The Building Blocks of Green Design
Every space has the opportunity to take advantage of one or more green building blocks. Substantially reducing energy consumption for the entire life of the structure begins with looking at the opportunities the space holds and what we can do passively - such as orienting the building to respond to the regional climatic conditions of sun pattern and prevailing wind direction.
We believe the greenest building is one that’s already built - making every one of our building blocks an opportunity for you to improve your current space to make a positive impact on the planet as much as your longterm savings:
The Building Envelope is designed to reduce the overall demands for mechanical systems passively. Thermal mass rejects heat gain from the intense summer sun, and acts much like a flywheel does in an automotive transmission to balance the conductive transfer of temperature. This approach will provide dynamic temperature control e.g. taking a long time to heat up or cool off and then maintain interior temperatures almost effortlessly. The earthen adobe structures of the southwest work in a very similar fashion. The HVAC systems subsequently employed can be smaller, readily available, cost effective, and, easily maintained technology. Reliance on cutting edge, complicated and often-experimental mechanical systems isn’t needed nor desired.
Healthier Indoor Environments that use economical, durable, natural, or recycled materials in lieu of chemically laden synthetic building products, coupled with employing natural ventilation techniques and fresh air management systems.
Natural Daylighting to create interiors that are brighter and more appealing – abundant natural daylight contributes to an overall reduction of energy consumption; long-term maintenance costs and improves occupant health, attention span, and productivity.
Resource Efficient Construction requires an approach that is simple in plan and form, constructed with “off the shelf” building components thereby reducing construction waste and consequently, supports keeping construction costs within budget parameters. When building features that can endure the extremes of weather because they are suited to their climate, maintenance and replacement costs over the life span of the facility are lower.
Sustainable Site Planning places the building in a manner that reduces the impact of the structure and associated hardscape surfaces on the immediate environment to a minimum. Natural living features and habitats are respected and enhanced. The use of native landscapes is imperative to support wildlife habitat. Generally, they reduce or eliminate irrigation systems, are drought, heat, freeze and disease resistant. Overall site disturbance is controlled while runoff water is retained and utilized directly on site. Construction costs are again lower due to less reliance on conveyance structures and supplemental maintenance costs are virtually eliminated, as irrigation, fertilizer or pesticide applications, are no longer necessary.
