MaterialsThere are many sustainable choices to be made when considering construction materials. Using locally sourced materials decreases the need for transportation, which decreases emissions during construction. Choosing environmentally friendly materials, especially those that have been recycled, that will last a long time should also be a priority. In addition, architects need to consider off-gassing, which is a process by which some materials deteriorate and emit chemical gases into the air. This contributes to air pollution and can be a health hazard, so it’s important to understand how materials will change over time. At the Capewell Lofts, new materials were chosen based on how likely they were to undergo off-gassing. Old materials that had been exposed to chemical spills in the past were tested to determine off-gassing rates, and then sealed to minimize potential damage.
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LightingFrom a sustainable architecture standpoint, lighting is an important area to consider. Understanding where residents will need the best lighting and designing a building to take advantage of natural lighting, while minimizing glare, takes a lot of thought, but pays off in reduced energy usage. The Lofts already had large window openings, which were incorporated into the updated design. Another great example of lighting is in the third floor corridor, which is open to the clearstory and allows indirect natural lighting.
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StorageApartments have limited space, so residents may be discouraged from having bicycles or running strollers simply because there isn’t room to keep them. Designing storage spaces, like the ones found at the Lofts, allows residents a secure area to keep modes of transportation that help them avoid relying on cars and buses.
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