Renovation for the Sustainability Of Existing Residential Buildings

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.