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From Bali to the World: A Guide to Sustainable Building Practices

From bamboo structures to thatch roofing, this guide explores Bali's rich traditions, innovative practices and sustainable approach to construction can inspire and guide us toward a greener future.


Bali's Sustainable Building Materials ♻️

  • Bamboo: Considered a 'grass', bamboo grows up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per day, making it a highly-renewable resource with incredible strength and flexibility with applications for structural supports, roofing, flooring, walls, and decor.

  • Thatch Roofing: Thatch roofing utilizes natural materials like straw, reeds, or palm leaves, providing excellent insulation and a rustic aesthetic. It is highly renewable, biodegradable, and allows designers to seamlessly integrate traditional aesthetics with eco-friendly building designs.

  • Coconut Wood: Wood is created as a byproduct of aging coconut palms that no longer produce fruit. Using coconut wood reduces waste and promotes sustainability with various applications including flooring, furniture, and decorative elements, adding a unique, natural aesthetic

  • Teak Wood: Teak wood is renowned for its strength, durability, and resistance to weather and pests. When sourced sustainably, it is ideal for outdoor furniture, decking, and structural components, offering a timeless, elegant finish to any project.


Role of Materials in Health & Well-being 🌱

  • Improved Indoor Air Quality: Bamboo, teak, coconut wood, and thatch do not emit volatile organic compounds, leading to cleaner air.

  • Hypoallergenic: Bamboo and coconut wood minimize allergens, lowering asthma and allergy risks.

  • Natural Insulation: Thatch roofs provide excellent insulation, regulating indoor temperatures.

  • Chemical-Free: Teak wood is naturally pest-resistant, avoiding harmful chemical treatments.

Local Guide to Sustainable Projects in Bali 🇮🇩

(Best sustainable projects, designers, innovators and resources that should be on your bucket list 📝)

Projects/Hotels:


Designers/Architects:

  • IBUKU Studio: Specializing in bamboo architecture and sustainable design. Notable Projects: Green Village, Green School Bali, Bambu Indah.


  • Eco-Mantra: Focus on integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of design and construction including water management to energy efficiency. Notable Projects: Fivelements Retreat, Ulaman Eco Retreat.


  • Pablo Luna Studio: Designs focusing on biomimicry, environment Tri Hita Karana and sustainability elements for private luxury villas. Notable Projects: Belalu Boutique Resort, Yoga Shala Lombok, Sphere Hideout.


Innovations/Education:

  • Ecocrete.id: Upcycle coal waste materials into low carbon concrete for construction.

  • Bamboo U:  Provides education and training in bamboo construction.

  • The Kul Kul Farm: Educational farm teaching sustainable agriculture and natural building techniques.


The Kul Kul Farm (Green School)
 

A Look into the Future...

As the world recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation, designers and developers play a crucial role. They hold significant responsibility to ensure that future projects are functional and act as stewards of our planet. By drawing inspiration from the past and integrating future technologies, we can create new, more resilient, and efficient living spaces.


Key Global Trends in Construction & Design 🛠

1. Green Building Certifications:

  • Programs like LEED, BREEAM, and WELL are setting new standards for environmentally responsible and healthy buildings, encouraging the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and improved indoor air quality.

2. Smart Buildings:

  • Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technology to create intelligent buildings that optimize energy use, monitor structural health, and enhance occupant comfort through automated systems.

3. Biophilic Design:

  • Incorporating natural elements like green walls, indoor gardens, and natural light to improve occupant well-being and productivity while reducing environmental impact.

4. Modular and Prefabricated Construction:

  • Using off-site construction methods to reduce waste, speed up build times, and improve quality control. This approach also minimizes the environmental impact of construction activities.

5. Renewable Energy Integration:

  • Designing buildings to incorporate solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon footprints.

6. Circular Economy Principles:

  • Emphasizing the reuse and recycling of materials to create closed-loop systems that minimize waste and resource consumption.

7. Adaptive Reuse and Renovation:

  • Transforming existing buildings to meet modern sustainability standards, preserving cultural heritage, and reducing the environmental impact of new construction.

8. Sustainable Urban Planning:

  • Designing cities with green spaces, efficient public transportation, and walkable communities to promote sustainable lifestyles and reduce urban sprawl.

9. Advanced Materials:

  • Utilizing innovative materials such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), recycled plastics, and sustainable concrete alternatives to improve building performance and reduce environmental impact.

10. Resilient Design:

  • Creating buildings that can withstand and adapt to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and temperature fluctuations.


 

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