As far back as 2012, the UAE was already showing itself to be a pioneer in green building with the unveiling of the green Al Ghareba complex – a product of a collaboration between Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning council and the developer Sorouh. The building boasted features such as a natural ventilation capacity that was 25% higher than that in the average home, thermostat control of each space to reduce energy consumption, and increased natural daylight through optimal planning. Almost 10 years have passed, and the passion for green construction has only continued. These are just a few trends to watch out for.
Natural Temperature Control
Homeowners are demanding increasingly sustainable means of cooling and heating their homes. One example is the installation of cool roofs, made with an ultra-reflective material that repels sunlight so as to keep home interiors naturally cool. Another is the use of ‘cool flooring’ material such as natural stone floors (which have the added benefit of being non-porous), ceramic tiles with wood effects, and outdoor concrete pavers for terraces and pools (since these pavers hold in less heat than brick). In other parts of the world, such as the U.S., these materials are also causing a sensation, with Austin Custom Home Builders, Mangum (who specialize in green building practices) noting that cooler flooring in materials like ceramic are now able to imitate the look of other natural materials (be it wood, stone or clay) to perfection, while providing ease of cleaning and sturdiness.
Green Construction Materials
Constructors in the UAE are also turning to greener building materials such as recycled or reclaimed wood, bamboo, straw bale and cordwood to create everything from flooring to design accents. Some of these materials were used in ancient times – including straw bale, which is used to create walls inside a frame, replacing other materials such as concrete or fiberglass. When sealed, straw bales provide high levels of insulation for very hot or cold climates, making them ideal for the UAE. Straw is very quickly renewable, which is one reason that it has come back into fashion. Another material is rammed earth, made by tamping dirt down in wooden forms. Modern rammed earth homes can be reinforced with rebar or bamboo. Lastly there is ferrock – a novel material made from recycling steel dust left behind by the steel industry. This material actually traps CO2 as it dries and hardens, making it a useful ally for the Earth.
Non-Toxic Building Materials
Another trend worth noting is the use of non-toxic building materials. This is seen in the construction of formaldehyde-free kitchens, in-built wardrobes and constructions in other areas of the home, and it demonstrates an effort to improve indoor air quality. Building materials that are free of composite wood and adhesives (which are commonly used during floor installation) can do plenty to ensure that home dwellers breathe in clean, pure air.
The UAE has shown its leadership in terms of sustainable construction. For over 10 years, it has built a plethora of green homes that reveal a sincere commitment to reducing the human carbon footprint. Among the many trends that are making construction greener, the use of healthful and sustainable materials and the search for natural cooling materials are three that will undoubtedly hold sway over the next few years.