Marble or porcelain stoneware, natural wood or vinyl flooring: discover which substitutes bring more efficiency and sustainability to projects
Over the years, architecture continues to reaffirm its potential in combining art, science and technology to plan, design and create the most diverse spaces. By doing so, the variety of typologies increases depending on the raw materials for the products, as well as their range of options in forms and functions. But taking into account the ongoing environmental and energy efficiency challenges, coverings and material replacements in architecture they play a leading role.
And to facilitate, demystify and correctly inform on how to carry out these exchanges with total effectiveness, architects Danielle Dantas and Paula Passos, head of the studio Architecture of Dantas and Passoslist the main substitutes through the concepts of sustainability and functionality.
What to take into consideration?
Like the first time, the choice of new coverings and replacement materials will also have to consider a series of fundamental factors to respond to the specific needs of the residents and the project as a whole. “Usually motivated by style and aesthetics, warranting a renovation of the space, replacements raise questions related to improvements such as lifecycle, maintenance, durability and compatibility with other existing materials,” says Danielle Dantas.
Therefore, they list important qualities to consider:
- Purpose and function: What is the use of the space? Bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and gourmet areas have specific requirements, especially when it comes to comfort and safety.
- Maintenance and duration: Each product has its expected useful life and care requirements.
- Climate and bad weather: Consider the conditions of the place where you live, as materials may vary depending on the climatic and environmental characteristics of the regions.
- Compatibility with other materials: If the replacement is part of a renovation, it is a good idea to check whether the new materials are compatible with the existing ones in terms of structure, finish and performance. In many cases, the feeling of continuity is only achieved through similar elements.
Finally, depending on the type of material chosen, architects recommend hiring specialized professionals to evaluate the consequences in construction, since many types of substitutes require specific techniques and skills for their installation.
Which materials make construction more sustainable
Sustainability is an increasingly felt topic in the architectural field and one of the main reasons that encourage the replacement of coverings and other materials, so that environmental impacts are reduced to a minimum and waste is disposed of correctly.
“The reuse of materials, the reduction of waste production, the abandonment of the use of traditional materials such as cement and steel, the conscious consumption without waste of raw materials and new ways of saving energy are attitudes that contribute to reducing the impacts of ‘civil construction on the environment,’ adds Paula Passos.
To complete this, the architect cataloged some possible sustainable alternatives:
- Reforested wood: material widely used in architecture, it is known that much of it comes from unidentified origins. The best way is to adopt the use of certified reforestation wood for sustainable productive management or replanting of forests. Those for demolition, reused from old buildings, are also considered.
- Polystyrene and PET blocks: recycled in block format assembled using a system that requires no glue or adhesive. The use of the block is economically advantageous, as it allows a reduction in electricity consumption and the final value of the work, as well as being fire resistant and providing better thermal insulation, making the temperature of the rooms more comfortable in any season of the year. year. year.
- Bamboo: It has a lower environmental impact, grows easily, is light and resistant. It can be used on building roofs.
- Compacted earth bricks: This ancient technique has been recovered for production within new construction processes. The brick is made from a mixture of wet clay, gravel and a stabilizer.
- Containers: It is an increasingly frequent practice, in which part of the structure arrives ready, saving time for cutting the lifting. From a trend it has become an efficient construction system.
The architect partners also suggest using technology to help with the choice, as this is a field that already offers more advanced options, with smart materials, home automation systems and 3D designs so that the client can visualize the result before construction.
Ideas for replacing or changing coverings
Natural marble x Porcelain
Porcelain tile is cheaper, more resistant, stains less and has a lower rate of water absorption.
Plaster cladding x PVC cladding
In places with more humidity, PVC covering is recommended because it does not stain or swell.
Natural wood flooring x Vinyl flooring
With a wooden design and less maintenance required, the ideal is to opt for vinyl flooring.
Smart glass x ordinary glass
The smart glasses’ transparency control allows you to darken or lighten the surface. The passage of light in an area is controlled and, consequently, it is possible to exploit natural sunlight, reduce or increase room heating and, consequently, benefit from a reduction in electricity consumption.
Extras: common sink waste x dual drive waste
To reduce water waste in bathrooms and toilets, the dual flush features a mechanism that gives the user two options: a partial flush (3 litres) or a full flush (6 litres).
In short, the professionals at Dantas & Passos Arquitetura warn that any change, whether renovation or construction, will face challenges that will include initial and labor costs, construction scheduling and modifications, as well as the need to justify expenses based on blueprints long-term. long-term benefits such as energy savings and reduced maintenance costs. Therefore, residents must think carefully about their choices of substitutes to innovate without regrets.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
