Masonry Magazine May 2009 Page. 31
Yet, today, when we talk about green, sustainable or high-performance buildings, many of us don't consider the fact that aesthetics and long life are the most important sustainable factors in building construction. We should ask, "Is a beautiful building more prone to demolition versus an ugly one," and "Is it more resource efficient to build a building for a life span of 100 years or just 30 years?" The slogan of our past generation was, "We are not rich enough to buy cheap products." It was known that the purchase of cheap products meant repair or replacement in a short time. It would cost more in the long run. Our grandparents guided us to Life Cycle Cost Analysis. Aesthetics is a major issue that is mostly overlooked in sustainable evaluations. It is more likely that people hold on to their beautiful buildings longer and use them adaptively. Beautiful buildings are also a major key in the existence of lively, interactive neighborhoods where people tend to spend more time outdoors with their neighbors, strengthening their social values. Beautiful outdoor spaces can help create better spiritual mood for occupants as well as passers by.
Thermal mass of masonry results in lower energy consumption for buildings. With proper detailing, masonry walls and floors can save energy, especially during peak hours. According to ASHRAE 90, a lightweight stud wall needs R-19 for adequate insulation, whereas a masonry wall needs only R-10 to R-12.5 to match the same insulation capacity in Denver.
When we talk about green, sustainable or high-performance buildings, many of us don't consider the fact that aesthetics and long life are the most important sustainable factors in building construction.
Masonry walls do not need to be covered with finishing materials. This eliminates potentials for VOCs and mold. Brick, block and stone can be used as exterior and interior finishes without the need for paint or other covering material. This means less maintenance as well as good indoor air quality. Mold has been a great concern for the building industry over the years. Masonry is a mold-resistant material, since it does not contain cellulose-food for mold. Indoor air quality has been found to be effective on occupants' health and productivity.
Fire safety of masonry buildings can help build dense and beautiful neighborhoods. Dense city planning provides for walkable and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and makes possible expanded use of public transportation, decreasing the need for the use of fossil fuel. The natural fire-resistant properties of brick, block and stone make them a natural choice for
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READER SERVICE #163
May 2009
MASONRY 29