Using Engawas in Sustainable Architecture Projects

A lot of architects believe that in order to truly attain sustainable architecture, they must design houses that utilize alternative energy sources. 

Sometimes, sustainable architecture can be achieved by designing buildings that conserve existing energy.

Boris Nedic and Nino Bellantonio learned this lesson when working one of their award-winning sustainable architecture projects. 

With this project they were expected to renovate a monocrete home in Campbell, Australia. 

The goal was to find a sustainable architecture project that would make the house warm in the winter, yet cool in the summer. 

The architects put their heads together and came up with one of the most brilliant sustainable architecture projects ever seen. 

They decided they would build an architectural ‘jacket’ around the house.  Through this jacket the house would be able to conserve existing heat. 

And, if it got too hot, the jacket would simply be removed.

To develop this jacket, the architects used the Japanese engawa as their model.  What is an engawa?  An engawa is a type of veranda that provides a connection between a house and a garden. 

It offers privacy and climate control.  The latter is achieved through a series of removable panels which helps to encapsulate the air. 

Pictures of an engawa can be seen through Google’s Image Search.  You can also see an example from the website associated with AiL Studio, which is the company Boris and Nino work for. 

Either way, you will see that the engawas are very attractive, despite the fact that they are designed to be used on a temporary basis. 

They can also allow people to enjoy the beauty of the outside without having to actually be outside.

So, what can American architects learn from all this?  The answer is simple.  If engawas are incorporated into more sustainable architecture projects, architects and construction companies can turn the most unsustainable structures into more sustainable ones with minimal effort.

Additionally, engawas can help provide a sustainable solution for individuals that may not have the money for more expensive options. 

Sure, an engawa won’t replace solar power, but it is still helpful, since it lessens the amount of overall energy that needs to be used.  In fact, even homes that are already green could benefit from an engawa.

In conclusion, engawas have the power to completely change how sustainable architecture projects are designed. 

But more architects need to take advantage of them.  So, why not be like Boris Nedic and Nino Bellantonio and at least offer them as an option to your clients? 

Indeed, the more that architects and construction companies take such a step, the more people will at least consider the worthiness behind engawa design. 

Even people who are not completely green will like how the engawa will give them a chance to save on their energy bills while letting them enjoy the outdoors.