#7 alternative building materials

Alternative building materials have been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to address the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability in cities. These materials, which include materials such as bamboo, rammed earth, and straw bale, offer a range of benefits over traditional building materials like concrete and steel. In this essay, we will explore the past, present, and future of alternative building materials, including their impact on cities, the opportunities and drawbacks of using them, and the notable champions and critics of this movement.

The past of alternative building materials can be traced back to ancient civilizations, which used materials like adobe, wattle and daub, and rammed earth to construct their homes and buildings. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that alternative building materials began to gain traction as a viable option for modern construction. In the 1970s and 1980s, the environmental movement brought attention to the negative impacts of traditional building materials on the environment, and alternative materials like straw bale and rammed earth began to be seen as a more sustainable option.

In the present, alternative building materials are becoming increasingly popular in cities around the world. One of the biggest drivers of this trend is the urgent need to address climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. Alternative materials like bamboo, which is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, can be harvested and used in construction within just a few years, while traditional materials like concrete and steel require significant amounts of energy and resources to produce.

Another advantage of alternative building materials is that they can be sourced and manufactured locally, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. This is particularly important in cities, where the majority of building materials are imported from faraway places.

Despite these benefits, there are still many challenges to the widespread adoption of alternative building materials. One of the biggest is the lack of codes and regulations for alternative materials, which can make it difficult for builders and architects to use them in construction. This is beginning to change, however, as more and more cities are adopting building codes that allow for the use of alternative materials.

Another challenge is the lack of knowledge and expertise about alternative materials among builders, architects, and other professionals in the construction industry. This is beginning to change as well, as more and more training programs and educational resources are becoming available to help professionals learn about alternative building materials.

In the future, it is likely that alternative building materials will continue to gain popularity as a way to address the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability in cities. However, there are also some pessimistic outlooks on the future of alternative building materials. One of the biggest concerns is that the demand for these materials will outstrip the supply, making them more expensive and less accessible to the average person.

Another concern is that the use of alternative building materials could lead to the destruction of natural habitats, as the increased demand for materials like bamboo could lead to deforestation.

Despite these concerns, there are many opportunities for the future of alternative building materials. One of the biggest is the potential for these materials to create jobs and economic growth in local communities. This is particularly important in developing countries, where the majority of building materials are imported from developed countries.

Another opportunity is the potential for alternative building materials to create more affordable housing, as these materials can be sourced and manufactured locally, reducing the cost of transportation.

Notable champions of alternative building materials include architects and builders like Michael Reynolds, who has been a pioneer in the use of earthships, which are homes made from natural and recycled materials. Another notable champion is William McDonough, who is known for his work in sustainable design and has designed buildings using alternative materials like bamboo.

Critics of alternative building materials include those who argue that earth as a building material, and Sim Van der Ryn, who has been a leading advocate for the use of sustainable building materials. Both of these architects have designed and built homes and buildings using alternative materials, and have been vocal about the benefits of these materials for addressing climate change and creating more sustainable communities.

On the other hand, there are also notable critics of alternative building materials. One of the biggest concerns among critics is that these materials are not as durable and long-lasting as traditional materials like concrete and steel. This is a valid concern, as alternative materials like straw bale and rammed earth do require more maintenance and care than traditional materials.

Another concern among critics is that alternative building materials are not fire-resistant, which could pose a significant risk in the event of a fire. This is also a valid concern, as alternative materials like straw bale and rammed earth do not have the same fire-resistance as traditional materials like concrete and steel.

Despite these concerns, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of alternative building materials in cities. These materials offer a range of benefits over traditional materials, including their ability to be sourced and manufactured locally, their ability to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, and their potential to create jobs and economic growth in local communities.

As cities around the world continue to grapple with the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability, alternative building materials will play an increasingly important role in creating more sustainable and resilient communities. It is important that we continue to explore and develop these materials, and to support policies and regulations that encourage their use in construction.

To conclude, alternative building materials have a past, present and a promising future, with the potential to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. As cities continue to grow, and urbanization escalates, it is crucial to develop, and implement sustainable solutions in construction. Alternative building materials are one of the most promising solutions. However, it is important to address the concerns of durability, maintenance, and fire-resistance. With the right approach, policies, and regulations, the future of alternative building materials in cities can be bright.

Sources:

"The History of Alternative Building Materials" by Green Home Building (https://www.greenhomebuilding.com/history.htm)

"Bamboo as a Building Material" by World Wildlife Fund (https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/bamboo-as-a-building-material)

"Straw Bale Construction" by The Last Straw Journal (https://thelaststraw.org/issues/02-02/02-02strawbale.html)

"Rammed Earth Construction" by The Rammed Earth Works (https://www.rammedearthworks.com/about-rammed-earth)

"Michael Reynolds and the Earthship Movement" by Earthship Biotecture (https://earthship.com/michael-reynolds-and-the-earthship-movement/)

"Sim Van der Ryn and the Eco-Design Movement" by The Van der Ryn Institute (https://vanderryn.com/about-sim-van-der-ryn/)