A building in the Lower Galilee which showcases traditional architectural Arab styles with ecological benefits demonstrates that modern concerns can be resolved with ancient techniques
One of the most important things we need to do to tackle climate change is reduce the amount of energy we use. One way to do this is ensure buildings are better regulated so we don’t have to spend lots of money and energy either heating or cooling our homes and offices. However, this doesn’t mean we have to jump on the latest energy-efficiency technologies.
As an award-winning traditional Arabic building in the Lower Galilee shows (which we featured in our 2009 video), ancient building techniques can work just as well. Designed by Abed el-Rahman Yasin, a student of Hassan Fathy, the green building which is located in Sakhnin features 20 different energy saving features ranging from patios to cool the air, water features and mashrabiyas.
The building which was constructed using local materials is now used as an educational centre for green building technologies.
The building uses particularly efficient thermal insulation and low energy consumption. Indeed, soon after completion the building was awarded first prize in a competition on energy conservation in buildings by the Union of the Mediterranean. It also received a $130,000 grant to invest in a wind turbine and solar panels.
The use of traditional building designs had dwindled in recent times but there is an effort by some to ensure that useful techniques are not lost.
“The Arab sector today is less prone to use the traditional methods used by our fathers, but our objective is to restore those methods,” said Hussein Tarabeih (who we’ve featured in our video here), of the Town Association of Beit Natufa.
“Our fathers were right,” continues Tarbiye. “Just look at the old mosques and palaces without electricity. They are still very tempered.”
Some of the central features of Arab architecture include patios and water features which are really useful in regulating heat and cooling the building during long, hot, summer days.
Cooling towers which consist of tall windows in chimneys are also important and help circulate air a little bit like air conditioners do. And domes function in a similar way by allowing hot air to rise and keeping base temperatures lower.
For more on traditional green buildings see:
The Mashrabiya House Beats the Heat with Traditional Arabic Technique
The Epitome of Sustainable Architecture: 700 Year-Old Iranian Cave Homes
Ancient Nabatean Wisdom to Push Back Desertification Today
Author: Arwa Aburawa
Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.
I must say I admire all your posts, Arwa!
Please keep them coming 🙂
I second that!