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by Sean Hill on Apr 29, 2023
Our small, design-led architecture studio has been driven by a passion for contemporary design, with an unwavering focus on energy efficiency and low embodied carbon. This post is intended to give you an insight into our principles, our ethos, and our approach to eco-friendly, sustainable architecture.
Our Foundations: A Journey Towards Sustainability
In 2011, a clear vision took shape within the four walls of our fledgling architecture studio – to redefine urban living for a sophisticated, environmentally conscious population. As sustainable architects, our ambition was to create residential designs that harmonise seamlessly with their environment, utilising advanced technology and sustainability principles. Over the years, we have been committed to reducing consumption and improving energy efficiency during both the construction phase and the operational lifespan of our projects.
Building Future-Ready Homes with Sustainable Architects
Central to our architectural philosophy is the idea of ‘future-proofing’. We’re not just designing for the present but also considering the generations to come. This involves the application of sustainable and cost-effective building solutions, many of which have been developed in partnership with Sustainability specialists. We create homes that can adapt to changing climates and stand the test of time while reducing our clients’ environmental footprint.
The Graduated Approach to Sustainable Living
To provide a tangible gauge of sustainability, we have developed a hierarchical structure comprising the elements (see Passivhaus and EnerPHit standards) of improved thermal insulation, reduction of thermal bridges, considerably improved airtightness, use of high-quality windows, ventilation with highly efficient heat recovery (MVHR), efficient heat generation (ASHP), and use of renewable energy sources. With each progressive stage, our clients achieve a more significant decrease in environmental impact while also benefitting from reduced running costs, lower construction expenses, and potential avoidance of planning delays. This approach has proven particularly advantageous for new-build homes, delivering a swift return on investment through rigorous adherence to sustainability standards.
Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology
As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we conform to the strict criteria of the Royal Institute of Chartered Architects. We embrace the use of innovative 3D design, visualisation tools and 3D building information modelling (BIM) technology on all our projects. Collaborating with consultants and contractors using this leading-edge technology has proven invaluable, saving our clients both time and money.
Case Studies in Sustainable Design
Our portfolio is filled with examples of our commitment to sustainable design, from the creation of bespoke additions to period properties to the more significant, all-encompassing projects like the eco-conscious design of a house in Mill Hill. Each case study offers an insight into our approach, and how we strive to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture.
Refining Sustainability in Renovation
We all recognise the importance of sustainable living. In our daily lives, we’re consuming less, and recycling more and, in our homes, many of us are improving rather than moving. However, renovation too has a significant environmental impact. It is crucial that we find ways to mitigate this, reducing our construction emissions through sustainable design and construction practices. Our studio has made considerable strides in this area, controlling our construction material choices, recycling existing materials, employing prefabricated elements and reducing waste.
Retrofitting Heritage Architecture: A Complex Challenge
One of the significant challenges we face in our quest for sustainability lies in retrofitting heritage architecture. However, through the implementation of a variety of innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective elements, we’ve made it possible for these historical buildings to meet modern sustainability standards, without sacrificing their original charm.
Essential Tips for Sustainable Renovation
There are some key aspects to consider when seeking to improve your home’s sustainability. Insulation, energy-efficient glazing, and ventilation systems are primary considerations. Other elements include low-energy lighting, low-flow showerheads, and insulation for the hot-water tank. Using non-toxic paints, stains and sealants, salvaging materials, and opting for local resources can also make a significant difference. Focusing on these essentials makes the path to a more sustainable home accessible and affordable.
The Importance of Sustainable Architecture in an Urban Environment
As the need for sustainable living practices grows, so too does the demand for sustainable architecture in urban environments like London. Engaging architects experienced in sustainable building allows for developing tailored solutions that consider local climate trends, landscape features, and building regulations. This approach results in drastic reductions in energy usage, saving money and resources for homeowners while maintaining a healthy environment.
Conclusion: Our Commitment to Sustainability
For us, sustainability is far more than a mere buzzword; it’s at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment is not only to our clients but also to the broader community and the environment. Our architectural practice will continue to focus on renewable energy sources, passive cooling solutions, natural ventilation systems, biodegradable or recycled materials wherever possible, and overall energy efficiency. Our mission remains clear: to contribute to a more sustainable future through every design we bring to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What principles guide your approach to sustainable architecture?
We are committed to creating contemporary designs that blend with the environment, are energy efficient, and incorporate low embodied carbon. We focus on reducing consumption and improving energy efficiency during both the construction and operational phases of our projects. Our designs also consider future generations, ensuring homes can adapt to changing climates and stand the test of time.
2. How do you incorporate ‘future-proofing’ into your designs?
‘Future-proofing’ is central to our architectural philosophy. It involves applying sustainable and cost-effective building solutions, many developed in partnership with sustainability specialists, to create homes that are adaptable to changing climates, reducing the environmental footprint of our clients.
3. What is your ‘Graduated Approach to Sustainable Living’?
We’ve developed a hierarchical structure to provide a tangible gauge of sustainability. It involves the implementation of the elements of improved thermal insulation, reduction of thermal bridges, improved airtightness, use of high-quality windows, highly efficient heat recovery ventilation, efficient heat generation, and use of renewable energy sources. This approach has been particularly advantageous for new-build homes, offering substantial decreases in environmental impact and costs.
4. Do you use any specific technology in your architectural practice?
We utilise innovative 3D design, visualisation tools, and 3D building information modelling (BIM) technology in all our projects. This leading-edge technology, in compliance with the strict criteria of the Royal Institute of Chartered Architects (RIBA), helps us collaborate more effectively with consultants and contractors, saving our clients both time and money.
5. Can you provide examples of your sustainable designs?
Our portfolio showcases various sustainable designs, from bespoke additions to period properties to large-scale projects such as the eco-conscious design of a new build house in Mill Hill. These case studies provide insights into our sustainable architectural approach.
6. How do you approach sustainability in renovation projects?
We recognise that renovation also has a significant environmental impact. We strive to mitigate this by controlling our construction material choices, recycling existing materials, using prefabricated elements, and reducing waste, hence improving our construction practices.
7. How do you retrofit heritage architecture sustainably?
Retrofitting heritage architecture is a complex challenge. However, we’ve been successful in implementing innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective elements that allow these historical buildings to meet modern sustainability standards without losing their original charm.
8. What should I consider when seeking to improve my home’s sustainability?
Essential considerations include insulation, energy-efficient glazing, and ventilation systems. Other elements to consider are low-energy lighting, low-flow showerheads, insulation for the hot-water tank, using non-toxic paints, salvaging materials, and opting for local resources. These considerations make the path to a more sustainable home accessible and affordable.
9. Why is sustainable architecture important in an urban environment?
As the need for sustainable living practices grows, so does the demand for sustainable architecture in urban environments. It allows for tailored solutions that consider local climate trends, landscape features, and building regulations. This approach drastically reduces energy usage, saving homeowners money and resources while preserving a healthy environment.
10. How does your firm demonstrate its commitment to sustainability?
Sustainability is at the core of all our work. We continually focus on renewable energy sources, passive cooling solutions, natural ventilation systems, biodegradable or recycled materials wherever possible, and overall energy efficiency. Our mission is to contribute to a more sustainable future through every design we bring to life.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3973 9073
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