Sustainable architecture

Sustainable architecture is the talk of the town and with depleting natural resources it becomes imperative that we design buildings that are sustainable. But what does it mean to design infrastructure that is sustainable? One that is durable and lasts long or one that is green and eco-friendly? Or is it both? Let’s find out from Architect Amit Khanna.

How far has building simulation(if used) helped you in optimizing your building design ?? If you can cite examples of one such project..

Amit Khanna

Building stimulation helps in anticipating how light and shadow move through the spaces during the year. This is incredibly helpful towards designing window openings, sun shades, sill levels and sometimes even the whole volume of the building. We are currently building a school in a rural area where the air flow through the corridors turned out to be the single most factor while designing the facade of the building.

What are the most important passive architecture features that can bring a high impact on energy consumption of a building ?

Amit Khanna

That depends a lot on the local climate of where the building is being made. In a hot climate, the intent would be reduce the energy required to cool the building and vice versa for a cooler climate. In general, a building that complements the year long requirements of shelter while providing comfort would perform better in terms of energy consumption.

What are most important passive architecture features that can bring high impact on energy consumption of a building ??

Amit Khanna

That depends a lot on the local climate of where the building is being made. In a hot climate, the intent would be reduce the energy required to cool the building and vice versa for a cooler climate. In general, a building that complements the year long requirements of shelter while providing comfort would perform better in terms of energy consumption.

Is sustainable architecture mainly about the choice of materials? what role do materials play in setting up a sustainable home?

Amit Khanna

The choice of materials is an extremely important part of being sustainable. How is the material manufactured & transported, how is it used, how long it lasts and how safely can it be recycled or repurposed - all these aspects must be considered.