Environmental Approach

First and foremost the building must be suited to its context & history – site, location, microclimate, craft ,materials available and culture.

First principles are always employed in the initial planning and design – orientation and siting to take advantage of the environmental benefits of the site, passive cooling and heating, natural ventilation, natural light, protection from heat-gain and cold winds.

Then a layer of low-tech passive control systems is applied – the selection of appropriate assisted ventilation, day lighting strategies, solar collections systems and energy efficient components.

Opportunities to recycle are then explored, mainly building materials, water, sewage and food wastes.

Where necessary, a secondary layer of high-tech systems are integrated into the project. These may include solar electric panels, co/tri-generation plant, earth and water thermal systems.

We collaborate on an on going basis with the CSIRO, suppliers of specialized equipment as well as specialists consultants, equipping our practice with expertise and up to date research and testing capabilities.

Our environmental approach ensures that every building, from the most humble to the state of the art has been designed with the most appropriate considerations and strategies to minimize its environmental impact and maximize the long term benefits to both its owners and its present and future occupants.