Reclaim bricks are increasing it, and the roof constructs for a small game can graze; indigenous plants are in the garden.d of a small game can graze; native plants are in the backyard.
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Karoo Wilderness Centre, South Africa | Architect: Field Architecture
It has no difference with the Woodlands Spa, and it does not interfere with the environment surrounding it. The location is in an easily breakable landscape. Sustainable living incorporates the appealing rain water capturing system.