BuySellBA
Administrator
Do you want to live in a building with green terraces? : These real estate projects have it
December 1, 2023
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important when it comes to building and green terraces are gaining presence in buildings; what are the benefits
By Gabriela Koolen
Small oases in the cement: there are more and more green terraces in residential buildings that give their neighbors high-rise parks
The need to acquire sustainable habits is unavoidable and large urban constructions play an important role. Today, buildings represent 40% of global energy consumption, and this consumption is expected to grow by 45% by 2025. In this sense, green terraces or roofs - surfaces of buildings that are partially or completely covered by vegetation in the floor or on its walls - become an alternative that can make a big difference: they generate significant energy savings, enrich the biodiversity of the area and improve the quality of life of the buildings' inhabitants.
“Buenos Aires, like many other cities around the world, has experienced an increase in the popularity of terraces and green roofs as part of a focus on sustainability and improving the urban environment,” notes architect María Paula Pastrano. , by Allegra, an eco-smart building from the developer Urban DNA , located in the Caballito neighborhood.
In China, buildings plant trees on their terraces to add lush vegetation to the city and its residentsshina
What are the benefits of green terraces
Among the benefits of this type of roof, Pastrano mentions thermal insulation, which contributes to achieving greater energy efficiency and savings in heating and cooling costs . The reduction of the “heat island” effect - the phenomenon by which the environment in cities maintains a temperature several degrees higher than in the surrounding areas - is another point in favor of this type of terraces. Improving air quality and rainwater retention are also advantages mentioned by the architect. Pastrano explains that the new building code of the city of Buenos Aires includes a point that refers to sustainable design and two sections that mention green roofs. Thus, the city's buildings benefit from making green roofs.Gerardo Azcuy, founder and general director of Azcuy, talks about the importance of taking sustainability into account, an axis that has crossed all the firm's developments. “Within the objective of promoting sustainable lifestyles, we create homes that allow permanent contact with nature, because we know that it is a substantial part of what represents well-being in contemporary urban life.” He highlights that in Azcuy 's projects you can find vertical gardens, a lot of green in the common spaces and on the balconies, which are also equipped with automated irrigation systems that guarantee a green tapestry throughout the four seasons.
Azcuy's projects add green in all common spaces and in height
The feeling of being in a park without leaving the building
The owner of Azcuy points out that sustainability applied to residential architecture is a trend that is here to stay and also talks about the importance of new generations in raising awareness: “Our clients are undoubtedly influenced by this trend and their children, for their part, influence decision-making. At the end of the day we know that a product that considers sustainability is a better product and that is our first objective. Today, well-being is living in harmony with the environment,” he says.
Ignacio Mel, director of Mel Propiedades, says that they currently market buildings with this type of terraces, and points out that buyers see them as something original, which is why they differ from the rest of the offer and add value. “In a completely built city, with restricted access to green spaces, having this possibility in the same place where you live is unique,” he says. He points out that, in addition, the city government grants benefits to the future inhabitants of buildings with green terraces, with bonuses on the payment of the ABL. Also, it allows the maximum height of the building to be exceeded so that the elevator has a stop on the terrace.
A building complex in Germany with green roofs, succulents and other plants.
An investment that is valued
Although green terraces imply a higher cost for the developer, in terms of waterproofing the terrace or an elevator with a longer section, it is an amenity highly valued by potential buyers, according to Mel's director. “I consider that in the short term the incorporation of green terraces will begin to be an obligation in new constructions in the city,” says Ignacio Mel.Néstor Ruiz, general director of the developer Grupo Dinal, says that they work with projects that include green terraces, such as the Octavio Building. “Although there may be an initial increase in costs, the cost/benefit ratio is favorable in the long term. Green terraces improve the quality of life of the owners, reduce the carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal and connection to nature often capture the attention of potential buyers. These shared green spaces promote community among residents and provide a relaxing environment,” he states.
The proposal for the Octavio Building in which its developers consider it to be an amenity highly valued by those who buy
The presence of gardening and landscaping throughout the building, from balconies to terraces
He points out that user responses are very positive and projects with this amenity tend to be sold in better market conditions due to the growing demand, especially after the pandemic, for sustainable and environmentally friendly spaces. “We see a promising future. As awareness of the importance of sustainability and nature in urban environments increases, demand is likely to continue to grow. Globally, the inclusion of green spaces in architectural designs is gaining ground in many cities, as its positive impact on the quality of life and mental health of inhabitants is recognized,” she concludes.
The two-level architecture in a complex in the Netherlands where flat roofs were used to create green access spaces for the residential apartments
www.buysellba.com
