Tropical wood in Bavaria? No thanks!
Planning a vacation the appearance of the accommodation is as decisive for me as the location. This probably applies to you as well.☺The architecture of the lodging is significant not only for our well-being, but is also a criterion for the sustainable features of a hotel. Would you have known? Now you probably ask yourselves what architecture has to do with sustainability? A legitimate question as presumably in your everyday life you rather deal with avoiding plastic or purchase fair-trade or regional products preferably made of renewable materials. These factors apply also for sustainable architecture. Learn more about sustainable and regional architecture from the green buildings of our Green Pearl’s hotels.
Value resources
Sustainable architecture encloses two sustainable aspects: If we take on the one hand old, already existing buildings and renovate these, we might talk of “building recycling.” This avoids valuable materials to be decontaminated and pollutants be released during demolition. Besides the historical structures are conserved. On the other hand buildings –old or new – can have an environmentally friendly building substance, for example, natural and renewable materials for an efficient insulation or integration of natural energy sources like geothermal energy. For sustainable architecture the regional aspect plays an important role! Local architecture not only appreciates the regional culture, but the region is also reflected. Wood houses in areas with a lot of forests, clay facades in meager regions and stonewalls in craggy areas. Moreover, local architecture implies that the ways of delivery remain short, because all materials are available on site. Strictly speaking, sustainable construction requires engaging local construction companies. This also protects jobs in the region!
Stone by stone
The Sagna Rotonda in the Piedmont is a charming example of how old structure and a piece of history can be revived. Only the foundation walls were received from the historical hamlet, which dates back to the 17th century, when the today owners bought the property including masonry. With a lot of love they breathed new life into the small village and today rent out energy-self-sufficient holiday apartments. To save energy the rental apartments are insulated with natural materials, cork and lime.
Surrounded by history
The first CO2 neutral hotel in Milan is accommodated in a historical town villa. During the renovation of the building Hotel Milano Scala integrated energy-efficient insulation as well as geothermal energy which contribute, beside other measures, to a climate neutral operation. In Paris, Hôtel Le Pavillon is located in a small, restored cloister. Old and new merge to a creative colorful accommodation located in the shade of the Eiffel Tower. The historical cloister walls were restored taking sustainable building measures into account, and at the same time to avoid electromagnetic radiation. With the help of special windows and wall color your sleep is protected from radiation! Read more in our blog!
Regional material
In the Dolomit Homes regional materials meet modern design. The owners built all apartments as well as the Dolomit Boutique Hotel in respect to energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Sheep wool and wood-wool serve for the insulation. Besides, the modern façades and interior arrangement consists of regional wood. The holiday apartments in the Dolomites are a good example to start planning buildings right from beginning eco-friendly to contribute to sustainability.
All that deals with the esteem of the existing, the native country and the appreciation of the future equally – ecologically friendly and local architecture preserves the environment and supports the economy! And it looks magnificent 😉
Cover image: © Sagna Rotonda
