How has aluminium taken a leading role in sustainable homes?

The future of tomorrow lies with us today, with sustainable homes playing an integral part in achieving a more energy efficient society for subsequent generations to come. Aluminium is arguably the most sustainable building material in the world and therefore forms a large part of the solution to the world’s energy requirements.

Construction is the second largest application of precious aluminium, after transport. So, let’s take a closer look at the various ways’ aluminium has taken a leading role in sustainable residential construction practices across the world.

Why do architects, developers, contractors, suppliers, installers and end users favour aluminium?

Absolute freedom

Black aluminium viiu door installation

Photo credit: Christophe Van Couteren

Flexible enough to form any shape whilst retaining its strength, aluminium is ideal within sustainable architectural models as it can be moulded into any shape possible; successfully bridging the gap between what wood, plastic and steel cannot physically achieve.

Lightweight restraint

Offering unbeatable strength to weight ratio, this is how the viiu ultra-slim sliding glass door system optimizes incredible amounts of glass whilst requiring less force to operate. Its remarkable lightweight qualities also reduce transport costs and carbon emissions, with independent studies proving that aluminium has a 20% smaller life cycle energy consumption than steel.

Thermal superiority

The thermal efficiency of aluminium helps homeowners reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints alike. Aluminium also boasts 95% light reflectivity, so, buildings constructed with aluminium exteriors will naturally reflect light and remain cooler. Whilst thermally broken aluminium windows and doors prevent heat transfer, successfully retain heat and keep homes warmer in winter. Plus, aluminium sliding glass doors are more glass than frame; making them even more thermally efficient.

Unbelievably recyclable

Aluminium is 100% recyclable, maintains the same physical properties as primary aluminium and only requires around 5% of the energy needed to produce it to recycle it. Unbelievably, 75-80% of all aluminium ever made (ever since it was first industrially produced in 1856) is still in use today!

Low corrosion rate

Living room viiu door installation

Aluminium is virtually maintenance free, thanks to its remarkable corrosion resistant qualities. Able to spontaneously form a thin oxide layer, this unique reaction actively resists further oxidation and damage – aka rust.

Straightforward sophistication

Put all the advantages of aluminium together and it’s hardly surprising that it makes aluminium incredibly uncomplicated, faster and more convenient to work with. It’s also ideal for creating high-end, sleek and sophisticated sustainable home staples, such as slimline sliding glass door frames.

Aluminium offers the perfect balance between form and function

If you’re interested in making you or your clients home more sustainable, energy efficient and stylish, contact a viiu expert today.

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Some of the photographs featured on the site have been provided by the following: Christophe Van Couteren, Samuel Defourny, Crahay, Jamaigne Architectes & Atelier d'architecture Franck Martinez