Sustainability. We often see this word in advertisements, in the news, and in the statements of big companies, and it has quickly become a part of our lives, mostly in the last decade. So what does sustainability mean for us in terms of the ecosystem we live in, our homes, and the world of design? The role of architecture in sustainability has become more important in this period of high and rapid construction. Although architects have many skills and a space that can integrate sustainability into our lives, architecture is not an inherently sustainable field. Nevertheless, being aware of this situation, it is in our hands to improve the current dynamic and make more permanent and sustainable decisions in the long term.
Let’s explore why local materials are important for the field of architecture and why not only designers but also companies and users should embrace the use of local materials. One of the keystones of sustainability in architecture is the use of local materials. Materials that are brought from distant places and cannot create a sense of belonging are not only unfavorable in terms of sustainability but also not preferable in terms of design. It may be a better option for designers to prioritize local materials in terms of economy, logistics, harmony with the environment, and aesthetics. For this reason, it is very important for the designer to know the site, its culture, and its environmental characteristics, and finally to be able to transfer this awareness to the design.
First of all, what exactly do we mean by local materials, and why is it important to integrate the use of these materials into design and our lives? Local materials are materials that are located at a reasonable distance from the construction site and can be frequently encountered where they are located. The main reasons for preferring them close to the construction site are that they are economical and minimize the carbon footprint that may arise from transportation. These materials can be resilient and useful natural materials such as local stones, wood, earth, bamboo, or recycled materials from nearby construction and buildings. By choosing materials close to the construction site, architects can save energy that would otherwise be used to import materials.
In short, one of the biggest sustainability benefits of using local materials is that they reduce the environmental impact of transportation. The transportation of these materials over long distances by ship or truck can cause carbon emissions at much higher rates than we expect. For this reason, choosing local materials can help architects significantly reduce these emissions and design a greener and more sustainable building. Beyond the architectural aspect of this work, sourcing materials locally supports the development and economy of the region, raises public awareness, and reduces the preference for and dependence on large supply chains on a global scale.
Have you ever heard of the “Earthship” concept initiated by architect Michael Reynolds? In his words, earthships are off-grid homes designed from recycled materials and locally available resources. Examples of these materials include earth packed in tires, glass bottles, and recycled salvaged wood. Through the use of such materials, the architect aims to create local and sustainable homes. These houses minimize their harmful impact on the environment while providing comfortable, self-sufficient living spaces for their occupants. In short, with this initiative, Reynolds has not only considered sustainability in the design process but also the use and permanence of his design. Offering innovative design by supporting the use of local materials, Earthships show us how sustainable architecture can be in harmony with nature and that designers are the ones who make a difference in terms of sustainability.
In addition, local materials have properties that increase the sustainability of a building in general. For example, earth-based materials such as adobe or rammed earth have very high thermal mass. Therefore, the use of such materials as a passive design strategy naturally regulates the internal temperature inside the building, reducing the need for mechanically generated heating or cooling systems. Although the need for such mechanical systems is essential in large complexes, in more localized and compact designs, the use of local materials can reduce the need for such systems to zero, resulting in a more efficient use of energy.
While the use of these materials can be very useful for the reasons mentioned, there may be some reservations and concerns from the designer’s point of view. One of the most common questions is undoubtedly: Is the use of local materials restrictive in terms of design?
Although there is a concern about restrictiveness or uniformity in design, on the contrary, the use of local materials encourages architects to be creative and innovative. Discovering the unique properties of local materials and integrating these discoveries into the design are reasons that can carry each architect to different points in terms of design. In addition, through this approach of architects to place and materials, the designer, the user, and even the design itself establish a deeper connection with its surroundings, which leads to the creation of useful and quality buildings that reflect the environmental and cultural context of architecture.
In conclusion, the use of local materials in architecture is not just a passing trend but one of the main principles of sustainable design. We have discussed many small and large-scale impacts of the use of local materials. The preference for and widespread use of these materials reduces carbon emissions, supports local economies, and encourages the development of local people. It also reduces the use of supply chains that cause great environmental damage on a global scale. Although its environmental impacts are quite high, The use of local materials, which also challenges the designer and helps them find more sustainable and better solutions, paves the way for more qualified designs in the long term as long as it becomes widespread in this sector, while at the same time promising a sustainable, green world. Of course, while designers and users are aware of these factors, they should also be aware that the sector itself is not sustainable. This sector, which is based on demolishing and building new ones, can lead to a more sustainable approach on a large scale with some methods, such as re-evaluating and developing old buildings instead of demolishing or reusing them for different purposes.
REFERENCES:
Rammed earth walls (2020) Rammed Earth Enterprises. Available at: https://www.rammedearthenterprises.com.au/
Learn (2023) Earthship Biotecture. Available at: https://earthship.com/learn/
