Designing for Climate:
Our Approach to Low-Carbon Buildings
At Axis Architecture in Hampshire, we know how important it is to design sustainable buildings and use innovative building practices. Both have the potential to address environmental concerns, reduce energy consumption, improve occupant well-being, and contribute to global sustainability goals.
Ways we make our projects Eco-friendly
There is a bewildering array of so-called sustainable materials and alternative energy products on the market. These include air, water and ground source heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar collectors, heat recovery systems, wind and water turbines, etc.
Sustainable materials
When considering carbon dioxide emissions, it is not enough to consider the emissions produced while the buildings are in use from such things as gas boilers. It is also essential to consider the emissions created in the production of building materials and components. As Architects, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to select materials with fair-trade and sustainable background.
Find out more about it here:
Heating
Undoubtedly, the best way to heat up your property (domestic and commercial) is a heat source pump – either air or ground. However, this can be very costly, particularly for a retrofit project. In this cases, electricity’s production is becoming more sustainable. So how do we take advantage of this sustainable heating system? The trick is to design buildings that don’t need as much power to heat them by making the external fabric of the building, the roof, walls and ground floor as thermally efficient as possible.
By specifying building materials that are thermally efficient and sustainable with low or zero-carbon credentials, we can go a long way towards making new buildings sustainable. This design procedure is known as the ”passive principle”, and its widespread adoption is beginning to have a beneficial impact. Applying similar principles to extending, altering or refurbishing existing buildings is complex but achievable with the proper understanding and experience.
Green Roof
If you have a flat roof in your property, or want to extend, a green roof is more than just an addition to your home; it’s an investment in your family’s well-being and a small step towards a more sustainable future. It preserves your view, cools your home, quiets the noise, manages stormwater, and provides a haven for local wildlife. It’s a testament to the power of integrating nature into our built environments.
Read more about this topic in one of our projects:
Solar Panels
Needless to say, photovoltaic panels offer numerous benefits, including reduced electricity bills, increased property value, and environmental sustainability. They provide a renewable energy source, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and can make your property self-sustained. With the correct battery, your property can benefit from stored energy no matter the weather.
Longevity
This is a controversial topic, as some materials are classed as non-environmental, however, when longevity is taken into consideration, the overall performance of the material can improve significantly. Purchasing a sustainable material that has a lifespan of two years reduces the overall sustainable value of that material, as a lot larger quantities are required to satisfy the lifespan of the building.
For example, the use of concrete had a boom following the Second world War, when there was a significant requirement to build a lot and fast! Concrete provided speed and cheap costs and was used world-wide with no considerations to its lack of sustainability. Concrete’s production is not inherently sustainable due to the high carbon emissions associated with cement production. However, it is to be noted that concrete is very durable, thanks to its ability to resist weathering, chemical attack, abrasion, and other forms of deterioration, thereby maintaining its original form, quality, and serviceability over its intended lifespan. Proper design, material selection, and construction practices are crucial for achieving durable concrete structures, which can last for decades, even centuries, with minimal maintenance. Concrete’s longevity helps the argument that this material can be used in a project, especially thanks to the advancements in concrete technology and practices that are making it a more sustainable option.
Talk To Us About Sustainable Buildings
There are many additional ways to incorporate sustainable elements into your design, like creating a living wall, or adding brise-soleil to the south facing elevation, etc.. We work on a bespoke approach that your project and your needs are unique, and our design will be fully tailored to your brief. Ready to talk to us about your project? We work with clients both locally, in Hampshire and around the UK.
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