Sustainability encompasses 3 aspects: economic, social and environmental.

Economic sustainability entails finding solutions that address multiple problems, taking the long term view and creating efficiencies which pay back over the life of the building. It also takes into account local economics, being mindful of available materials, technology and craft.

Social sustainability seeks to amplify the relationship between people and their environments, creating increased awareness of place and direct physical contact. The result is an enriched experience.

Environmental sustainability means first and foremost that the building must be suited to its context & history – site, location, microclimate, craft and culture. First principles are always employed in the initial planning and design – orientation, 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 – such as assisted ventilation, day lighting strategies and energy efficient components. Opportunities to recycle are also explored, mainly building materials, water, sewage and food waste. Where appropriate, a secondary layer of high-tech systems are integrated into the project. These may include solar, wind and hydro energy production, co/tri-generation, earth and water thermal systems.

We collaborate on an on going basis with 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.