As a studio sustainability is at the core of all our activities and we recognise that our work has a direct and indirect impact on the environment.
We ensure responsibility for our work and that sustainable principles underpin the approach to all of our new build or refurbishment designs.
Our commercial and private clients share this ethos and understand their responsibility to increase efficiency, de-carbonise and reduce emissions across their assets.
We assist them to create high quality, desirable, sustainable spaces that promote health and wellbeing, meeting their individual targets or goals and do this by adopting the best design practices to ensure their project minimises environmental impact.
Across our new build and refurbishment projects for both private and commercial clients, our work sees us design, specify and oversee the majority of all interior architecture and interior design aspects. Our aim at all times is to ensure where possible all materials, finishes and fit-out elements are as sustainable, efficient and optimal as possible.
At the start of the project we carefully consider the selection of potential materials and construction methods and plan this out against possible future performance requirements and project certification.
Priority will be given to materials and elements that are recycled or have high recycled content, are sustainably sourced, produced using green energy and ethically sourced.
Lean construction is considered, overuse of material is to be avoided and those specified should be durable and adaptable, avoiding obsolescence (in line with circular principles above). Efficiency is also key, re-use, repetition, simplicity and modular design will be considered.
We select robust and durable materials that can be repurposed or re-used in line with circular principles. In order of priority, materials and building elements should be able to be: 1. Maintained 2. Refurbished 3. Repurposed 4. Deconstructed and Reused 5. Remanufactured and Recycled
Taking embodied carbon and whole life carbon into consideration we aim to select low carbon materials. Where a low carbon solution is not possible we look for methods to optimise the use of this material or element. Key considerations for materials, equipment and structure include: Whole Life Carbon, Weight, Flexibility, Recycled Content, Services Integration, Availability, Performance (acoustic, fire, weathering, durability etc)
Natural materials and finishes will be prioritised alongside wider biophilic design initiatives that seek to increase the availability of and access to natural elements such as air, light, water and greenery.
We have a responsibility to ensure suppliers can account for the materials they provide. Materials and equipment will require industry recognised certification to ensure they are sustainably and ethically sourced and manufactured.
Through the creation of strong relationships with our clients, collaborators, suppliers and contractors we are able to ensure our sustainability goals are implemented throughout the duration of a project.
At all stages we work with these parties to explore new ideas and technologies, ensure best practice, implementing the aspirations of our clients and requirements of the overall project strategy.
We source suppliers and specify with sustainability in mind. Below are examples of certification that we look for:
Our knowledge and experience of working with relevant design assessment and certification systems will ensure a balance between the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the design.
We draw from our own experience and take guidance from recognised and influential external bodies to ensure all designs meet required sustainability targets.
