ECO-MINIMALISM RESEARCH

"THINGS SHOULD BE AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE -- BUT NOT SIMPLER."

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Eco-minimalism: is just a step forward in environmental, green building. It is the idea of living comfortably using the four elements effectively: air, water, earth (materials) and fire (energy).

Throughout the 20th century, we have been relying on technology to deal with air, artificial lighting and building materials (e.g. processed, composite).

As the current and future generations do their homework, over the changes we have to make in the way we build buildings, we can implement the idea of the well-being state of mind in every single individual with a greater mentality in environmental, cycle that we ought to seek. Using these four elements creates a cyclic flow--all elements coming together--enclosing to stay within the permits of our homes and commercial buildings. It begins with knowing where it comes from, how to use it, where will it go and using it to its maximum potential.

Fire Element:

Photovoltaic Solar Cells

Heat Pumps

Combined Heat and Power

Thermal Solar Collector

Condensing Boilers

District Heating

Air Element:

Conservatories

Small Wind Turbines

Mechanical Ventilation

Earth Element:

Green Roofs

Recycled Materials

Local Materials

Timber Cladding

Water Element:

Reed Bends

Greywater Recycling

Living Machines

Embodied Water

Rainwater Harvesting

The idea is less of the individual needs and more of the bigger environmental picture. In order to live harmonious balance with the environment, we must eliminate the unnecessary. 

References: Liddell, Howard. Eco-minimalism: the Antidote to Eco-bling 2nd Edition. RIBA Publishing Ltd, 2013. Print.