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Materials and sustainability - Research

For my project I plan to use sustainable materials which are easy to find locally in order to promote sustainability 


OAK WOOD 

Oak wood is a type of hard wood known because it is hard, durable, heavy and dense with very close grain and, due to their high tannin content, they are very resistant to insect and fungal infestations. It is often used for furniture joinery, flooring, panelling, decking and veneers ( libéron n.d). Oak wood has various advantages when using it . It will add warmth and tradition to the Multi-faith Centre, showing the cultural aesthetics and providing a familiar and inviting atmosphere. In many Zambian cultures, wood symbolises strength, growth, and a connection to nature, making oak wood a fitting choice that aligns with these values. Despite its association with cooler climates, oak wood can be treated for durability and used in controlled indoor environments due to its adaptability.


CONCRETE 


concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates (like sand and gravel) that hardens over time to create a solid, strong substance (ultratechcement, 2021). Concrete properties are workability, strength, durability, impermeability and cohesiveness. It is a suitable material for structural elements in Zambia due to the country's seismic conditions, which require stability and safety. Additionally, its resistance to pests and decay makes it a low-maintenance option for long-term use.


CONCRETE BRICKS 



As per the definition given by ‘David Blockley’(Author of New Dictionary of Civil Engineering), a Concrete Block is a ‘Building Block’ made entirely of concrete, which is then bonded together with mortar to form an imposing long-lasting structure ( Desai, 2020) 

Concrete bricks is an ideal material for the construction of the multi faith centre because Concrete blocks are the most popular masonry units used in Zambia( Sahar, 2021) and is suitable for Zambia’s tropical climate because it can resist to both heat and humidity. Concrete's thermal mass can help with passive cooling, which makes it a good choice for keeping indoor temperatures comfortable. Using locally sourced concrete bricks can be eco-friendly and support the local economy while reducing carbon footprint.


 ALUMINIUM 


I chose aluminium as a material because of its anti corrosive property which makes it suitable for Zambia’s varied climatic conditions. It also contributes to energy efficiency as aluminium frame can incorporate thermal break which improves energy efficiency. A thermal break is simply a piece of material positioned within an aluminuim window frame to minimise heat loss. It separates the aluminium frame into two separate interior and exterior sections, combined with less conductive materials such as polyamide or polyurethane (Sunny, 2020)


LAMINATED GLASS


 


Laminated glass is a suitable material as it is a good material for security. It is difficult to break due to its double layers and this property is particularly important in areas prone to seismic activity such as Zambia. It reduces heating from the sun allowing building interiors to stay cool which reduces energy consumption which aligns with Kitwe’s sunny climate. If thick enough, laminated glass can reduce noise coming from the exterior (www.npsa.gov.uk, 2020). Since the centre is in the city centre, there might be noise pollution and laminated glass can contributes to comfort with its noise reduction property, creating a serene space for contemplation. 


Image Reference


Hardwoodgroup (2024) Oak wood, Available at: https://hardwoodsgroup.com/properties-of-oak-wood/

Accessed: 3/03/2024


Forbes (2024) Concrete slab, Available at: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/foundation/concrete-slab-cost/ Accessed: 03/03/2024


Engeneersblog (2024) What is concrete bricks, Available at: https://engineersblog.net/what-is-concrete-bricks/ Accessed: 03/03/2024


Deangroup (2019) Aluminium, Available at: https://www.deangroup-int.co.uk/aluminium-a-sustainable-and-efficient-metal/ Accessed: 03/03/2024


Ais (2019) Everything to know about laminated glass, Available at: https://www.aisglass.com/laminated-glass-all-you-need-to-know/ Accessed: 03/03/2024


Reference


Liberon. (n.d.). Oak (Types of Wood) | Liberon wood cares and products. [online] Available at: https://liberon.co.uk/help-advice/types-of-wood/oak/ [Accessed 3 Mar. 2024].

www.ultratechcement.com. (2021). What is Concrete? Types, Composition & Properties | UltraTech. [online] Available at: https://www.ultratechcement.com/for-homebuilders/home-building-explained-single/descriptive-articles/what-is-concrete-types-composition-properties-and-uses.

Desai, J. (2020). Concrete Block as a Building Material: Uses | Types | Pros & Cons! [online] GharPedia. Available at: https://gharpedia.com/blog/concrete-block-types-pros-and-cons/ [Accessed 3 Mar. 2024].

Sahar (2021). Paving Block Machine and Concrete Block Machine in Zambia. [online] vessmachine.com. Available at: https://vessmachine.com/blog/228-paving-block-machine-and-concrete-block-machine-in-zambia.html [Accessed 3 Mar. 2024].

Sunny (2020). Chigwell Group’s Heartfelt Ukraine Donation. [online] Chigwell Window Centre. Available at: https://www.chigwellwindowcentre.co.uk/news/thermal-break-why-do-aluminium-windows-have-them [Accessed 3 Mar. 2024].

www.npsa.gov.uk. (2020). Laminated Glass | NPSA. [online] Available at: https://www.npsa.gov.uk/laminated-glass [Accessed 3 Mar. 2024].












Comments

  1. Sam Dargan5 March 2024 at 08:51

    An alternative to concrete bricks is Ferrock as this is carbon negative - I suggest you look at this instead of concrete - you can add it to this post.

    ReplyDelete

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