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10 Things to know about Eco Brutalism

Eco Brutalism is a derivative of brutalism. Brutalist Architecture came after the world war. This style of architecture is not only simple but also cost effective. This explains why it was taken up after the war. After the ravages of war, the economy was barely okay. The economy basically in the trenches. Despite this situation, there was need to rebuild since most constructions had been destroyed in the war.

In the quest of moving on, architects came up with brutalist architecture which utilizes concrete. Buildings utilizing this style are not very attractive. However, function was esteemed over function at this point.  However, with time Eco Brutalism was initiated.

Eco Brutalist architecture tries to upscale the concept of sustainable development. Eco brutalist architecture is characterized by a mix of concrete buildings with lots of greenery from hanging plants and basically trees of all forms. Adding the green to brutalist architecture is an ecological footprint hence Eco Brutalism. Let’s look at the 10 Things to know about Eco Brutalism.

1. Eco Brutalism encompasses a lot of green

Photo by Victor. .

Eco-brutalism is the combination of brutalist style and the green we often associate with eco friendliness. Plants, trees, and other green elements are added to brutalist structures, turning them into eco brutalist buildings. These new elements work to brighten spaces and make use of the natural light.

2. It is associated with sustainability

Adding greenery to these otherwise dull and bare buildings apparently improves their environmental footprint. As a result, eco brutalism is associated with sustainability. Plants, trees, and other green elements are added to brutalist structures. This makes them eco brutalist buildings. The green gives a sense of sustainability and eco friendliness.

3. It criticized as a greenwashing scheme

Greenwashing in this case is borrowed from brainwashing. Greenwashing making ‘people believe that your company is doing more to protect the environment than it really is‘. It is misleading of consumers about products. Claiming they are ethical and green when they really are not. In this case, the concept that alludes that adding a few plants on an otherwise not eco friendly structure makes it eco friendly.

Concrete, in many cases, is not an eco friendly material. Utilising it in new buildings is not the sustainability win eco-brutalism may present it as. Though concrete may come from natural sources like limestone, the process of making cement is not eco friendly at all. Adding greenery does not address the goal of a sustainable future.

4. Eco Brutalism gives life to brutalist architecture

Photo by Gábor Molnár. .

Where Brutalism in architecture is about austerity, eco-brutalism is about bringing life to these structures, in both a literal and metaphorical sense. The two elements combine together, resulting in a beautiful space that celebrates life with the backdrop of brutalist architecture.

5. Eco Brutalism goes beyond the exterior of the house

When brutalism was formed, the furniture items, patterns, and colors generally stuck to a minimalist look. This means selecting leather, glass, or steep items that are black or white. It is also a good idea to stick to geometric patterns.

Today, it is all about adding a feeling of warmth and coziness to a space. Therefore, wooden tables and upholstered seating are essential. In addition, plants and greenery and areas where you can enjoy and connect with nature are a must.

6. Eco Brutalism ‘recycles’ brutalist architecture

The usefulness and stability of brutalist architecture meant that it would be a waste of resources to simply tear them down and start again. To say the least destroying them down would be an uneconomical decision. Even more serious was the fact that destroying these buildings would be horrendous for the environment.

Destruction could send particles of concrete and contaminants into the air, exposing poison to those who live nearby. The only option was to recycle the buildings in a way that retained their usefulness while incorporating natural or sustainable elements to make them more in tune with the architectural concepts of a more eco-conscious society.

7. So far eco Brutalist architecture is common in tropical countries

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Many of the current eco brutalist projects are being built in places like Costa Rica and Bangladesh. Others can be found in Brazil, Indonesia, and Tepoztlán, Mexico.

The buildings and residences being built in these places are more art-oriented than they are utilitarian. This is in contrast to the original function of its brutalist origins. They make use of the natural tropical climate and incorporate pools and naturally occurring foliage into their designs.

8. It was introduced to remedy the harmful effects of brutalist architecture

Brutalist Architecture mainly utilized concrete. The concrete industry is one of the main producers of carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. Concrete makes harm the ripest layer of the earth, the dirt.

Concrete is utilized to make hard surfaces which add to surface overflow that may cause soil erosion, water contamination and flooding. Brutalist architecture by its very nature is harmful to the environment. Eco Brutalism introduced the elements of greeneries to bring a balance to the ecosystem.

9. Eco Brutalism utilizes the natural environment

Photo by Daniel Seßler. .

An example of this is The Tiing Boutique Resort. The walls are cast against bamboo, and rough concrete surfaces were created via bamboo molds. The Jungle House on the other hand is elevated from the ground to achieve harmony with the typography. What this means is the main floors project from the hillside!

Using any means possible, eco brutalism utilizes nature as is including using the trees and plants as a backdrop. This is the way to go in order to achieve true sustainability and eco friendliness.

10. Eco Brutalism seems to allow more pomp and color

Photo by Kara Eads. .

Eco brutalism is stepping away from the traditional principles and rules. Red accent tiles in a kitchen or green towels in a bathroom are becoming acceptable.

You can now still have a brutalist-style home while adding in some fun and exciting pops of color. Along with selecting the right colors, fabrics, and furniture items, it is also essential to add in some finishing touches. For instance, artwork can also add textures to your home.