Local materials and sustainable practices for structures and residential projects in Crete, Greece.
Crete, the largest island in Greece, boasts a rich history of architectural excellence. From ancient Minoan palaces to contemporary designs, the island’s built environment has evolved dramatically. In recent years, nature-based building solutions have emerged as a critical trend in sustainable construction, responding to global environmental challenges and the local Cretan landscape.
But what exactly are nature-based building solutions, and how are they shaping construction in Crete today?
What Are Nature-Based Building Solutions?
Nature-Based Building Solutions (NBBS) refer to architectural and construction practices that harness the power of natural ecosystems to create more sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient buildings. These solutions use materials, processes, and designs that are inspired by nature, ensuring that human-made structures blend harmoniously with their surrounding environment while reducing the overall carbon footprint.
According to a scientific article by Suzanne Kandel and Niki Frantzeskaki1, NBS introduce more natural elements and processes into cities, landscapes, and seascapes through resource-efficient, locally tailored, and systemic actions.
“Nature-based solutions (NBS) are comprehensive strategies designed to address a variety of urban challenges by enhancing ecological systems. These approaches draw inspiration from nature, promoting biodiversity while supporting natural ecological flows. According to the European Commission, nature-based solutions are “inspired and supported by nature, cost-effective, and offer environmental, social, and economic benefits, while also building resilience.”
Benefits
The benefits of NBS are wide-ranging. Environmentally, they enhance thermal comfort, sequester carbon, filter air pollution, and improve water retention. Additionally, they foster biodiversity, encourage social cohesion, and contribute to human well-being, while also offering economic advantages.
Nature-based solutions (NBS) provide a wide range of benefits across various sectors. Environmentally, they contribute to improved thermal comfort, carbon sequestration, air pollution reduction, enhanced water retention, and biodiversity conservation. Socially, NBS foster stronger community cohesion and promote overall well-being. Economically, they offer cost-effective solutions that can reduce operational costs while increasing property value and resilience.
NBS are gaining significant attention for their ability to improve sustainability and strengthen the resilience of urban areas, including the built environment, by integrating natural systems into modern design.
For the construction industry in Crete, NBBS has become increasingly relevant. With a climate rich in biodiversity and a growing need for energy efficiency, these solutions offer an innovative way to address environmental concerns while respecting local traditions.
How Do Nature-Based Building Solutions Impact the Build Environment in Crete?
1. Material Efficiency and Local Resources
Crete’s construction industry is gradually turning towards using locally sourced, natural materials. By prioritizing resources like limestone, stone, and wood, architects and developers not only reduce transportation costs but also minimize the environmental impact. Local materials are less energy-intensive to process and align with Crete’s Mediterranean climate.
One notable example of this approach is bioclimatic architecture, a design philosophy that optimizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, and water to minimize a building’s energy needs. As a leader in sustainable architecture in Crete, ARENCOS emphasizes the importance of integrating these elements into both residential and commercial designs. By focusing on innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and environmental harmony, the firm creates spaces that not only reduce energy consumption but also improve occupants’ well-being and comfort.
Explore more about ARENCOS’s commitment to sustainability and bioclimatic architecture here.
2. Green Roofs and Living Walls
Green roofs and living walls are prime examples of Nature-Based Building Solutions that are increasingly being adopted in Crete. These features not only improve insulation and energy efficiency but also create urban green spaces, enhancing air quality and biodiversity.
The Mediterranean flora, including herbs like thyme and lavender, thrives in green roof installations, blending functionality with the natural beauty of Crete’s landscape. Furthermore, these structures help manage rainwater, which is crucial in arid climates like Crete’s, reducing the urban heat island effect.
In Crete’s hot climate, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) like green roofs and living walls significantly improve the thermal behavior of buildings. During the summer, these solutions help reduce outdoor surface temperatures by up to 35°C and indoor temperatures by as much as 20°C compared to traditional concrete roofs. This cooling effect enhances indoor comfort, particularly during peak heat hours between 14:00 and 18:00, making it ideal for Crete’s warm weather. NBS also slow the rise of indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency and providing longer-lasting thermal comfort throughout the day. These benefits are most noticeable on sunny days when solar radiation is highest.
The air between a building and vegetation can experience a temperature drop of up to 6.4°C, which mitigates the urban heat island effect. This cooling impact decreases with distance from the NBS but still enhances the surrounding environment. NBS also reduce heat absorption and promote evapotranspiration, further cooling the air.
3. Water Conservation Systems
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many Mediterranean regions, and Crete is no exception. Nature-Based Building Solutions can offer innovative approaches to water conservation through systems that mimic natural hydrological cycles. Rainwater harvesting, permeable surfaces, and greywater recycling are becoming essential components of eco-friendly buildings on the island.
Green roofs significantly enhance water retention on buildings. In a temperate climate, they reduce runoff by up to seven times compared to conventional roofs. Intensive green roofs can reduce flood peaks by 82-85% and delay rain runoff by over an hour, especially during intense rainfall. Retention capacity varies with rainfall intensity, capturing all water from light rain (<0.5 mm) and up to 96% of light events. However, during heavy rainfall (>19 mm), the roof saturates, and retention drops. Living walls also have limited retention, being exceeded by rainfall over 13 mm. Pre-event soil moisture can further influence retention performance.
By capturing and reusing water, buildings can reduce their dependency on municipal supplies, which is vital in Crete’s drier months.
4. Indoor Air-Quality
Limited research has focused on the impact of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) on indoor air quality in buildings, particularly with extensive green roofs in temperate climates (see Appendix B, Table B.5). While vegetation is known to capture carbon dioxide (CO2), its effectiveness in removing other pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) remains unclear.
The quantity of pollutants filtered by green walls is minimal, indicating a significant gap in understanding their potential benefits. Further investigation is essential to quantify how NBS can enhance indoor air quality and contribute to better health outcomes for occupants in urban environments.
Design Characteristics of Nature-Based Solutions
Key design elements, such as effective irrigation systems, appropriate substrate materials, and climate-suitable vegetation, play critical roles in enhancing thermal performance, moisture retention, and water purification. Additionally, factors like the distance between green walls and buildings, as well as the building’s height and surrounding environment, influence the overall effectiveness of NBS.
First, the survival of vegetation and root systems is critical for maintaining the thermal performance of green walls. Selecting the right NBS is vital, as reduced temperature fluctuations lead to less structural stress and enhanced durability.
Second, a well-functioning irrigation system is key to the performance of green roofs and walls. The intensity of evapotranspiration depends more on soil moisture than plant coverage. For instance, increased vegetation coverage did not significantly improve energy performance due to inadequate substrate moisture. A drainage layer at the base of green roofs can absorb heat and retain moisture, while deeper soil layers help regulate root temperatures.
Even new NBS designs, like hydroponic green walls, require effective irrigation. These systems can enhance thermal performance but should not solely focus on thermal benefits, as they also support water purification and biodiversity.
Third, substrate design—its depth, material, and structure—affects the thermal behavior of green roofs and walls. A deeper substrate generally improves heat storage and insulation. While some studies show minimal differences in performance between 7.5 cm and 15 cm substrate depths, the optimal depth may vary. For example, 8 cm is often adequate for temperature stabilization, while depths of 50 cm or more can enhance passive cooling.
To maximize moisture retention, using porous materials like LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) can be beneficial, as it improves water retention and thermal capacity. Soil composition is also crucial for water purification, with specific materials aiding in the removal of nutrients and organic matter.
Fourth, selecting climate-appropriate plants enhances both thermal performance and moisture retention. Plant diversity and density, measured by the Leaf Area Index (LAI), contribute to improved cooling effects. In temperate climates, C3 plants, such as Sedum, are preferred due to their low water requirements and maintenance needs.
Fifth, the distance between the building and the installed green wall influences thermal performance. Greater insulation layers enhance thermal efficiency, and for living walls, a layer of still air provides additional insulation.
Lastly, building height and surrounding environments significantly impact NBS effectiveness. Low- to mid-rise buildings support greater pollinator diversity, while surrounding vegetation can enhance or reduce solar exposure, affecting overall performance. Proper orientation of vertical green surfaces can maximize cooling benefits, particularly on the south façade in the northern hemisphere.
Benefits of Nature-Based Building Solutions in Crete
- Lower Energy Consumption: Nature-based strategies, such as passive solar design and natural ventilation, reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling and heating systems.
- Environmental Resilience: Nature-based buildings can adapt to environmental stressors like extreme weather conditions and temperature variations, making them highly resilient structures.
- Enhanced Aesthetics and Cultural Connection: These solutions offer designs that not only respect but also enhance Crete’s unique landscape and cultural heritage.
- Improved Health and Wellbeing: By incorporating natural light, ventilation, and greenery, NBBS contribute to better indoor air quality and fosters healthier living environments.
| Co-benefits of NBS on Buildings | Strong Evidence from the Literature Review | Identified Knowledge Gaps (Future Research Areas) |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Wellbeing | – NBS improves wellbeing by providing positive feelings (spaciousness, freedom, safety) due to a comfortable environment. – Noise reduction from NBS on buildings. | – Examine design and installation factors affecting wellbeing and positive feelings. |
| Climate Resilience | – Positive thermal impact during hot seasons for all building types (cooling). – Strong link between thermal efficiency and soil characteristics (depth, moisture, irrigation system, especially in dry climates). – Soil has a greater impact than vegetation on the sustainability of green roofs, walls, and living walls in providing thermal benefits. – NBS on buildings help reduce CO2 emissions due to better thermal performances; however, carbon sequestration capacity is much smaller. | – Thermal effects during cold periods and at night. – Impact of plant diversity on thermal behavior of NBS. – Reduction of UHI effect of NBS on a city scale. – Design and configuration that can improve carbon sequestration. |
| Water Management | – NBS on buildings reduces water runoff. – Soil has a greater impact than vegetation on water retention capacity of green walls, roofs, and living walls. – Removal of pollutants in water decreases over time. | – Influence of each factor on water runoff reduction. – Impact of plant diversity on water retention capacity. – Characteristics that enhance air quality. |
| Vegetation | – Production of food. – More flora. | – Factors affecting soil quality. |
| Biodiversity Enhancement | – NBS can create habitats for birds and insects, but evidence is inconclusive. – Inconclusive evidence for the enhancement of fauna. | – Inclusion of more factors in studies for robust measurements and comparisons. |
| Air Quality | – Low magnitude of pollutants absorbed (O3, NO2, PM1, PM2.5, PM10). | – Interactions between NBS and local atmospheric conditions. – Mechanisms that improve air quality. |
| New Economic Opportunities and Green Jobs | – Long-term return on investments. | – Need for more transdisciplinary studies that include economic issues. |
| Social Justice and Social Cohesion | – Climate adaptation for areas affected by climate change can help vulnerable communities. | – Need for more transdisciplinary studies that include social issues. |
How to Implement Nature-Based Building Solutions in Crete?
1. Collaborate with Experts
Partnering with experienced professionals is crucial for the success of any nature-based construction project. Engaging with leading firms specializing in eco-friendly and biophilic design can provide invaluable insights into effective integration of sustainable practices into modern architecture. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge in optimizing natural resources, enhancing energy efficiency, and creating harmonious living spaces that foster well-being. Their expertise ensures that each project not only meets environmental standards but also contributes to the overall health of the community and the planet. Collaborating with such professionals can lead to innovative solutions and a greater understanding of how to best implement nature-based strategies in construction.
Leading firms like ARENCOS, with expertise in eco-friendly and biophilic design, offer invaluable insight into how best to incorporate these practices into modern construction.
2. Incorporate Biophilic Design
Biophilic design emphasizes the human-nature connection within buildings. By integrating natural elements such as light, greenery, and natural patterns, you create spaces that promote both mental and physical well-being. As Crete’s architectural landscape evolves, biophilic principles are becoming more popular in luxury resorts, private residences, and office buildings.
Key principles of biophilic design include:
- Natural Light: Maximizing daylight through large windows, skylights, and open spaces reduces the need for artificial lighting and creates a more inviting atmosphere.
- Natural Materials: Utilizing materials like wood, stone, and water helps create a tactile and sensory connection to nature, promoting comfort and tranquility.
- Green Spaces: Incorporating plants, green walls, and rooftop gardens not only improves air quality but also enhances aesthetic appeal and fosters biodiversity.
- Views of Nature: Designing spaces with views of natural landscapes or water features helps reduce stress and enhances mental well-being.
- Natural Patterns and Forms: Integrating organic shapes and patterns that mimic natural forms can create a sense of continuity with the environment, enhancing visual interest and emotional connection.
- Water Features: Including elements like fountains or ponds can evoke a sense of calm and serenity, while also improving acoustic comfort.
For a detailed overview of biophilic principles, you can explore this guide on the application of nature-inspired architecture in contemporary design. Moreover, you can discover more about Biophilic Design Integration in residential constructions in Crete and discover a real-life paradigm by exploring our Evia Biophilic Design Residence.
3. Take Advantage of Subsidies and Incentives
The Greek government, in line with European Union policies, offers subsidies and financial incentives for developers and homeowners who adopt sustainable practices. Whether it’s installing energy-efficient systems or utilizing local natural materials, understanding the available support can significantly reduce construction costs. More information can be found through the official European Commission website regarding green building initiatives and funding.
The Future of Nature-Based Building Solutions in Crete
As climate change continues to impact Mediterranean ecosystems, Nature-Based Building Solutions are becoming a necessity rather than a choice. Crete’s construction industry is adapting to these changes by focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and the harmonious integration of modern buildings with the island’s natural environment.
Incorporating nature into construction processes is more than just an architectural trend—it’s a long-term investment in the future of the island. For homeowners and developers alike, nature-based approaches not only offer financial savings in energy and maintenance but also contribute to the long-term well-being of Crete’s communities and ecosystems.
By embracing Nature-Based Building Solutions, Crete can continue to thrive as a leader in sustainable development, preserving its rich history while embracing modern, eco-friendly technologies.
Recommended Literature on Nature-Based Solutions & References:
- Nature-based solutions and buildings: A review of the literature and an agenda for renaturing our cities one building at a time by Suzanne Kandel and Niki Frantzeskaki.
- Nature-Based Solutions: A Global Overview
- Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Cities
- Biophilic Design: The Architecture of Life
- Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
- Integrating Nature-Based Solutions into Urban Planning
- Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Urban Development
- Guidelines for Implementing Nature-Based Solutions
- Harnessing the Power of Nature-Based Solutions in Cities
- Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Urban Areas
