The ideal scenario in architecture is clear: sustainable housing should inherently be affordable, and affordable housing should prioritize sustainability. However, the current landscape raises the question: are these two principles genuinely aligning?
The push for increased carpet area has led to thinner walls, a shortage of skilled labour coupled with the need for quick returns on investment has driven innovative yet questionable solutions. In this context, construction with all-aluminum formwork ticks all the points including economical sustainability - at least for the provider and the consumer.
But beyond these economic aspects, we must ask: are today’s affordable housing solutions genuinely sustainable?
Working Within Existing Construction Frameworks
Passive design strategies are a game changer for energy minimization and efficiency and can be implemented in existing buildings as well. This includes a well-oriented facade to minimize or absorb radiation based on the project location, reflective light colour paints for cool interiors, appropriate window-to-wall ratios, overhangs, and shading devices like blinds and shutters so that interior spaces receive enough daylight and not a fraction more. These are affordable yet effective strategy for sustainability.
For new construction, use of AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks for exteriors helps in keeping the indoor spaces more comfortable for the occupants, while also keeping the operational carbon and energy consumption in check. Similarly, prefab systems, being less material intensive and producing comparatively lesser pollution and lesser waste on the site, have proved to be a boon for the stakeholders. Additionally, steel with recycled components and low-carbon glass can be used wherever possible.
A Holistic, Region-Specific Approach
From a broader and holistic perspective, collaboration between various agencies like policymakers, government officials, and construction partners, regional needs, and settings can be recognised and acted upon. This would be driven by the involvement of multiple unique solutions that are tailored for a particular region based on climate, availability of construction materials, current soil conditions, population density, and land costs. For example, bamboo is readily available in Indian states like Assam and West Bengal, making it a common material for construction in these regions.
By borrowing, adapting, modifying and giving a touch of modernization to vernacular construction techniques, a construction manual or a guide for the entire nation can be prepared. Considering factors like mutual shading, outdoor spaces and landscaping can also help in optimizing building performance and reducing energy consumption.
To illustrate this approach, let’s consider a region with prevailing challenges related to soil conditions and land costs. A soil investigation study of the site suggests a building that is only a G+4 structure, with minimal excavation and a lighter foundation. This structure can be constructed using composite methods, with concrete for the foundation columns up to the ground floor and steel for the upper levels. The slabs can be made using assembled steel beams and T-sections with stone slabs (tukdis) sourced from the region. The building envelope could use compressed earth blocks lined with mud or Vedic plaster. The design would include buildings positioned for mutual shading, with verandahs and outdoor spaces that are shaded or exposed depending on the time of day and season. The plan would also incorporate local trees and landscaping around the buildings to provide shading for both the spaces and the structures.
The intersection of sustainability and affordability in housing is a complex challenge, but it is not insurmountable. By leveraging existing technologies and embracing holistic, region-specific strategies, architects and stakeholders can work together to create innovative housing solutions that are not only sustainable but also accessible. Achieving sustainability in the affordable housing sector can make a huge positive impact on our built environment and is a goal that we need to collectively work towards.
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