Sustainable architecture

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Supported by Solar Online Australia Sustainable Architecture Sustainable design or ecological design also referred to as green design, or sustainable architecture is a philosophy of designing buildings to comply with the principles of social, economic and ecological sustainability.

There are many stages to effective sustainable architectural design. Green building design involves a number of stages: Sketch Design This stage is also known as concept design.

It involves the inspection of the site to Sustainable architecture the Sustainable architecture and constraints as well as meetings for briefing purposes to establish the master planning or long term objectives for the site, detailed accommodation requirements, and discussion of design aesthetics before you get started with any type of conceptual design.

This is usually something you would do with an your building planner or architectural team. Preliminary analysis of authority regulations and requirements should also be undertaken during this stage - if necessary, you should also meet with the authorities as required to discuss your project requirements.

The next stage is normally then to prepare sketch design drawings including concept sketches, diagrams and other information to explain the proposed design solution. This stage normally includes preliminary selections of materials and finishes. At this stage you should usually be able visualise you sustainable building using a computer generated 3D model which will even include "fly-throughs" so that you can fully grasp the design proposal.

Your architect will then develop the approved sketch design into a final design solution and prepare the requisite drawings and schedules listing materials and finishes to explain the scheme. If you intend to project manage all or part of your building project, then you may be responsible in part for managing this process, a well as performing your own due diligence on building materials, suppliers and other contractors who may become involved in your project.

At this stage you will generally also start preparing the necessary documents for any planning applications that may be required by the authorities and assist you with lodging the application.

Contract Documentation This stage involves the preparation of drawings including plans, elevation and sections, together with other details and schedules to enable the project to be approved by the authorities, tendered and constructed.

During this stage you will also need to co-ordinate and integrate the work of the other consultants to ensure the success of the project. Once all documentation has been completed you will need to lodge documents for building approval and then call tenders for the works. Contract Administration This stage involves the organisation of the tender process so that you can obtain a number of competitive prices from reputable builders before choosing which builder you would like to engage for the construction of the works.

After closing the tenders you should then analyse and assess the submissions with your building planners and your architect. Once you have selected the builder you would like to engage, your planners would typically prepare a three-party contract that is approved by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Master Builders Association for signing by all parties.

This contract will generally allow a sustainable building planner to act as your representative in all negotiations concerning construction quality and monetary payments, thereby offering you a degree of protection in an area that you may not be familiar with. During construction - unless agreed otherwise - your planner will also undertake periodic site inspections, check work in progress regarding design quality control, materials selections and performance requirements as described in the contract documents.

Alongside your planner, you should also arrange to attend site meetings, administer variations to the contract if required.

For more information on sustainable building design please visit Nationwide, The Green Building Council of Australia provides a wealth of great information. The GBCA is a non-profit organisation that is committed to "developing a sustainable property industry for Australia by encouraging the adoption of green building practices".

Their site is full of great information including fact sheets and information for people who are interested in certifying a project via the Green Star Foundation Course.“sustainable architecture” Australian modular design and build firm Habitech Systems has breathed new life and improved sustainable standards.

What is Sustainable Building? (with pictures) - wiseGEEK. Sustainable architecture is architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space and the ecosystem at large.

Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built. Architecture firms who design sustainable buildings, such as SH Architecture, typically use natural and renewable resources such as concrete, harvested wood and rock as well as recycled materials like glass and lumber.

They may also reuse architectural components of other buildings, including doors, windows and flooring in the structure.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sustainable architecture and design (often called green construction and building) is the “practice of erecting buildings and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource initiativeblog.com buildings limit their environmental impact by conserving as much energy and water as possible and are constructed of recycled or renewable.

Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance.

The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and .