Ask a Pro: How do I Incorporate Sustainable Materials in My Home?
When it comes to having a sustainable home, it is important to choose the right materials
Sustainable and sustainability are actually quite complex terms to define, particularly in terms of sustainable building practices. Aamer Taher, the Principal of Aamer Architects, believes that we need to be careful about our definitions.
“If clients set that as a brief or requirement to designers, they are more likely to challenge themselves to be more sustainable in their approach to design. The problem is the design and build companies prefer to sell new materials to boost their profit margins.
“There must be a rethink of the whole industry. Clients should be encouraged to pay more for design services if designers can help them save costs with the three Rs, since designers have to work harder to find ways to save the world through design,” says Taher.
He says that we should try to “recycle, reuse as much as possible” when we are renovating or building. He believes that designers need to educate and encourage their clients to recycle more as well as be more innovative themselves by bringing new life to existing materials.
“The carbon footprint of a material includes the production and delivery,” he says.
When it comes to the best materials to use, Taher recommends timber and other natural materials like rattan, bamboo or stone, that are either reusable or biodegradable.
“There must be a rethink of the whole industry. Clients should be encouraged to pay more for design services if designers can help them save costs with the three Rs, since designers have to work harder to find ways to save the world through design,” says Taher.
He says that we should try to “recycle, reuse as much as possible” when we are renovating or building. He believes that designers need to educate and encourage their clients to recycle more as well as be more innovative themselves by bringing new life to existing materials.
“The carbon footprint of a material includes the production and delivery,” he says.
When it comes to the best materials to use, Taher recommends timber and other natural materials like rattan, bamboo or stone, that are either reusable or biodegradable.
Less is more when it comes to materials
Choose a simple palette of materials in natural materials that are either recycled or from a sustainable source when renovating. “I recommend that less is more (sustainable),” says Taher.
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Choose a simple palette of materials in natural materials that are either recycled or from a sustainable source when renovating. “I recommend that less is more (sustainable),” says Taher.
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“Flooring could be simple cement screed, walls with non-VOC paints or without paint but with a nice textured plaster application. Same for kitchen tops or vanity counters, a simple polished concrete top can be quite appealing and trendy,” he explains.
Before choosing your renovation materials, look into where the materials come from as well as what they are made of. The carbon footprint is also an important factor as something that has to travel a great distance to Singapore would not be considered sustainable.
Before choosing your renovation materials, look into where the materials come from as well as what they are made of. The carbon footprint is also an important factor as something that has to travel a great distance to Singapore would not be considered sustainable.
Design your home the right way
Start with the design as this will support the materials you choose to build with.
Taher proposes including lots of natural light and ventilation to reduce the reliance on air conditioning. Rooms can also benefit from the air cleaning capabilities of indoor plants.
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Start with the design as this will support the materials you choose to build with.
Taher proposes including lots of natural light and ventilation to reduce the reliance on air conditioning. Rooms can also benefit from the air cleaning capabilities of indoor plants.
How house plants can improve your health
Think about how much product you are using to build or renovate your home. Don’t buy more than you need by calculating carefully. The old adage of ‘measure twice, cut once’ is true. The less waste you generate, the better.
Taher suggests turning leftover materials into furniture, built-ins or artistic projects.
Taher suggests turning leftover materials into furniture, built-ins or artistic projects.
Conduct your own research into whether a product labelled ‘sustainable’ really is. “Be careful, as the term ‘sustainability’ can be overrated and overused as a way to jack up costs. Clients need to be more mindful,” he advises.
Tell us
What are your thoughts about building or renovating in a more sustainable way? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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Tell us
What are your thoughts about building or renovating in a more sustainable way? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Sustainable Textiles That Don’t Cost the Earth
“In my opinion, in Singapore where everything is imported, the most sustainable way [to build] is to reuse, recycle, renew,” he explains. He also believes that organisations involved in building and renovating should encourage people to think about the three Rs when it comes to home renovations and design.
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