Introduction
Green and sustainable urban infrastructure is one of the most relevant trends in modern architecture, aiming to minimize environmental damage and enhance community engagement. Moreover, this approach benefits local ecology by planting native vegetation and promoting a favorable environment for wildlife. Ultimately, the current report proposes three ways to improve the sustainability of the coffee shop project while meeting contemporary industry requirements.
Improving a Coffee Shop’s Sustainability
Recyclable Materials
The first strategy concerns the use of recyclable and eco-friendly materials. It aligns perfectly with the project’s motto – Play with Nature – which focuses on minimizing pollution. Namely, the site includes fully organic materials, such as oak and stone, and fully recyclable compounds, including tempered glass (100% recyclability), EPDM roof membrane (100%), aluminum 6061 (90-100%), and gypsum wall boards (75-100%) (Carsicle, 2022).
Aluminum 6061 is vastly superior to steel in terms of sustainability, and its use is limited to the outdoor private dining area in this case (Appendix A) (Nunez, 2022). It is also identified by the World Climate Summit as one of the most sustainable construction metals (Nunez, 2022). The eco-friendliness of other materials is globally recognized as well, meaning that only certified resources are used in the construction of the coffee shop and the outdoor area.
Vegetation
The second strategy involves using vegetation and green roofs/walls to enhance overall sustainability. All implementations are in line with the site analysis, which indicates a warm climate and that annual temperatures typically stay above 24 °C. The main focus in this context is on green walls surrounding the private dining area outdoors (see Appendix B). If the budget allows, it is appropriate to plant native trees. This approach aligns with the local initiatives, such as RAC Rizal Centro native vegetation plantation, and creates a favorable image of the coffee shop (Nicolas, 2021).
Finally, the benefits of green roofs and walls are explicitly supported by academic literature, especially highlighting their positive impact on ecosystems and cultural aspects (see Appendix C). They also help regulate temperature, noise, and air quality; however, it is critical to optimize planning/design to achieve maximum efficiency (Ode Sang et al., 2022). The present project adheres to multiple guidelines (see Appendix D) to ensure the positive effects of green walls and create a relaxing atmosphere in the coffee shop.
Eco-Friendly Design
The third way to enhance sustainability is to incorporate innovative, eco-friendly structural systems and natural ventilation, in particular. The project prioritizes recyclable materials whenever possible, provided they do not compromise safety protocols or personal comfort. This strategy also entails the use of integrated natural ventilation systems that account for thermal buoyancy and wind to ensure sufficient air circulation (Zhang et al., 2021). The research indicates that this approach is gradually becoming more prominent in sustainable architecture globally, with an emphasis on locations in warm climates (Zhang et al., 2021). In addition, integrated natural ventilation minimizes energy use and, therefore, aligns with sustainability trends.
Conclusion
In summary, the proposed coffee shop project adheres to the core sustainability principles through three main strategies. They include the use of recyclable materials, the implementation of green walls, and the application of innovative ventilation systems. Each of the mentioned strategies is based on extensive academic research and thoroughly considers the site analysis, including climate, temperature, vegetation, and wind data. Ultimately, following these recommendations, it is possible to create an eco-friendly and modern coffee shop.
References
Carsicle construction materials. (2022). EPDM, sustainability, and the environment. The CPD Certification Service.
Nicolas, C. (2021). RAC Rizal Centro plants 300 native trees to protect environment. Philippine Rotaract Magazine.
Nunez, P. (2022). Aluminium: A sustainable metal for a sustainable world. World Climate Summit.
Ode Sang, Å., Thorpert, P., & Fransson, A. M. (2022). Planning, designing, and managing green roofs and green walls for public health – An ecosystem services approach. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10.
Zhang, H., Yang, D., Tam, V. W., Tao, Y., Zhang, G., Setunge, S., & Shi, L. (2021). A critical review of combined natural ventilation techniques in sustainable buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 141.
Appendix A
Front elevation: Material showcase
Appendix B
Green wall
Appendix C
Benefits of green roofs and walls (Ode Sang et al., 2022)
Appendix D
Design considerations for green walls (Ode Sang et al., 2022)
