scholarly journals Toward healthier, sustainable, medium density housing, through a return to natural materials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Steven Jaycock
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Natural Material ◽  
Medium Density ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Natural Materials ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Natural Building

<p>Medium density housing can be built sustainably using natural materials. These homes are healthy to live in and have minimal impact on the environment. Increasing demand, diminishing available land, climate change and unsustainable building practices all contribute to a growing housing crisis. The list of manufactured materials such as asbestos, PVC and formaldehyde, that are hazardous to us and our planet continues to grow. Many modern homes are not fit for purpose, being poorly insulated, damp mould inducing toxic buildings, recognised as a major contributor to poor health, and being detrimental in their manufacture to the environment. Until recently, natural building materials, perceived as inferior to modern manufactured products, have been considered unsuitable for modern building.  The RADIUS¹ solution cycle is developed from this research as an organised design led process. Research driven by design, then through Analysis and Discussion, Inform Design, so as to Utilise new findings to Solve the conundrum.  Historically, natural material structures last for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. Just as ancient history can show us the way with materials, perhaps recent history can suggest answers to better medium density design, the hexagon is trialed here as one possible alternative site configuration. Global interest in natural materials in developed countries is growing, the higher labour cost is no longer considered problematic, being offset by the significant material cost and environmental impact savings, health benefits and an estimated building life expectancy exceeding 200 years. New Zealand as an advocate of healthy living and conservation of nature should lead the world by example in this field in which it is currently under-represented.  A composite wall and floor of straw, clay, aggregate, sand and lime is readily available, renewable, sustainable and works synergistically to maintain correct moisture levels and inhibit mould. I present two housing developments as proof of concept that natural building materials offer new typologies and a healthy sustainabale way forward.</p>

scholarly journals Toward healthier, sustainable, medium density housing, through a return to natural materials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Steven Jaycock
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Natural Material ◽  
Medium Density ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Natural Materials ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Natural Building

<p>Medium density housing can be built sustainably using natural materials. These homes are healthy to live in and have minimal impact on the environment. Increasing demand, diminishing available land, climate change and unsustainable building practices all contribute to a growing housing crisis. The list of manufactured materials such as asbestos, PVC and formaldehyde, that are hazardous to us and our planet continues to grow. Many modern homes are not fit for purpose, being poorly insulated, damp mould inducing toxic buildings, recognised as a major contributor to poor health, and being detrimental in their manufacture to the environment. Until recently, natural building materials, perceived as inferior to modern manufactured products, have been considered unsuitable for modern building.  The RADIUS¹ solution cycle is developed from this research as an organised design led process. Research driven by design, then through Analysis and Discussion, Inform Design, so as to Utilise new findings to Solve the conundrum.  Historically, natural material structures last for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. Just as ancient history can show us the way with materials, perhaps recent history can suggest answers to better medium density design, the hexagon is trialed here as one possible alternative site configuration. Global interest in natural materials in developed countries is growing, the higher labour cost is no longer considered problematic, being offset by the significant material cost and environmental impact savings, health benefits and an estimated building life expectancy exceeding 200 years. New Zealand as an advocate of healthy living and conservation of nature should lead the world by example in this field in which it is currently under-represented.  A composite wall and floor of straw, clay, aggregate, sand and lime is readily available, renewable, sustainable and works synergistically to maintain correct moisture levels and inhibit mould. I present two housing developments as proof of concept that natural building materials offer new typologies and a healthy sustainabale way forward.</p>

How to Build Affordable but High Quality Houses for Villagers: Appropriate Design for Aini Vernacular Houses in Xishuangbanna

2012 ◽  
Vol 517 ◽  
pp. 290-302
Author(s):  
Li Zhou Tang
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Construction Costs ◽  
Natural Materials ◽  
Specific Practice ◽  
Local Construction ◽  
Natural Building ◽  
Improved Design ◽  
Floor System ◽  
Wall System

Yunnan is very rich in natural resources, and using natural materials for building is an ancient tradition in local minority. In the remote poverty national areas, we always concern about making use of appropriate technical means, following the tradition of local construction, and efficiently applying local natural building materials. In addition, we pay close attention to improving their living quality effectively by the techniques. In this article, from a specific practice casethe United Nations GEF small grants programme, we make multiple detailed comparative analysis with traditional houses at the first, next we discuss appropriate design in the new residential construction of Aini in Xishuangbanna. And then we focus on using the local natural building materials such as bamboo, wood, adobe and other materials, by which we can make the improved design on roof system, wall system and floor system, so as to reduce construction costs and technical complexity, as well as we can effectively improve the living quality of construction at the same time. A demo project was constructed to show how these natural materials were integrated into a system to form the whole building. Joint team consists of local craftsmen and engineers constructed the demo-project so that the technology can be localized.

scholarly journals On the Thermal Stresses Due to Weathering in Natural Stones

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1188
Author(s):  
William Hideki Ito ◽  
Talita Scussiato ◽  
Federico Vagnon ◽  
Anna Maria Ferrero ◽  
Maria Rita Migliazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Theory Of Elasticity ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Natural Material ◽  
Physical Weathering ◽  
Mechanism Of Degradation ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Natural Stones

Natural weathering is known as one of the key mechanisms causing degradation in building materials. Great efforts have been made to develop new materials and new processes for protecting those that already exist. Natural stones are an example of a natural material that has been extensively used for building construction since ancient times. In addition, they fit durability, aesthetic, and mechanical requirements. Thus, they still have great importance in the construction business nowadays. Though chemical interactions in natural stones, such as oxidation or hydrolyses, have been widely studied, in the last few decades, the physical weathering due to daily temperature variations has begun to be considered as a key mechanism of degradation and has been incorporated in international standards. This process is particularly important in calcitic marble slabs, where it can cause extensive damages to facades. Consequently, there are restrictive rules for the use of marble as an external coating material in many countries. In this paper, the thermal stresses induced by daily variations in temperature are calculated using geographic and meteorological information. The concept of sol-air temperature is used to estimate the temperatures of the hidden and exposed surfaces of a slab, and Fourier’s law and the theory of elasticity are used to calculate the temperature and stress distribution, respectively. The proposed methodology allows for a detailed reconstruction of the stress induced inside marble slabs using parameters commonly acquired in meteorological stations as input data. The developed methodology was validated by comparing in-situ measurements of the temperature of a building in Pescara (Central Italy). A good correlation between the theoretical and real temperatures was found; in particular, the peak tensile stresses inside the slabs were estimated at 75 kPa.

scholarly journals Natural Building Materials for Interior Fitting and Refurbishment—What about Indoor Emissions?

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Matthias Richter ◽  
Wolfgang Horn ◽  
Elevtheria Juritsch ◽  
Andrea Klinge ◽  
Leon Radeljic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Testing Time ◽  
Evaluation Scheme ◽  
Partition Walls ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Internal Partition ◽  
Multiple Materials ◽  
Natural Building

Indoor air quality can be adversely affected by emissions from building materials, consequently having a negative impact on human health and well-being. In this study, more than 30 natural building materials (earth dry boards and plasters, bio-based insulation materials, and boards made of wood, flax, reed, straw, etc.) used for interior works were investigated as to their emissions of (semi-)volatile organic compounds ((S)VOC), formaldehyde, and radon. The study focused on the emissions from complete wall build-ups as they can be used for internal partition walls and the internal insulation of external walls. Test chambers were designed, allowing the compounds to release only from the surface of the material facing indoors under testing parameters that were chosen to simulate model room conditions. The emission test results were evaluated using the AgBB evaluation scheme, a procedure for the health-related evaluation of construction products and currently applied for the approval of specific groups of building materials in Germany. Seventeen out of 19 sample build-ups tested in this study would have passed this scheme since they generally proved to be low-emitting and although the combined emissions of multiple materials were tested, 50% of the measurements could be terminated before half of the total testing time.

scholarly journals Aportes para el análisis comparativo del comportamiento higrotérmico y mecánico de los materiales de construcción con tierra

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Guadalupe Cuitiño-Rosales ◽  
Rodolfo Rotondaro ◽  
Alfredo Esteves
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Mechanical Resistance ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Earth Construction ◽  
Palabras Clave ◽  
Concrete Blocks ◽  
Vernacular Building ◽  
Natural Building ◽  
Earth Block

Resumen Se analizan las características térmicas y de resistencias mecánicas de materiales y elementos constructivos elaborados con suelos naturales estabilizados. La metodología parte de la recopilación bibliográfica de fuentes primarias, secundarias e información de ensayos propios, sobre la densidad, la conductividad térmica y las resistencias a la compresión, a la flexión y al corte correspondientes al adobe, los bloques de tierra comprimida (BTC), la tapia y la quincha, según diferentes autores. Además, se consideraron los valores establecidos por normas argentinas IRAM referidas al acondicionamiento térmico de edificios. Se elaboraron comparaciones entre sí y con algunos materiales industrializados, tales como los bloques de hormigón, los ladrillos cerámicos huecos y los ladrillos cocidos macizos. A partir de este análisis, se concluyó que la revisión bibliográfica no es suficiente para obtener una estandarización de los valores de conductividad y transmitancia térmica de los materiales y los elementos constructivos naturales. Así mismo, a partir de las comparaciones de valores se pudo observar cómo se relacionan la densidad de los materiales y la de los morteros, según las distintas técnicas, con el comportamiento térmico y las resistencias mecánicas. Palabras clave: Adobe; arquitectura sostenible; bahareque; bloque de tierra comprimida-BTC; materiales vernáculos de construcción; propiedades térmicas; quincha; resistencia mecánica; tapial   Comparative analysis of the thermal aspects and mechanical resistances for materials and elements of earth construction Abstract The thermal characteristics and mechanical resistance of some materials and constructive elements elaborated with stabilized natural soils are analyzed. The methodology took into account the bibliographic compilation of primary and secondary sources and information from own tests, on density, thermal conductivity and resistance to compression, flexion and cutting, corresponding to adobe, BTC, tapia and wattle and daub, according to different authors. In addition, it was considered the values established by Argentine standards IRAM referring to the thermal conditioning of buildings. Comparisons were made with each other and with some industrialized materials such as concrete blocks, hollow ceramic bricks, and solid fired bricks. From this analysis, it was concluded that the literature review is not enough to obtain a standardization conductivity and thermal transmittance values of natural building materials and elements. Furthermore, from the comparisons of values it was possible to observe how the density of materials and mortars, according to the different techniques, are related to thermal behavior and mechanical resistance. Keywords: Adobe; sustainable architecture; bahareque; compressed earth block (BTC); vernacular building materials; thermal properties; quincha; mechanical strength; tapial; wattle; daub   Recibido: octubre 22 / 2018  Evaluado: septiembre 10 / 2019  Aceptado: octubre 15 / 2019 Publicado en línea: noviembre de 2019                               Actualizado: noviembre de 2019

scholarly journals Bio-based construction materials for a sustainable future

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rijk Block ◽  
Barbara Kuit ◽  
Torsten Schröder ◽  
Patrick Teuffel
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Engineering ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Flax Fibres ◽  
The Past ◽  
Natural Building ◽  
Paris Climate Agreement ◽  
Primary Materials

<p>The structural engineering community has a strong responsibility to contribute to a more efficient use of natural resources. Nowadays the construction industry is by far the most resource intense industry sector, approximately 40-50% of all primary raw materials are used, which raises the question about the architects and engineer’s accountability. In this context and as a result of the Paris Climate agreement the Dutch government defined the program “Nederland Circulair in 2050”, which states the ambition to use 50% less primary materials in 2030 and to have a full circular economy in 2050.</p><p>One possible approach to achieve these ambitious goals is the application of renewable, bio-based materials in the built environment and to replace traditional, typically cement-based, materials. Already in the past natural building materials, such as timber and bamboo have been used widely, but in recent years new materials came up and provide new opportunities to be used in the construction industry. The authors explored various alternatives, such as hemp and flax fibres, mycelium and lignin-based fibres for composite materials, which will be described with various experimental and realised case studies.</p>

scholarly journals TECHNOLOGY OF CREATING AND USAGE OF PROECOLOGICAL BLOCK EMPTYSEED

space&FORM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (47) ◽  
pp. 31-44
Author(s):  
Jan Cudzik ◽  
◽  
Konstancja Olszewska ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Natural Building

Nowadays, finding natural substitutes for mass-produced materials is one of the main tasks faced by scientists and designers. There is an increasing emphasis on the theme of ecology and the need for sustainability. Variants and methods are sought which will create environmentally friendly materials in a fast, relatively inexpensive and ecological way. The aim of this paper is to present different proposals of natural building materials and to demonstrate the research process in the search for an environmentally friendly facade material, analyzing it in terms of strength, durability and aesthetics. One of the reasons for this is the steadily deteriorating environmental conditions. Thus, architects strive to improve environmental safety.

scholarly journals Методы определения характеристик звукопоглощения строительных материалов и звукоизоляции конструкций (обзор)

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Sound Absorption ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Reduction Factor ◽  
Sound Insulation ◽  
Reverberation Chamber ◽  
Normative Documents ◽  
Urban Conditions ◽  
First Time

Исследование акустических характеристик строительных материалов и конструкций необходимо для комфортной жизни людей в городских условиях. Несмотря на то что в нормативных документах развитых государств есть ряд методов их определения, единого понимания самих характеристик и путей их адекватного определения до сих пор нет. В настоящей работе мы попытались систематизировать и дать критический обзор нормативных документов, содержащих методы определения звукопоглощающих свойств материалов и звукоизоляционных характеристик конструкций. Впервые выявлены присущие разным методам закономерности определения характеристик звукопоглощения и звукоизоляции. Определены наиболее характерные показатели звукопоглощения. Произведено ранжирование по коэффициенту уменьшения шума NRC наиболее часто применяемых строительных материалов. Названы области применения рассматриваемых методик, проанализированы их преимущества и ограничения. Ключевые слова: коэффициент уменьшения шума, звукопоглотитель, импедансная труба, реверберационная камера The study of the acoustic characteristics of building materials and structures is necessary for provision of comfortable life of people in urban conditions. Despite the fact that in the normative documents of developed countries there are a number of methods for their determination, there is still no common understanding of the characteristics themselves and the ways of their adequate determination. In this work we tried to systematize and give a critical review of regulatory documents containing the methods for determining the sound-absorbing properties of materials and the sound-insulating characteristics of structures. For the first time the regularities in determination the characteristics of sound absorption and sound insulation inherent in different methods have been revealed. The most characteristic indicators of sound absorption have been determined. The ranking of the most commonly used building materials was made according to the noise reduction factor (NRC). The areas of application of the considered methods are presented, their advantages and limitations are analyzed. Keywords: noise reduction factor, sound absorber, impedance tube, reverberation chamber

scholarly journals X-ray diffraction study on new organic- natural building materials

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 372-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raluca Fernea ◽  
Iacob Florea ◽  
Daniela Lucia Manea ◽  
Petru Pășcuță ◽  
Daniela Roxana Tămaș-Gavrea
Keyword(s):  
Diffraction Study ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Natural Building

Environmental and Social Issues in Jordanian Low-Income Housing Design

2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 111-120
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abu Al Haija
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Housing Design ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Residential Quarters ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Low Income Housing

The relationship between people, environmental circumstances and the cost of projects in Jordan are focal points of this study, where the problem of low-income housing needs is still increasing, having tripled in the last two decades. The shortage of public housing production and the cost of lands and building materials, mainly controlled by private sector investors, are substantial reasons for the housing crisis in a country of poor economic recourses and high percentage of poverty. The Jordanian government decided to aid the poorest class of the population, offering free of charge shelters organized in small residential quarters, which became a prototype diffused throughout all the Jordanian regions. This paper analyzes one of these typical quarters, collecting data through face-to-face interviews with the households using a structured questionnaire. The study focuses on the physical components of the quarter, looking at open spaces, paths, streets, volumes, materials, colors in relation with the environmental context. It also investigates the households' requirements, relationships and preferences. The study discusses also the housing problems at the macro scale level in order to concretely evaluate the shelters' cost, setting some guidelines with respect to the cultural and environmental local conditions.

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