Pakistan’s Construction Trends

With the escalation of energy costs and ever exhausting fuel reserves, architectures are forced to focus on designs and construction practices that are energy efficient; carbon emissions from buildings account for 48% of the total emissions. Evidently, Pakistan is also embracing the ‘green movement’.

‘Passive Housing’ has been one of the key construction fashions this year. This involves constructing structures that make use of green features. These structures make certain that lower temperatures are maintained indoors, which ultimately results in reduction of energy costs by up to 90%.

Green features consist of using super insulation and double glazing on windows, perforated walls to create natural ventilation, and energy recovery ventilation systems; substantially reducing air leakages. Structures that extend beyond are built around the sides of the building so that the lower portions are shaded from direct sunlight.

To build structures with green features cost approximately 35-40% more than conventional structures, however, reduced electricity bills recover these costs within 5-7 years. Moreover, passive houses have 30-35% more value than conventional houses.

Due to insufficient large vacant plots in most of Pakistan’s metropolitan cities, a new trend of ‘Tiny House Movement’ has surfaced. This involves constructing smaller houses which optimize space; convert houses to condo-style apartments, merge multipurpose rooms.

These tiny houses cost about 20-25% less in terms of construction. Low taxes and maintenance costs result in value appreciation by about 30-35% in the long run.