Environmental challenge

Although the challenges we face are global, the local environment – which always has unique features – must be considered carefully. An open-minded approach to flexible solutions that take into account local cultural and infrastructural differences creates a cleaner environment with less pollution and waste, each time reflected in the best solution for the specific context.

Environmental design

With its design an Active House focuses on the available natural resources, the use of materials, the formation of the land and vegetation in the built environment. The design takes into consideration a life cycle assessment evaluation, local building traditions and local construction materials, waste, water and infrastructure.

The building is in balance with its surroundings, and the local culture and building traditions are reflected in its architectural solution. The house is designed with focus on adapting to the distinctive features and climatic conditions of its location.

The materials used have a minimum impact on the environment and the use of reusable materials and natural resources like rain water is optimised. The design of the house focuses on minimising waste from construction, maintenance and demolishing. The design includes an evaluation of the local infrastructure.

Evaluation and key factors

Evaluation of an Active House includes a life cycle assessment of the materials, the use of local natural resources like rain water, minimisation of waste and interaction with the local infrastructure. The evaluation is done for the lifetime period of the complete building as well as the individual elements.

Key factors:

• Environmental evaluation of building materials
• Use of natural resources like rain water
• Minimisation of waste from construction, maintenance and demolishing
• Interaction with local conditions and infrastructure (e.g. transport)