Zappy
Does anybody know about resources for learning about more sustainable, less energy intensive building practices? Especially for things like outdoor steps, walkways, and patios? I've taken on a job with a landscape design company, and it has me wondering about both how other cultures do it and how we could do things differently. #permaculture #sustainablehomes #solarpunk
Jun 20, 2023 at 4:07pmWeb
Show threadMelissa BearTrix 🏳️‍⚧️Jun 20, 2023

@zappysnapps my first port would be check your local government for the rules and regulations, and see if they have any resources that are recommended... Hugz

Hugz & xXx

Show threadZumbadorJun 21, 2023
@zappysnapps
The book "The Barefoot Architect" by Johan van Lengen has a lot of good information on this https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/462546
The Barefoot Architect

A former UN worker and prominent architect, Johan van L…

Goodreads
Show threadjakob.pxiJun 21, 2023

the Australian building spec for passive solar homes has been one of the most comprehensive resources about sustainable building practice I found. Might be part of your learning journey, too?

https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design

Soapbox mode: this should be the minimum standard for educational public resources for all governments. And passive building specs should be mandatory everywhere. At the very least mandatory curriculum for architecture schools.

cc @zappysnapps

Show threadMoJun 21, 2023
@zappysnapps @heinz maybe?
Show threadPat ReynoldsJun 21, 2023

@zappysnapps
May not be appropriate for your climate/jurisdiction but

https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-design/permeable-paving
https://cat.org.uk/info-resources/free-information-service/
https://passiv.de/en/

If your practice doesn't already embrace (and execute) the principles of human centred design in ways that includes an understanding of the diversity of humans and of their needs when it comes to accessing (and enjoying) spaces and services - then these should be forefront in your mind when suggesting ideas for planet-friendly design solutions.

Front gardens: permeable paving / RHS Gardening

Gardens can soak up rain, unlike paving, tarmac and concrete which are less porous and increase the amount of rainwater that runs off by as much as 50 percent. This additional water usually flows into street drains, which can’t always cope. The excess can then go back up people’s front drives to floods their homes. To avoid this problem, use permeable paving and keep hard surfaces to a minimum.