Green Architecture

Green architecture is the foundation of our work. It is healthy, efficient, resilient and leaves a lighter footprint on our world. You may think that you know green architecture when you see it, but sometimes the “image” surpasses reality, and the ultra-modern and high-tech costs us more than simple, old-school rationale.

Look Back & Move Forward

Green architecture must first consider the past and look to the roots of your area's vernacular style. Before mass industrialization, electricity, and air-conditioning, buildings were built from renewable, locally-sourced materials, and designed to be naturally comfortable. There is a timeless, "original green" way of building that we have largely forgotten, but it holds the key to sustainable design today. Discover the lost roots of your town’s architecture:

• Why traditional building methods faded after WWII.

• The importance of relying on local resources and craftsmanship.

• How preserving older buildings reduces our carbon footprint.

• Read the full guide: Vernacular Architecture & Place-Based Design

Whole Building Design

Using time-tested strategies along with our best modern technologies yields the most energy-efficient, and stylistically appropriate design in any location. Whole building design examines a building as if it were a single, living organism. Striking the perfect balance between "original green" building traditions and modern "high-tech" mechanicals is the secret to a truly resilient property. Explore how this synthesis works in practice:

• How historic buildings are inherently green and resilient.

• Balancing "original green" traditions with "high-tech" mechanicals.

• Why whole-building retrofits offer the best return on investment.

• Read the full article: Holistic Building Design: Inherent Green and High Tech

Passive Building & High-Performance Homes

Living in a green home can change your outlook on the surrounding world. Passive building design and high-performance homes maximize thermal control and minimize your footprint. Discover how the next generation of architects is merging ecology and technology to build the ultimate solar-powered living machines:

• How college teams combine beauty and technology to build high-performance houses powered by the sun.

• The rigorous rules and building codes that govern zero-energy competition homes.

• A look at the cutting-edge products and materials used to achieve passive building standards.

• Read the full article: High-Performance Homes in the Mile-High City of Denver

Resilient Design & Inherent Energy Efficiency

Historic properties are not energy hogs; they are hallmarks of resilient design built with great craftsmanship. They were designed for thermal comfort via passive means. True sustainable architecture goes beyond simple energy efficiency by incorporating a powerful Native American philosophy. See how one award-winning solar home merged indigenous traditions with adaptive climate technology:

• Applying the Native American "7th Generation Principle" to modern housing.

• Merging indigenous cultural traditions with adaptive climate technology.

• Designing homes that can adapt and expand with a family's needs.

• Read the full story: Maryland reACT House Celebrates the 7 Generation Principle

Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Whole-building energy efficiency retrofits can reduce operating costs and improve property value. Following a staged, whole-building approach is the best way to optimize energy use for your historic or existing property. Learn abou the EPA’s straightforward 3-stage process that works for any existing property:

• Stage 1: Improve Operations (Energy Audits & Maintenance)

• Stage 2: Reduce Energy Loads (Envelope Upgrades & Utility Incentives)

• Stage 3: Upgrade Systems (HVAC & Automation)

• Read the full guide: Conquer Whole Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits in 3 Stages

Toxic Building Materials & The Red List

Many building products found in both old and new homes can negatively affect our indoor air quality. We must carefully select healthy materials and utilize transparency tools like the Perkins+Will Precautionary List or the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to protect our families. Are the materials in your newly remodeled home secretly making your family sick? Discover how to protect your indoor air quality by spotting the worst offenders:

• Why typical "fast and cheap" remodels (using fresh paint, carpets, and faux wood) often introduce harmful chemical compounds.

• How to use the Living Building Challenge "Red List" to easily identify and avoid the most toxic materials (like PVC and added Formaldehyde).

• Where to find transparent "nutrition labels" (like Declare® and Cradle to Cradle) to guarantee you are sourcing safe, healthy building products.

• Read the full series: Not in My House! Toxic Building Materials 101 - Part 1

Your Living Footprint

What fits your needs? Do you see yourself retrofitting an existing property that you love, or building a new home that is just right? Our goal is to help you become more conscious today, live fuller lives, and leave a better world for generations to come.

Green Heart Town

True green architecture looks back at time-tested vernacular traditions before moving ahead with modern technology. Dive into our most recent architecture posts below, where we explore everything from building a resilient Passive House and selecting healthy materials, to the beauty of full-circle design.

Note:  Please leave questions and comments in the space after each post. I look forward to the conversation! 
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