How to live sustainably today?
Accelerated technological evolution, new ways of inhabiting the home and constant innovations in design, as well as the use of recycled materials processed with 3D printers or experimentation with innovative biomaterials such as chestnut, mycelium and orange, are redefining the concept of sustainability in the domestic environment. These projects, which are already transforming the today’s homes, will also shape the future of sustainable living spaces.
New Habits of Sustainable Living
The evolution of sustainable housing focuses on minimising its environmental impact to the greatest extent possible. It is based on reducing the environmental impact at every stage of the home’s life cycle. Promoting awareness and education is essential to optimise the use of resources and materials, from construction to daily consumption and recycling by those living in the space. This implies following the maxim of rehabilitating existing buildings, the implementation of portable industrialised construction improves the environmental balance, together with the use of new sustainable or recycled materials and has a direct impact on reducing the impact on the environment.
- Orientation: Orientation is key to being sustainable and making the most of the natural conditions of the environment, such as natural light or water, taking into account climatic conditions such as wind, rain and temperature, to implement specific strategies that make efficient use of each available resource.
- Materials: The use of environmentally friendly or recycled raw materials is key. Special attention should be given to potential energy losses through elements like windows and doors. New technologies and materials help with thermal insulation.
- Energy: Optimising energy consumption and promoting green energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels or solar power, is essential. But there are other systems such as aerothermal or biomass. Installation of energy-labelled appliances, low-consumption lighting (LED lights).
- Intelligence: Home automation technology is becoming simpler and more accessible, enabling smarter management and automation of energy consumption, lighting, security, and other household elements.
- Efficiency: The aim is to provide safety, well-being, and comfort, creating what is known as a “friendly home.” This includes high-efficiency constructions, optimised insulation and enclosures, and maximising the use of natural light within the home. The result is enveloping and comfortable environments that enhance physical and mental balance.
During the First Progressive Congress on Sustainability ArquitecturAS, curated by ROOM 2030 and held as part of the Sustainable Home Exhibition in Avilés, new approaches to sustainable living were unveiled. Highlights included proposals from Nagami, Equip Avilés, Miguel Reguero, Trigo Studio, Mush, Estudio Sara Castellanos, Arbio Naturel, Mamen Diego, Vesica Domes, and others.
Manifesto for a Sustainable Future
The conclusions of the ArquitecturAS Congress were set out in the Manifesto for a sustainable future, which reflects the main contributions of five prominent speakers, benchmarks in design, architecture and dissemination, Mass Lab, Room 2030, Ruiz Larrea, Nagami and Marisa Santamaría, who shared their vision for the coming years of evolution in this field.
- Individual and Collective Responsibility: The manifest urges society, from institutions to consumers, to take an active role in seeking sustainable solutions and to demand transparency in construction processes.
- Sustainable Industrialisation: it is proposed to promote industrialised construction, with circulatory systems that minimise waste and optimise the use of resources.
- Constant Innovation: The manifesto emphasises the importance of research and the development of new materials and technologies that reduce environmental impact and improve quality of life.
- Renovation and Reuse: The manifesto highlights the need to revitalise built heritage and promote the reuse of materials to reduce the demand for natural resources.
- Education and Outreach: The manifesto particularly emphasises the importance of educating society about the benefits of sustainability and fostering a culture of responsible construction and spaces.
Sustainable Social Housing in the María Vitorina Neighbourhood, Porto, Portugal. Architecture and Design by MASSLAB