The rise of sustainable architecture in luxury real estate


Amid the Covid pandemic, luxury housing has become synonymous to healthy and aspirational living. The demand for luxury housing has not only witnessed growth in top tier cities but there is a growing demand in tier 2 and 3 cities too. A luxurious home captures the best of oneself and aims to further exemplify it. Eco-friendliness and sustainability are the new core ideas that are being incorporated into luxury housing. People today, not only believe in living an aspirational life but it is added with environmental consciousness. This is primarily due to the growing realization of our responsibility towards the planet. Thus, there has been a changing consumer behavior towards sustainable living and lifestyle.

Below are five parameters wherein, sustainable architecture is being integrated into luxury.

Healthier lifestyle

Having a healthier lifestyle, being close to nature, and contributing toward sustainable goals have become a trend amid the pandemic. Thus, consumers today look at factors like natural ventilation, solar power and water harvesting, while buying a house. Accordingly, sustainable architecture aims to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality and reduce noise levels.

Pandemic also brought the growing realization that we need to be more responsible towards our planet which means that ‘Sustainability’ is now becoming a necessity rather than an industry terminology.

Construction material

Real estate developers are laying huge emphasis on construction materials, as this forms the foundation for any residence. To reduce the impact on the environment, construction materials for green buildings are obtained from renewable sources and greater emphasis is put on local material in order to reduce the embedded energy cost of transportation. Similarly, construction materials recycled from earlier construction sites reduces the footprint on the environment. The aim for sustainable construction is to reduce embodied energy consumption, reduce waste generation and increase recycled content.

Energy efficiency

Energy management has become another significant parameter for sustainable architecture. Solar energy, and sensor lights are used extensively to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Architects are working towards passive solar designs, reducing the cooling or heating requirements, and increasing the natural air and light flow in the building. The incorporation of energy efficient lighting and appliances are drastically reducing energy requirements, in addition to the installation of new design solar energy technologies. It can actually make a house energy neutral if not energy surplus.

Water efficiency

Luxury homes are also using water in a sustainable and recycled manner. There is the inclusion of rainwater harvesting; water from showers, bath, basins, water purifiers and washing machines which forms almost 75% of freshwater utilization in a household is recycled, especially in high end constructions. The water with minimum effort can be reused for gardens and vehicle washes. Use of new design showerheads for lower water consumption, self-closing taps, and low-flush toilets are all included to better manage water use. A combination of these systems is increasingly installed to reduce water consumption by over 50%.

Habitat efficiency

There are greater efforts to use recycled material like recycled glass tile, recycled steel, reclaimed wood, bamboo and natural stone increases the appeal of the luxurious houses while co-opting sustainability. Wall gardens, terrace gardens and green pathways are increasingly included to increase the green cover and appeal of the property.

Luxurious homes ensure that opulence, functionality, and eco-friendliness reside together. These steps provide the house owners with the ability to contribute to the environment and local community while rejoicing in the beauty of the architecture of their house. The aspect of sustainability is beneficial both to the owner and the environment which makes this trend a very positive one indeed.

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Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author’s own.



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