[ad_1]
Global architecture, planning and design firm CRTKL says more energy can be saved by using Universal Buildings in the Middle East.
In its latest findings on the use of universal buildings and their potential positive impact on improving the sustainability and efficiency of communities, towns and cities, CRTKL said such buildings can improve resilience, drive sustainability and strengthen communities.
Universal buildings, also known as regenerative buildings, are hybrid, adaptive structures that can transition between residences, workplaces, hotels, and senior living. They have common building systems and arrangements to meet changing needs.
Unique flexibility
Universal Buildings enables designers and architects to rethink the concept of central core office buildings, from floor slabs, MEPs and columns to technical, podium and parking structures. These types of buildings offer some of the most resilient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions. They provide a unique flexible platform to adapt program usage to changing market needs and demands.
Universal buildings can have a positive impact on driving greater sustainability. Building reuse almost always has a lower environmental impact than new construction when comparing buildings of similar size and function. Environmental savings from building reuse vary widely depending on building type, location, and level of energy efficiency. Compared to buildings with the same level of energy performance, reuse provides savings of 4% to 46% over new construction.
Obada Adra, Vice-Chancellor of CRTKL, commented: “From a grid of columns to carefully considered floor heights, the Universal Building can easily transform between residential, office and social spaces. In the Middle East, as countries strive to achieve net zero emissions, the availability of buildings is increasing. Sustainability and improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions have a clear direction.”
Implied emissions
There are several building components that affect carbon emissions; two of the most important are implied emissions and operational emissions. Most of the hidden carbon is in the structure behind the shell. The existing structure can be retained and the shell updated, reducing operational carbon by improving shell performance.
Implied emissions in buildings, mainly in the envelope and structure, account for a significant portion of emissions. In general purpose buildings, these emissions are left in the structure because no new emissions are created to build new buildings.
Sustainability is at the heart of CRTKL’s strategy, which has been carbon neutral since 2020, with a commitment to making all projects climate-friendly by 2030 and expanding to climate-friendly materials by 2040.
Reuse the parking lot
Potential benefits of Universal Buildings include the ability to transform car parks into co-working spaces, urban marketplaces, e-commerce support centers, fitness centers and retail areas. In high-density cities, car parks are often located on valuable land that can generate a greater return on investment if redeveloped to meet changing project needs.
Surface parking spaces can be converted into shopping areas, and mid-level parking spaces can be converted into office, residential or hotel space. Parking structures can be reconfigured to include parks and green spaces to promote community health. — arab trade news agency
[ad_2]
Source link