From “Do Less Harm” To “Do Net Good”: Regenerative Design Across Scales and Climates

From filtering city air to sheltering coral reefs, these designs earn their keep in the ecosystems they occupy. The post From “Do Less Harm” To “Do Net Good”: Regenerative Design Across Scales and Climates appeared first on Journal.

From “Do Less Harm” To “Do Net Good”: Regenerative Design Across Scales and Climates

The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.

Sustainable architecture has been a standard practice in the industry for many years now. New buildings are required to comply with certain regulations in order to reduce the negative impact construction work has on the environment. However, while crucial, tactics such as lowering emissions, using less water or improving energy efficiency treat nature as something to be preserved or mitigated against. On the other hand, regenerative design flips this thinking by promoting a mindset where buildings and landscapes contribute positively to their environment, aiming not for zero impact but for a positive one.


Bedford Heritage Park

By Lemay, Bedford, Canada

Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Landscape/Planning Project, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Bedford Heritage Park_01-architizer Bedford Heritage Park_02-architizerThe Bedford Heritage Park is a project of land reclamation. Over 32 million tonnes of byproduct from limestone extraction were transformed into a thriving regional green space, regenerating a degraded, industrial land. Sustainable practices such as soil rehabilitation, extensive vegetation and runoff management systems protect the local ecosystem, while its meticulously designed infrastructure supports over 9,000 tree species.


Horizon House

By ONUS Architecture Studio, Greece

Jury Winner, Unbuilt Sustainable Residential Project, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Horizon House_01-architizer Horizon House_02-architizerThe Horizon House is constructed in an attempt to give back to its inhabitants the land and the environment, promoting a minimally invasive design. Its construction and operation follow the principles of circular economy and regenerative design. Specifically, by planting native species of flora and fauna as well as installing green roofs with low-water-demand plants offer, preserve and enhance the local biodiversity, while improving the space’s interior thermal comfort.

The house also runs on a geothermal system and small-scale wind turbines, achieving net-zero energy consumption. Finally, water is collected on the 3,230-square-foot (300-square-meter) planted roof and processed through a rainwater harvesting and filtration system that further reduces waste and effectively manages natural resources.


Zero-Carbon Origami Airplane— Shanghai Lin’gang Starry Sky Theme Park Visitor Service Center

By China Architecture Design & Research Group (CADG), Shanghai, China

Jury Winner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Zero-Carbon Origami Airplane— Shanghai Lin’gang Starry Sky Theme Park Visitor Service Center_01-architizer Zero-Carbon Origami Airplane— Shanghai Lin’gang Starry Sky Theme Park Visitor Service Center_02-architizerThe project’s intuitive roof design acts as an energy receiver. The folding roof shape is made of BIPV solar panels, which provide 107% of the building’s energy consumption that ensure the structure has zero-carbon emissions, while consuming zero energy. However, the  project’s most innovative and regenerative aspect is its advanced air filtration system, which continuously monitors air pollution levels and automatically adjusts the air supply to optimize indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact.


CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse Xiadang

By Hatch Architects, Ningde, China

CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse Xiadang_01-architizer CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse Xiadang_02-architizerThe CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse, supports China’s “dual-carbon” goals. Specifically, the structure fully integrates BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics), ensuring a full-cycle green power supply, while the use of ultra-clear glass and UHPC enhance the building’s energy efficiency. In parallel, the complex is also comprised of an intelligent charging station, enabling bi-directional energy flow to efficiently power the teahouse. With an annual output of 55,000 kWh, it reduces carbon emissions by 54.8 tons, which is equivalent to planting 3,000 trees yearly.


S-OASIS

By TROP : terrains + open space, Thailand

S-OASIS_01-architizer S-OASIS_02-architizerThe S-Oasis project is designed as a green retreat for the community, acting as a bridge that connects the city with nature. The project achieved LEED Gold Version 4 certification, promoting health and wellness while reducing energy consumption through the reuse of existing materials found onsite as well as the creation of a rooftop garden that features an array of vegetation and trees. Specifically, the species selected consist of moderate water to drought tolerant plants that conserve water while enhancing environmental stewardship.


Shebara Resort

By Killa Design, Saudi Arabia

Shebara Resort_01-architizer Shebara Resort_02-architizerShebara is a 73-key hyper-luxury eco-resort set within a diverse and untouched environment. The island is home to dense mangroves, desert flora, rolling sand dunes, turtle nesting grounds, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Consequently, the resort is designed to provide an off-grid, zero-energy, zero-water, and zero-waste experience, becoming a next-generation eco-tourism destination. Specifically, all villas are run based on a self-sustaining infrastructure, powered by its own 110,000m2 solar farm and supported by a reverse osmosis plant, sewage and water reclamation systems, and 100% electric land and marine transportation.


Jonas

By Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jonas_01-architizer Jonas_02-architizerJonas addresses the shortcomings of traditional urban design by emphasizing sustainability and ecological functionality over infrastructure. It incorporates strategies such as native vegetation along the banks and underwater habitats, through artificial substrates for mussel communities, as well as vegetation on roofs and facades, which improve thermal insulation. Additionally, water management is optimized via rainwater collection and reuse systems that contribute to the heating and cooling of the space.

The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.

The post From “Do Less Harm” To “Do Net Good”: Regenerative Design Across Scales and Climates appeared first on Journal.

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