擁抱天然建材：開創可持續建築的未來

擁抱天然建材：可持續建築的新未來

在全球面臨氣候危機的當下，建築行業正在積極尋找更加環保、可持續的建材來取代傳統的高碳排放材料，如鋼筋和水泥。根據國際能源署（IEA）數據，全球建築業佔了約 39% 的碳排放，其中水泥生產更是主要污染來源之一。為了降低建築對環境的影響，許多建築師和開發商正轉向天然建材，如石材、夯土、木材、稻草捆（straw bale）及近年來備受關注的「麻混凝土」（Hempcrete）。

As the world faces a climate crisis, the construction industry is actively seeking more environmentally friendly and sustainable materials to replace traditional high-carbon-emission materials such as steel and concrete. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global construction sector accounts for approximately 39% of carbon emissions, with cement production being a major contributor to pollution. To reduce the environmental impact of buildings, many architects and developers are turning to natural materials such as stone, rammed earth, timber, straw bales, and the increasingly popular hempcrete.

英國《建築學報》（Architects' Journal，簡稱 AJ）近期探討了一系列以天然建材打造的創新建築，展現了可持續建築的多樣性與無限可能。這些案例不僅強調了環境友善的設計，也顯示出天然建材在結構耐久性、節能性以及美學價值上的優勢。

傳統與創新交融的石材建築

英國牛津大學新學院（New College, Oxford）近期落成了一座獨特的粉紅砂岩建築，由建築師大衛·科恩（David Kohn）設計，外觀融合了現代流線造型與傳統石雕工藝。這座建築的亮點之一是 24 座精雕細琢的動物雕塑，包括穿山甲、金鼴鼠、大象、巨嘴鳥和叢林夜猴等。這些雕塑不僅展現了高超的石雕技藝，更是對氣候變遷影響下瀕危物種的隱喻，提醒人們環境保護的緊迫性。

The UK-based Architects' Journal (AJ) recently explored a series of innovative buildings constructed with natural materials, showcasing the diversity and potential of sustainable architecture. These projects not only emphasize environmentally conscious design but also demonstrate the structural durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic value of natural building materials.

The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Stone Architecture

這項工程集合了多方專業的力量：雕塑由藝術家 Monster Chetwynd 與石匠 Fergus Wessel 共同打造；建築外立面則由英國著名石材承包商 Grants of Shoreditch 負責建造。此外，動物雕塑的選定還諮詢了進化生物學教授 Ashleigh Griffin，以及著名作家 Katherine Rundell，確保這些雕塑不僅具有藝術價值，也承載生態學的教育意義。

The New College, Oxford, recently unveiled a unique pink sandstone building designed by architect David Kohn. The design blends modern, streamlined forms with traditional stone carving techniques. One of its highlights is a collection of 24 intricately carved animal sculptures, including a pangolin, golden mole, elephant, toucan, and night monkey. These sculptures not only showcase exquisite stone craftsmanship but also serve as a subtle commentary on endangered species affected by climate change, reminding people of the urgency of environmental conservation.

This project brought together a team of experts: artist Monster Chetwynd and stonemason Fergus Wessel created the sculptures, while the façade was constructed by the renowned UK stone contractor Grants of Shoreditch. The selection of animals was guided by evolutionary biology professor Ashleigh Griffin and acclaimed writer Katherine Rundell, ensuring the sculptures carry both artistic and ecological significance.

石材作為一種天然建材，歷史悠久且耐用，適用於各類建築風格。與水泥相比，石材的製造過程能耗較低，並且可以回收再利用。此外，石材建築的耐久性極高，可減少翻修和重建需求，進一步降低碳足跡。

低碳材料推動可持續建築

隨著全球建築業逐漸擁抱環保材料，越來越多設計師選擇使用低碳、生物基材料。例如，英國 Tuckey Design Studio 設計了一座夯土（rammed earth）住宅，夯土技術以生土為主要建材，並透過層層壓實形成穩固牆體，這種建築方式既具有良好的保溫性，也能有效調節濕度，提供更舒適的居住環境。

另一方面，Citizens Design Bureau 則運用稻草捆建造了一座「淨零碳」的歡迎中心。稻草捆建築不僅隔熱效果優越，還能將農業副產品轉化為高效建材，減少廢棄物並促進資源再利用。

值得關注的是，倫敦的 Nimtim 建築事務所近期完成了一項採用「麻混凝土」（Hempcrete）和木材打造的住宅擴建案。Hempcrete 是由工業大麻纖維與石灰混合而成，不僅具備良好的保溫性與耐久性，還能在生長過程中吸收二氧化碳，是一種優秀的碳負排放建材。

As a natural material, stone has a long history of durability and versatility in architecture. Compared to cement, its production requires less energy and can be recycled or reused. Additionally, the exceptional longevity of stone structures reduces the need for renovations or reconstructions, further minimizing their carbon footprint.

Low-Carbon Materials Driving Sustainable Architecture

As the global construction industry increasingly embraces eco-friendly materials, more designers are opting for low-carbon, bio-based solutions. For instance, the Tuckey Design Studio in the UK has designed a rammed earth house, utilizing compacted layers of soil to create strong walls. This building technique not only provides excellent insulation but also regulates humidity, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

Similarly, the Citizens Design Bureau has used straw bales to construct a net-zero carbon welcome center. Straw bale construction offers superior insulation while repurposing agricultural byproducts, reducing waste, and promoting resource efficiency.

A particularly noteworthy example is a residential extension in London, recently completed by Nimtim Architects, which incorporates hempcrete and timber. Hempcrete, a mixture of industrial hemp fibers and lime, offers excellent insulation and durability while absorbing CO₂ during its growth cycle, making it a carbon-negative material.

Nimtim 共同創辦人 Tim O’Callaghan 表示：「這是一種任何普通建築工人都能輕鬆學習並實施的技術，讓更多的家庭能夠選擇低碳、健康且環保的建築材料，這令人非常興奮。」Hempcrete 的應用範圍廣泛，除了住宅建築，也已經被運用在學校、商業建築以及歷史建築的翻修工程中。

可拆卸建築與木結構的新可能性

除了傳統天然建材外，可拆卸建築（demountable architecture）與木結構（timber frame）建築也成為永續建築的重要趨勢。這些設計不僅提高了建築的靈活性，還有助於資源回收與再利用。例如，建築師 Fran Williams 在伊爾福德（Ilford）設計了一座以木材為主的可持續食品市場，該建築可以根據需求進行拆卸與重組，減少建築廢棄物並延長使用壽命。

木材作為建材的優勢在於其碳儲存能力：樹木在生長過程中吸收二氧化碳，並將其封存在木材結構中。相比水泥與鋼鐵，木材的製造過程所需的能源更少，且可再生性高，因此被視為未來建築行業的重要材料。

According to Tim O’Callaghan, co-founder of Nimtim Architects, "This is a technology that any ordinary builder can easily learn and implement, making low-carbon, healthy, and sustainable building materials more accessible to homeowners. That’s incredibly exciting." Hempcrete is now being used not only in residential construction but also in schools, commercial buildings, and even heritage restoration projects.

The Rise of Demountable and Timber Architecture

Beyond traditional natural materials, demountable architecture and timber-frame buildings are emerging as key trends in sustainable construction. These designs increase building flexibility and support material reuse and recycling. For example, architect Fran Williams has designed a sustainable food market in Ilford primarily made of timber. The structure can be disassembled and reassembled as needed, reducing construction waste and extending its lifespan.

Timber is a particularly advantageous building material due to its carbon storage ability. As trees grow, they absorb CO₂ and lock it within their fibers. Compared to cement and steel, timber requires significantly less energy to produce and is highly renewable, making it a preferred choice for many developers and architects.

根據芬蘭的研究數據，使用木材建築可以降低約 30% 的碳排放，並且在正確管理下，森林資源的永續利用可以確保供應穩定。這使得木建築成為許多開發商與建築師青睞的選擇。

未來展望：天然建材如何改變建築行業？

隨著全球對氣候變遷問題的關注日益增加，建築業也必須重新思考其對環境的影響。天然建材的應用正在改變我們對建築的傳統認知，並為未來創造更環保、更有創意的建築可能性。

According to Finnish research data, timber buildings can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30%, and with proper forest management, a steady supply of sustainable timber can be ensured. This has made timber architecture an increasingly attractive option for sustainable development.

Future Prospects: How Will Natural Materials Transform the Construction Industry?

With growing global awareness of climate change, the construction industry must rethink its environmental impact. The increasing adoption of natural building materials is transforming traditional architectural practices and paving the way for more sustainable and innovative solutions.

這些案例不僅證明了天然建材的可行性，也展現了建築師如何透過創新設計，將環保理念融入現代建築之中。無論是夯土、麻混凝土、木材還是石材，這些材料的回歸不僅是對歷史工藝的致敬，更是建築界對氣候變遷問題的積極回應。

隨著技術的進步和設計的創新，可持續建築的時代正在到來——讓我們一起擁抱天然建材，打造更美好的未來。

These case studies demonstrate not only the feasibility of natural materials but also how architects are integrating sustainability into modern design. Whether using rammed earth, hempcrete, timber, or stone, the resurgence of these materials is both a tribute to historical craftsmanship and a proactive response to the climate crisis.

Embracing Natural Building Materials: A New Future for Sustainable Architecture

As technology advances and design evolves, the era of sustainable architecture is upon us. Let’s embrace natural materials and build a better future together.