In response to these challenges, architects and urban planners have been working on and documenting interventions to provide housing solutions beyond high-rises while adapting to climate change without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. As stated by Diep, such techniques can include solar home systems, insulated roof panels, solar-reflective paint, green roofs, bamboo-based structures, rainwater harvesting systems, elevated house foundations, waste-to-energy conversion with biogas technology, rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements and tree planting.
Solar Home Systems
Unlike traditional grid connections, which are costly, decentralised energy solutions through solar home systems like micro and off-grid systems can provide cheaper, more effective solutions and reduce the overreliance on centralised grids. Another advantage of PV systems for residential use is their provision of clean energy. Furthermore, they also tend to reduce the risks of electric shocks and fires, notably because they typically have direct current, or DC, loads (as opposed to alternating currents, or AC) and require less wiring.
Low-Energy Housing Concepts
Another housing solution that prioritises energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is the passive design idea, a concept that was developed by Swedish structural engineer Bo Adamson and German physicist Wolfgang Feist in 1988. Passive houses are designed in line with certain principles such as solar orientation, high insulation, high-performance windows, air-tight enclosures, and balanced ventilation with heat recovery, all of which eliminate the need or reliance on artificial heating and cooling.
The Use of Locally Sourced Materials
Low-energy housing solutions can incorporate the use of low-impact materials such as bamboo, rammed earth, straw, recycled steel etc, which not only reduce carbon emissions but equally enhance occupant comfort and satisfaction, and equally as importantly, some of these materials can withstand natural occurring disasters, further contributing to the durability and sustainability of low-energy housing solutions.
Solar Reflective Paint
Using solar-reflective paint is another simple and cost-effective way to provide low-energy housing solutions. This method helps regulate indoor temperatures and in the reduction of energy consumption. It is noteworthy to mention the drawbacks of this technique such as the requirement for periodic application especially in areas with extreme weather conditions or high pollution, and in some cases, the paint may contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) which could pose environmental and health risks.
Community-Centric Approach and Pedestrian-Friendly Designs
Neighbourhoods like Vauban place a strong emphasis on social cohesion and community building. Communal spaces such as parks, courtyards, and gardens encourage interaction and create a sense of belonging between residents. These designs encourage interaction and collaboration, thereby creating a more resilient and supportive community.
Similarly, in The Grow Community, pedestrian-friendly pathways and bike lanes have been thoughtfully integrated into the design of the net-zero energy housing development to encourage walking and cycling to reduce the overreliance on vehicles and promote a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Advanced Waste Management Systems
Masdar City in UAE utilises innovative waste management techniques to minimise waste generation and encourage recycling. Here, the waste separation and recycling facilities are incorporated into the urban design and additionally, waste-to-energy technologies are used to convert organic waste to clean energy.
Integration of Smart Technologies
Smart technologies like IoT and sensors can aid in real-time data collection to optimise resource management—allowing residents to monitor and control energy usage in real-time to minimise and optimise energy efficiency.
Policy Frameworks
To create low-energy yet highly impactful housing solutions, sustainable housing solutions must be backed by supportive policies. Town planners need to be able to integrate these standards into city plans, to ensure that further developments spring up per sustainability design principles.
Like every other concept, urbanisation in the built environment has pros and cons. On one hand, high-rise buildings encourage efficient land use and help mitigate urban sprawl and on the other, they contribute negatively to the environment and society and are not a sustainable solution. Instead, low-energy, high-impact solutions can offer the environment and its habitats a better alternative by emphasising climate-responsive designs coupled with circular economic principles.
References:
Akande, O., Akoh, S., Francis, B., Odekina, S., Eyigege, E., & Abdusalam, M. (2021, December 13). Assessing the potentials of low impact materials for low energy housing provision in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies, 6(4), pp. 156–167. https://doi.org/10.14744/jscmt.2021.04
Diep, L. (n.d.). Climate adaptation through housing. Habitat for Humanity International.
Enwin, A. D., & Ikiriko, T. D. (2024, February 16). Resilient and regenerative sustainable urban housing solutions for Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(2), pp. 1078-1099. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.2.0544
Guralnick, M., & Stavdal, T. (2023, January 19). Remodelling 101: Everything you need to know about passive houses. Remodelista. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.remodelista.com/posts/what-is-a-passive-house/
Toledo, L., & Lollini, R. (n.d.). Adaptive housing. Eurac Research. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.eurac.edu/en/institutes-centers/institute-for-renewable-energy/projects/adaptive-housing
