What is Sustainable Architecture?
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE?
PROGRESS
Sustainable Architecture is better architecture. It is more comfortable, more durable, cost-effective and beautiful. At ENFORM, sustainable architecture is a mindset where we see optimized carbon deployment resulting in beautiful building outcomes. We see sustainable design as an enabler of progress. It is a culture of looking at positive action in the world.
Shorin-in and Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto
These marvelous little buildings are situated within an entrancing, beautiful garden. They are centuries old, made of wood, with little to no mechanical service. Visitors enjoy the contemplative spaces. They offer us important lessons. We wonder - what is contemporary architectural design missing?
(Original)
SHIFT
The challenge is not technical but cultural. The shift in the design culture can be accomplished with the tools already at hand. Rigorous measurement and evaluations tools – especially advanced digital databases – give the designer the ability to quickly measure the total carbon impact of design decisions. Using carbon metrics to evaluate progressive change shows the design team the opportunities of low carbon architecture. It’s not a mentality of using less to achieve less – using carbon in smart ways will deliver higher performance.
IMPACT
Through everyday decisions – on building size and orientation, material selection and composition of enclosure assemblies, design and implementation of systems, and durable detailing – our choices directly affect atmospheric carbon and human health.
For example: a daylight building has beautiful light and consumes less electricity. Advanced ventilation systems that deliver high indoor air quality and provide maximum health to occupants are driven by low powered fans that consume less energy. A highly efficient thermal enclosure conserves heat and provides exceptional comfort while using less energy. A durably designed enclosure keeps the building components dry and therefore can utilize lower carbon materials. These measures all add up to lower carbon and higher performance.
INFLUENCE
ESSAY COMPETITION SUBMISSION
Sustainability for ENFORM is a renewed culture of action-in-the-world. We can improve the human experience with more amenity and less carbon – the two outcomes are bound together. Some might say the conditions are not ideal, as there are always challenges of finance, schedule, or construction logistics – however we believe cost effectiveness and construction advancement are the product of true sustainable design. Sensitive carbon deployment reveals opportunity and becomes an emergent economy of design excellence.
(ENFORM Architects)
Deep analysis of existing conditions allows the designer to balance highly effective retrofits against already deployed carbon in building infrastructures. We can garner more from our buildings.