Circularity is a concept that operates on the premise that processes will sustain themselves by means of an ever-recurring (cyclical) route. The idea is that the waste we produce will serve as a raw material for new products. In other words, components and products that we stop using will be given a new lease of life, meaning they will retain their value. If we reuse resources and reduce the amount of waste we produce, we will not have to tap into new sources of natural resources, which will in turn reduce our carbon emissions. Designing, constructing and renovating buildings with the principles of circularity in mind is part of a much-needed global switch to sustainable, green and energy-efficient construction. Volantis will also make sure that the methods and materials used are affordable for the client.
We spend 90 per cent of our time indoors. Carbon dioxide emission levels, ventilation, acoustics, daylight, particulates, temperature, humidity: these are all aspects that affect the way we feel inside a building, and therefore our productivity and energy levels. Greening a building helps reduce all the negative factors, which will make your employees more productive.
Buildings constructed with circularity in mind may reduce your expenses. For instance, the costs incurred in the Domi Curae building were 10 per cent lower than those incurred in traditional healthcare facilities. Furthermore, it took considerably less time to erect this building: half a year, as opposed to a year for regular healthcare facilities.
Another thing that deserves a mention is how pleasant it is to live or work in a building designed with circularity principles in mind. Not only is it beneficial to one’s mental and physical health, but it looks great, too, thanks to the use of natural and living materials. Needless to say, an architect specialising in circular construction methods plays a vital role in this process.
We will start with a baseline measurement. How does the current housing concept rate in terms of circularity? We will perform a thorough analysis to determine which components are most in need of modification, as far as circularity is concerned.
We will then turn our attention to the materials to be used. We will talk to several suppliers, then draw up a circular materials recommendation, fully geared to your specific situation. We will also try to determine where other gains can be made. For instance, we will seek to determine whether a more compact design for the home might work.
Decisions on what kinds of circular materials to use will be made based on those components that will have the greatest impact. In association with our clients, we will determine whether the materials are viable from a financial point of view, and whether they will result in the intended level of quality from a technical point of view. Environmental impact and carbon dioxide emissions will be considered in every decision we make.
We will use a so-called ‘menu’ to present the various perspectives on the various housing concepts to our clients’ customers:
- Emphasis on bio-based and renewable materials
- Reuse materials wherever possible
- Good health
- Removability and potential for reuse
These perspectives will be in line with the client’s ambitions.
Contractors will be involved in the plans at the earliest stage possible. On the one hand, we will do so to explore the various options available, and on the other hand, we will do so to boost innovations that will help us achieve the intended objectives. We will use a ‘circularity menu’ to prepare our clients for market demand, now and in the future.
