REDUCED IMPACT DESIGN

Sustainable – to meet the needs of today, without compromising the needs of the future

To act in a Sustainable way is a Moral Duty, with the bonus of long term Economic Benefits

Construction is one of the most unsustainable activities humans undertake.  In the construction and operation of buildings we consume great amounts of energy and resources and use a vast array of toxic materials.   We create an incredible amount of waste, much of which is difficult to reuse.

Our aim is to design buildings which provide improved health and comfort for their users, while at the same time reducing the impacts of this consumption: power, water, resources, pollution.

We aim to minimise these impacts through awareness and response.  We strive to design buildings which minimise their impact on the landscape, their use of energy and water and the use of toxic materials.  We also aim to maximise the use of passive and where possible,  renewable systems.  Designing inevitably involves a series of compromises.  Each material or system has merits and faults within the cost : impact : longevity matrix.

Our role as Architects is to create buildings which are custom made for their location and occupants.  We study the site and respond to its unique environmental conditions and assets.  We aim to be good citizens of both the greater environment and the local community.  We strive to enhance the built environment with buildings that will endure and be enjoyed by their occupants. 

We support the notions of higher density housing, mixed-use developments, with an emphasis on close proximity to urban centres and open space.  We favour quality materials and products - longevity is a fundamental to sustainability.  Development that depends on the motor car is not.