Abstract:
Now, we are facing the challenge of constructing in a sustainable
way. However, discussions of sustainability tend to focus on new buildings
while the existing building stock is often overlooked. More attention should
be paid to sustainable renovation. The existing residential buildings, which
have a direct relationship with people‟s life and environment, account for a
large amount in Africa. This research focuses on the sustainable renovation
of residential buildings in Sudan. The aim is to cast the shadow on the
importance of sustainability in minimizing environmental impact and
maximizing comfort of life, and to provide a yardstick to analyze examples
of sustainable renovation.
Firstly, an understanding of sustainability and Renovation has been
formed. Then a yardstick is developed for selecting, discussing and
analyzing of the case study. Algamayer residential area, Omdurman,
Khartoum state was selected as a case study. The case study is analyzed by
the yardstick.
Finally recommendations have been stated, the most important of
which are as follows:
Renewable materials, such as mud, are the priority selection as the
construction material in the renovation project, due to the
consideration of reducing the impact of natural environment.
Using prefabricated construction method, this can not only shorten
construction period, but also reduce the negative influence to the
surrounding environment.
Adopting a foreign experience in sustainable renovation can be, in
my opinion, the best thing to do, if similar situations are at hand.
