Markers of Sustainable Fenestration for a Greener Future
Sustainability is no longer an afterthought; it has become an essential consideration while designing the built environment. The applications of sustainable strategies in the diverse climatic conditions of the Indian subcontinent are more nuanced and specific. Sustainability, in this case, transcends its meaning as simply being a buzzword in the wake of the global climate crisis and gains weightage as a prerogative for the Indian-built environment. To do justice to this practice, it is first essential to identify the markers of sustainable fenestrations and aluminium doors and windows.
Sustainability and the Indian context
Most of the country experiences a sub-tropical climate, while the frontier regions experience harsher, more extreme weather. These considerations impact the architectural character of the region’s built environment, which can be addressed by sliding aluminium windows, glass doors or even casement windows. Furthermore, they are affected by the region’s cultural dominance and traditional building methods.
Fenestration and aluminium doors and windows are no longer aesthetic add-ons but now serve as an integral, functional elements for spaces. Combining the right choice of sliding aluminium windows and other fenestration technology with passive site-responsive and context-specific measures can ensure a sustainable alternative.
Regarding aluminium doors and windows and other fenestration in India, addressing the higher urban densities that create more footfall in public spaces is necessary. In addition, there has been a rapid shift in the skylines of urban and suburban areas as the built environment continues to grow vertically, with more and more openings being taken over by casement windows. In such scenarios, facades become the ventilating, aesthetic, bracing and, in some cases, structural elements.
Choosing the right material
One can use durable materials such as aluminium doors and windows or sliding aluminium windows to ensure quality and longevity in fenestration systems. Its anti-corrosive and highly malleable attributes make it an ideal choice for many building typologies. Aluminium is an ideal material for glass doors and casement windows which is easy to work with and innovate. Being a non-corrosive material, aluminium doors and windows guarantees longevity and gives excellent value for their worth. Moreover, it is entirely recyclable and consumes less energy than steel during its manufacturing and recycling process. This property further helps lower replacement costs of aluminium doors and windows and other fenestration systems.
Additionally, primary requisites include ensuring thermal comfort through natural ventilation and optimising natural light within a space which is catered by casement windows and glass doors. Due to technological advancements, various treatments and types, such as toughened, tempered and laminated glass, are now available to choose from for an aluminium glass window. Choosing the right kind of glass based on the above considerations is the surest way of implementing these strategies in aluminium doors and windows. The right choice helps lower the load on mechanical means of light and ventilation. It also ensures higher energy efficiency, which is another route to sustainability. Prioritising natural light and ventilation also benefits collective public health in the longer term by reducing our reliance on artificial systems.
Processes and life-cycles
As the Indian construction industry churns out projects at a staggering rate, it is necessary to look at the materials used and their life cycle. First and foremost, materials that are indigenous and native to the area reduce the cost considerably as they can be locally sourced. Secondly, materials with a longer life span are durable and ensure the longevity of a structure, resulting in lowered costs of upkeep in the long run. Finally, recycled and recyclable materials reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
Supportive strategies
One can support the appropriate fenestration technology by choosing the right sliding aluminium windows and glass doors with other architectural strategies for better results. For example, using ventilated facades, sun-shading devices, dry-stone cladding, aluminium doors and windows etc., can help reduce the heat gain in a building. In addition, one can achieve optimal solar absorption by designing the building mass following the site’s orientation. Fenestration systems like sliding aluminium windows that are openable, flexible, and user-friendly can yield maximum benefits.
In the Indian context, sustainable development is not new, as it has been deeply rooted in traditional building and construction methods. However, the new challenge that needs to be addressed now considers the increasing technological and consumer demand – without deviating from the sustainability route.
