Modern architecture has been developing construction methods that have an energy label, this shows how the architect or the architects of the project are aware of the environment and natural conservation. In addition, they not only contribute but also help create new buildings that save energy.
Modern architecture, technology and new construction techniques, seek efficiency and profitability.
What was the architecture like in the past and how is it now?
If we think of the traditional architecture, the internal thermal regulation mechanisms were incorporated into the same structure. By then, the topography, construction, morphology, layout and the use of the internal spaces were taken into account in the function thermal regulation. Besides, as far as the current days are concerned, the lack of fossil fuels and the increasing degradation of the environment, have increased interest in the use of ecological materials, processes and energy sources. This also has caused to think more about the Environment when making modern constructions.
This meant that there was a change in the bioclimatic architecture, and that when a building was to be designed since its inception, an energy exchange between the interior and exterior, natural and climatic environment could be carried out.
In this way, the building would be like a dynamic structure that depends on climatic factors such as: solar radiation for winter, sea breezes for summer, etc … and in turn to avoid the most unfavorable climatic effects. In this approach, the mechanical systems are integrally interconnected with the architecture and must be taken into account as fundamental building elements.
Reducing energy consumption is the big challenge
According to the German physicist and astronomer, Wolfgang Feist, he says that we can live comfortably with only 10% of the energy we consume in the house.
Consecuently, for three decades now, the professor at the University of Innsbruck Wolfgang Feist (1954) convinced his family to move to a passive house. This professional began studying during the seventies the ways of construction that gave the possibility of saving energy by insulating buildings.
Today he is, together with the Swedish engineer Bo Adamson, one of the main world references in this type of efficient housing. He is head of the Passive Housing Institute in Darmstadt (Germany), an organization that drives the development of the concept of these houses. If this type of housing became normal, the map of energy consumption would be changed.