Sustainability
For us, sustainability begins on day one, before we've even put pencil to paper. Sustainability is a holistic approach, not a bolt-on technology, and not an afterthought. Our dream is to work with you to make your project as sustainable and environmentally beneficial as it can be: not just for now, but for 5, 10, 20 years in the future.
Our approach
We start conversations about sustainability early, and we hold them often. We want to challenge you to minimise the environmental impact of your project. We also want you to come to us with your bold sustainability ideas! We love working with clients who already have sustainability on their agenda.
Good design is sustainable because it lasts. But sustainability also means rethinking how we build and design good architecture in the first place. Sometimes that means not building at all! Retrofitting existing buildings so that the space works better for you and the environment is one of our core approaches.
From the materials we use to deliver your project, to insulation and ventilation, to energy-efficient buildings that create energy for your home, we advocate for sustainability in the round.
We design schemes to achieve high ratings under formal sustainability assessment processes: BREEAM for public buildings, Passivhaus and Code for Sustainable Homes for private residential properties.
1. Thermal Envelope
Thermal performance is all about providing the best solutions to reducing heat loss and space heating requirements in your dwelling. It is vital to ensuring a beautiful home that is both healthy, and efficient.
Having a good thermal performance ensures control over the internal environment of your home, providing great comfort for you and those inhabiting the various spaces in your home.
2. Renewable Energies
We acknowledge that we are in a climate crisis, and therefore a change in the way homes and spaces are designed is more critical than ever. Especially when we consider the change in environment. Traditional ways of producing heat and electricity in the home is no longer acceptable, neither is it sustainable as we see the damaging impact it causes to our built spaces.
This is why we choose to adopt renewable energies in the work we produce. Optimising upon renewable energy is one of the quickest ways to reduce our contribution to the climate crisis.
By using natural resources such as the sun and wind, readily available to use, we can produce efficient heating and electricity systems that will be a long - term saving for you, and the planet.
3. Biodiversity
Biodiversity is more than just adding a grass patch to a back garden, it can be the makeup of a home.
By using natural materials and incorporating green spaces, biodiverse designs can significantly improve indoor air quality. Plant life, green roofs, and walls help filter the air, creating a healthier living environment by reducing pollutants and toxins.
Integrating natural elements like native plants, water features, and wildlife habitats into the home’s design not only beautifies the space but also supports local wildlife and promotes biodiversity. These efforts can help preserve local species, reduce habitat loss, and improve overall ecosystem health.
4. Natural Materials
The built environment sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for approximately 4% of global emissions.
The ongoing use and production of chemical-based and industrial-heavy materials like steel, glass, and concrete contribute significantly to the carbon footprint, placing a considerable strain on the environment.
We aim to change this by prioritizing natural materials that have a lighter environmental impact, reducing the reliance on harsh materials that contribute to this strain.
5. Our Process
We work with your design aspirations in mind. We adopt a sustainable approach to your project ensuring you get the best possible outcome. How do we do this?
We have a simple five step process showing you how we turn your brief and aspirations into reality.