#sustainable-construction

#sustainable-construction

The construction sector is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices to address environmental concerns. As awareness of these issues grows, the adoption of eco-friendly materials is becoming a priority. These materials help reduce the ecological footprint of buildings and enhance their long-term value and efficiency. By choosing sustainable options, you can play a crucial role in promoting a greener construction industry. For example, companies like North West Timber Treatments offer a variety of eco-friendly materials that support these initiatives.

The future of urban planning and architecture is promising if the world, collectively, looks beyond the concept of mere sustainability and instead embraces a nature-positive approach. As global population growth drives rapid urbanization-requiring humanity to build the equivalent of a city the size of Madrid every week for decades to come-the construction sector faces a defining challenge: how to build durable, energy-efficient, and resilient urban environments in harmony with natural ecosystems.

The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction has announced the 20 winning projects of the 2025 Holcim Foundation Awards, recognizing contributions to sustainable design and construction across five regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. This year's selection spans a broad range of scales, from a 200-square-meter semi-permanent school in a Kenyan forest to major urban regeneration initiatives in Madrid, Dhaka, and Shenzhen, reflecting the diversity and reach of sustainable architecture today.

At 753 meters above sea level, Meishajian is the third-highest peak in Shenzhen, characterized by steep trails, exposed bedrock, and fragile soils shaped by erosion. The site attracts many hikers but presents significant challenges for construction due to its altitude, terrain, and limited accessibility. The project brief called for an observation station to provide rest, shelter, and viewing space while minimizing environmental impact.

Bamboosaurus Studio designs Satimi.sook, an located on Thailand's Koh Phangan, to reinterpret the site's former coconut grove through architecture that integrates with its natural and cultural context. The project emphasizes continuity between built form and landscape, using local references to shape both structure and atmosphere. The design concept originates from the geometry and rhythm of the coconut palms that once occupied the site. Structural columns are placed in alignment with the original tree positions,

The new headquarters for Wikicampers in Bidart, France is designed as an adaptable workplace that can evolve with the company's growth and operational needs.

Martinez et al. tested three different Roman concrete recipes with varying slaked lime-to-pozzolan ratios (1:2, 1:3, and 1:4), and assessed greenhouse gas and air emissions for each production stage based on known Roman construction practices. The results surprised the scientists. Per volume of concrete, the production process for Roman concrete ended up emitting as much and, in some cases, more CO2 than modern formulations.

The property that homeowners Heather and Chris discovered was a mid-century detached house, on a steep slope overlooking the beach, damp and barely habitable.

Cement contributes to about 8% of global carbon pollution due to CO2 released during its production, prompting startups to seek low-carbon alternatives.