7 Sustainable Architecture Design Ideas

Modern buildings are increasingly emphasizing choosing environmentally friendly materials and processes that contribute to the sustainability of the building. Realizing sustainable design ideas for buildings takes a great deal of planning and attention to detail but can have a positive impact on the surrounding community as well as the environment. 

Sustainable building design ideas include creating mixed-use projects to optimize the given space, choosing prefabricated and modular systems to reduce weights and shorten construction times, and using sustainable processes and materials to manufacture building elements.

These 7 sustainable architecture design ideas can help to inspire your next project and keep the focus on protecting our environment while also meeting your needs.  

1. Mixed-Use Projects

Runway at Playa Vista is a mixed-use development that combines commercial offerings with opportunities for socialization and residential spaces. Much of the lower level spaces are commercial and include retail, dining, shopping, as well as creative office space and Cedars Sinai Hospital. At the hospital, our SOLO Glass Railing System with colored glass creates areas where staff, patients, and families can step outside for some fresh air. The colored glass panels match the energy and vibrancy of Runway to create a cohesive mixed-use space. 

2. Modular Systems

Installing modular and prefabricated building elements, such as railing systems, allow for efficient off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly. Prefabrication can allow manufacturers to optimize their process and reduce waste as well as have the potential to shorten construction times, making the entire process more efficient and sustainable.

3. LED Lighting

LED lighting uses less energy than traditional, incandescent light bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. They also release less heat and will shine in the desired direction. Our iRAIL Lighted Rail Systems use LED lights as a sustainable and green alternative to conventional lighting. This lighting system is compatible with any of our railing systems to add visibility wherever you need it whether indoors or out.   

4. Powder Coating

Adding powder coating to a metal railing system allows you to customize the design to the aesthetic of the space. We offer a wide range of powder coating colors, and the process is more environmentally friendly than traditional painting. This is because the process to powder coat doesn’t use solvents or chemical carriers. The electrostatic charge holds the paint to the steel which also eliminates harmful VOC emissions.

5. Sustainable Materials

Using sustainable materials to complete a construction project can help lower the carbon footprint of the building. Materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and steel can all contribute to a more sustainable building, and these materials can even be used to realize sustainable home design ideas. We use stainless steel for many of our handrail and infill options and also offer glass infill and wood railing options to help you complete your design goals.  

6. Renovation and Adaptive Reuse

Generally speaking, renovating an existing building to update it or adapt it to a new use is more eco-friendly than constructing a brand new building. The downside to renovation is that older buildings may not be up to code. Using materials that can bring it into the modern era, including prefabricated and modular code compliant systems can make the process easier and more efficient. VIVA Railings systems meet and even exceed code requirements, making them ideal for renovation projects. 

7. Natural Light 

Allowing natural light into a building reduces the need for lighting systems which can ultimately reduce energy usage. As far as a sustainability practice, it can also allow solar heat to enter which can reduce utility bills, particularly during the winter months. Including other systems that allow light to pass through, like glass railing systems, can increase the good that natural light can do.

Tie It All Together with VIVA Railings

Integrating a variety of these sustainable design ideas is ideal for creating a sustainable space. A good example of this is the BB&T Leadership Institute which strives to provide a comprehensive and holistic leadership training experience. Nestled in a wooded area with views of the nearby lake, this building is seamlessly integrated into the nature that surrounds it. Large windows allow natural light to pour into the space and blurs the line between the inside and outside. Natural materials contribute to the woodsy feel, and our CUBE Cable Metal Railing System with iRAIL Linear LED lights complete the elevated walkway and provide necessary lighting to increase visibility at night. 

Our railings systems are manufactured with glass, steel, and wood — all recyclable materials — and we use powder coating on our railings to get the perfect color while protecting the environment. In addition, our systems meet all building codes as well as help to meet LEED requirements. All of our stainless steel products contain a minimum of 65% pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content with a minimum post-consumer recycled content of 25%. We also offer 100% participation for the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certified program.

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to explore our sustainable railing solutions.