Sustainable Design

Let us show you how we turn our words into actions. We embed environmental principles into the core of every project we undertake. As experts in Passive House methodologies and as Sustainable Home Professionals, we're dedicated to creating healthy, energy-efficient, and durable homes that withstand the test of time.

Drawing wisdom from history while embracing innovation

As students of historical buildings, we possess a unique perspective that allows us to learn from the successes and failures of the past. As innovators, we eagerly explore new technologies, materials, and methodologies. However, we maintain a healthy skepticism and conduct thorough research, ask critical questions, and even self-test before implementing new products.

Striving for environmental excellence

While perfection in environmental sustainability may be elusive, we recognize that the mere existence of buildings accounts for a substantial portion of global energy demand. Nonetheless, we consistently strive to incorporate intelligent design principles that come at low or no additional cost to our projects.

Harvesting nature's energy

We meticulously site our buildings and develop building massing to harness the potential solar energy. Our designs also incorporate passive solar tempering and cooling strategies. Proper orientation is at the heart of sustainable building design, where, like a flower, the structure can harness the sun's energy when appropriately positioned.

Built for the weather

Our projects feature siding materials chosen to complement the region and are constructed with meticulous attention to flashing, drainage, and weatherproofing details. These measures are intended to extend the structure's lifespan and protect it from water infiltration.

Climate-responsive thermal design

We develop climatically responsive building assemblies that not only meet but exceed regional climate data requirements. Our focus on creating airtight assemblies is balanced with continuous ventilation, as we firmly believe that houses are never too tight, only improperly ventilated.

Efficient HVAC and renewable energy integration

Working closely with our trade partners, we develop HVAC strategies tailored to our building envelope's climatic needs and the availability of renewable energy sources. Our goal is to reduce the HVAC system's installation and operating requirements by employing highly insulated assemblies and strategically positioning homes to harness both passive and active solar energy.

Integrated design with BIM modeling

Our integrated design approach, combined with our 3-dimensional BIM modeling system, allows us to explore multiple scenarios early in the design process. This enables us to illustrate how we can construct your home to harness renewable energy and reduce energy consumption. Simultaneously, we evaluate construction costs against potential energy savings to strike the perfect balance between efficiency and economics.

Our Environmental Principles in Action

    • Locate and develop building massing to maximize solar energy and provide seasonal shading

    • Preserve significant trees when possible and strategically replant for future generations

    • Implement "Dark Sky" fixtures to reduce light pollution

    • Manage stormwater effectively

    • Base design on actual needs to minimize resource consumption

    • Utilize low-tech solutions whenever feasible

    • Plan for future improvements and upgrades

    • Employ technology to manage and monitor energy consumption, climatic controls, and interior illumination

    • Develop systems to manage and mitigate radon exposure

    • Ensure continuous ventilation and fresh air in all rooms

    • Select low-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free products

    • Choose regionally appropriate cladding materials

    • Develop well-detailed, weatherproof building enclosures

    • Maintain a healthy skepticism and conduct thorough research before adopting new materials

    • Understand and schedule future maintenance requirements

    • Maximize insulation for superior energy conservation

    • Create airtight building envelopes to minimize energy loss

    • Follow thermal bypass checklists during construction

    • Specify and utilize Energy Star Rated fixtures and appliances

    • Consider building certification and conduct blow door tests before project completion

    • Design according to the given climate, context, and social considerations for long-term sustainability

    • Actively and passively harness the power of the sun

    • Explore the potential for wind and water energy generation

    • Reduce water consumption with low-flow fixtures and recycling options

    • Utilize drought-tolerant landscaping

    • Capture and reuse on-site water for human consumption and site irrigation when feasible

    • Implement on-site drainage strategies to manage stormwater, including rain gardens where applicable