SUSTAINABILITY:
Design For Waste Reduction
Sustainability is a current consideration in all sectors and Industries in the world. Sustainability comprises design that heals the past and builds the future.
Construction has
been going on for many decades. As the population grows, there is need to
provide new spaces. Shelter is a basic need and from time in memorial, there
has been a plan by governments and individuals to provide new housing for the
growing population.
The African society and set-up had its own unique way of life. The population was generally small in comparison to what we have today. Most people lived in village set-ups where each tribe had its own individual design for the houses. There was a community set-up in every homestead where they had a lot of centralized and shared functions such as Kitchens, stores, animal pens etc.
Homestead
design
Each village
comprised of a series of homesteads. Homesteads were created by individual families.
The general set-up was culturally influenced by how each family was set-up. The
number of structures, size, shape, geographic location and function determined the
layout. In a Kikuyu traditional home for example, structures where human beings
dwelled were round and were made of mud with grass thatch. The idea of round structures
was because the people then did not have any measuring tools to be able to measure
and create other shapes. They did not have joinery knowledge and since they did
not have equipment either, they build something that could be done with their
bare hands. A round structure also ensured security because one could see all round.
Mud was the most common material used because they could get soil everywhere and
only mix with the amount of water that particular soil needed. Smoothening was
done with dung because every homestead reared cows, goats or sheep. The sizes
of the houses depended on the number of people that would use it. The man’s hut
for example was much smaller because he only used it by himself. The wives’ huts
were bigger because it was intended that they inhabit it together with the
children. The planning and implementation of this construction process was sustainable.
Development of materials
Along the way, mud
was viewed as a material that is not long lasting. Often, it required
maintenance or rebuilding. This then inspired the search for other materials
that were much more long lasting. Masonry stone for example is one material
that became widely used and is still in use till date. The idea of mining stone
was good because it naturally occurred on earth. Different types of stones are
mined in different regions and are treated differently when it comes to their
use in construction. This material has proven to be good for use.
Sustainable construction
materials
Sustainable building
materials are also termed as Green building materials. They are materials that are
environmentally friendly in which their production, use and maintenance has a
low environmental impact. They are durable, re-usable or recyclable and locally
sourced. These materials are natural and are not affected by cold, heat or
humidity.
Construction Waste
Construction is
one of the industries that has the highest waste materials. At construction,
buildings consume 20-50% of the physical resources according to their environment.
23% of the national waste stream is estimated to be construction and demolition
waste. About 30% of materials delivered to site end up as waste. 94% of
construction waste comes from demolition. Construction waste encompasses
healthy and unhealthy waste such as Asbestos, Lead, PVC etc.
Waste reduction in the Interior Design process
Refurbishments are
one of the major engagements Interior designers take up. Refurbishments entail
complete stripping down of a building with the intention to create a new space.
Conversions are currently major projects as the economy and usability of spaces
keeps changing. Urban centres are expanding forcing previous residential areas
to be made commercial. Free standing houses are being converted to Hospitals,
Offices, schools etc. The construction design process has been simplified and
broken down to segments that can help interior designers become more intentional
to waste reduction.
During the survey period, the Interior designer needs to review the condition of the existing space and access whether demolition is necessary. The space plan needs to be done with the intention to use the existing layout as is with few modifications if required. Assessment of doors and windows should be done to see whether it is necessary to provide new or existing can be refurbished and reused. Materials such as Vinyl, Laminates and Carpets can be used in offices as they do not require demolition of the existing floor in order to be installed. Existing Plumbing and Electrical routes and systems should be maintained for only new LED or water saving fixtures to be installed.
Learning points.
- Ø Waste can be reduced if we adopt proper waste reduction methodologies during the design process
- Ø Most construction materials can be re-used
- Ø Reuse and recycling should be the main agenda in demolition projects
- Ø Bad waste is only the poisonous one. The rest is good waste and can be made use of.
Plastic waste can be converted to useful construction materials. See how this local company has created bricks from Plastic trash.
