Construction Trends In Pakistan

Spiralling energy costs and depleting fuel reserves, not to mention ever increasing carbon emissions from buildings (they account for approximately 48% of total emissions) have led to increased focus on energy-efficient architectural design and construction practice globally. Pakistan is now beginning yo embrace the ‘green movemrnt’ as well.

Case in point: this year, one of the major construction trends in Pakistan was ‘Passive Housing’. This entail the construction of structures that employ ‘green features’ to ensure that lower indoor temperatures are maintained with in houses which can result in up yo a 90% reduction in energy costs.

These features include the use of super-insulated and double-glazed windows and energy recovery ventilation systems which reduce air leakages substantially. Other features include using ‘overhangs’ (protruding structures built on all  sides of a building to shade its lower portions from direct sunlight) and perforated interior and exterior walls that create natural ventilation.

The cost of using these green elements is approximately 35 to 40% higher than conventional methods. However, experts estimate that they are recoverd by homeowners within five to seven years due to reduce electricity bills. The value of passive houses is believed to be nearly 30 to 35 % more than conventional ones.

Another trend witnessed in the last year in Pakistan’s metropolitan cities is the ‘Tiny House Movement’. This trend has surfaced due to the scarcity of large vacant plots in these cities, and entails the construction of smaller houses designed to optimise space, mostly by converting houses into condo-style apartments, as well as by merging multipurpose rooms such as kitchens with dining rooms and lounges.

‘Tiny’ houses cost approximately 20 to 25% less to construct, and according to property consultants, their value appreciates by 30 to 35% in the long-run due to lower maintenance costs and taxes.

By Ibrahim Murad. The writer is an engineer.