3. build better! by smart use of materials
As mentioned in design principe II, going for timber construction products is a sustainable choice. However building entirely with timber is in some cases structurally not the optimum solution and financially not always feasible. So we always give advise about smart combinations of materials. The construction material pyramid is contributing in choosing the right materials.
the construction material pyramid
The Construction Material Pyramid is developed by Centre for Industrialised Architecture (CINARK) van de Royal Danish Academy. And it is designed for architects, contractors, building clients and others with the aim to discuss and improve the CO2 impact from construction.
The digital version of the Construction Material Pyramid makes it possible to compare, for example, CO2 footprints between different types of material or types of material within the same category. It also allows viewing different types of environmental impacts across the different materials. It thus offers a tangible, interactive calculation tool and at the same time opens a dialogue about more detailed studies of the position of the materials in the pyramid and later their place in the project design. The goal is that it provides a simple way to quickly get an overview of the relative sustainability of the individual building materials.
only biobased is not enough
Although we encourage our architects to use more biomaterials, we cannot build buildings only using biomaterials, we have to use concrete and steel. In our projects you will find multiple examples of hybrid construction.
It is also important to thinking about the amount of materials, services life, transportation, local origin, reuse of waste. Also think about design details suitable for the projects and instead of using already set standards if it does not match the materials and/or the vision.
