The Challenge: Balancing Sustainability with Affordability
As urban populations surge and land becomes scarce, the dream of affordable housing often clashes with the imperative of sustainability. The demand for increased carpet area has led to compromises like thinner walls, while a shortage of skilled labour combined with the pressure for quick returns, has driven the adoption of innovative but sometimes questionable practices. Therefore, the current reality presents a significant challenge: housing must seamlessly integrate two essential principles—sustainability should naturally be affordable, and affordability must inherently embrace sustainability.
Working Within Existing Construction Frameworks
Passive design strategies are a game-changer for enhancing energy efficiency and can even be seamlessly integrated into existing buildings at low costs. Key elements include optimising facade orientation to regulate solar radiation, using reflective light-coloured paints to maintain cooler interiors, and incorporating features like blinds and shutters. These measures ensure interiors are bathed in just the right amount of daylight—no more, no less—all while being cost-effective and impactful for sustainability.
By using materials with high thermal mass, natural ventilation, and effective insulation, buildings stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Green roofs, smart shading, and maximising natural daylight reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling. Compact designs minimise energy loss, while rainwater harvesting and strategic landscaping enhance sustainability. Together, these cost-effective solutions create more comfortable spaces, lower energy bills, and contribute to a greener future.
The Mehra Residence in New Delhi exemplifies how thoughtful passive design strategies—like balanced window-to-wall ratios and overhangs—can optimise daylight while maintaining comfort.
In new constructions, innovative materials take center stage. AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks are a smart choice for exterior walls, enhancing indoor comfort while reducing operational carbon and energy usage. Prefabricated systems also shine, minimising material usage, site waste, and pollution, making them a win-win for all stakeholders. To further bolster sustainability, incorporating materials like recycled steel and low-carbon glass wherever feasible adds another layer of environmental consciousness.
A Comprehensive, Regional Perspective
Adopting a broader, holistic approach requires collaboration among policymakers, government bodies, and construction partners to identify and address regional needs and contexts effectively. This involves implementing diverse, region-specific solutions tailored to factors such as climate, local construction materials, soil conditions, population density, and land costs.
By drawing inspiration from vernacular construction techniques—adapting, modernising, and giving them a contemporary touch—a comprehensive construction manual could be developed to guide sustainable practices nationwide. Incorporating elements like mutual shading, outdoor spaces, and thoughtful landscaping can further enhance building performance while reducing energy consumption.
The intersection of sustainability and affordability in housing is undeniably complex, yet achievable. By leveraging existing technologies and embracing holistic, region-specific strategies, architects and stakeholders can create housing solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically accessible. Advancing sustainability in affordable housing holds immense potential for transforming our built environment and demands our collective commitment.
