sus·tain·a·ble
conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources
Sustainable Architecture Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide
Sustainable architecture is the practice of employing design techniques that minimize the adverse environmental impacts of a built environment. This involves careful consideration of the site’s landscape, energy management, and stormwater management in the planning phase, followed by the utilization of eco-friendly systems and materials during construction.
At Dean Prime Design, our commitment to sustainable strategies is unwavering in all our public building projects. Embracing sustainability is not just an ethical choice for the environment; it also offers invaluable educational opportunities. Buildings designed with sustainability in mind serve as live demonstrations, allowing occupants and visitors to witness the effectiveness of these strategies in real-time.
Embarking on the journey of designing a sustainable building can seem challenging, but it needn’t be. At Dean Prime Design, we prioritize understanding your specific needs and concerns. Our team is dedicated to proposing sustainable architectural solutions that align with your objectives and financial plan.
We are staunch believers in the principle that sustainable design is crucial for future-forward building. Our confidence in our ability to collaborate with you to discover the most suitable sustainable solutions is unwavering. Our design process incorporates a range of strategies aimed at achieving sustainability:
Incorporating these strategies, Dean Prime Design is poised to lead the way in creating buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but are also places where communities can learn and grow. Let us partner with you to make sustainability an integral part of your next project.
Passive Sustainable Design.
Passive strategies, such as considering sun orientation and climate when siting and being thoughtful about window placement and operation, are used to best manage daylighting and natural ventilation and go a long way in reducing energy requirements for the building. In certain climates, thermal mass techniques can be used to harness solar energy. In such cases, thick walls absorb heat from the sun during the day and release it into the building at night.
Active Sustainable Design.
Active strategies include consulting with mechanical and electrical engineers to implement high-efficiency electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems, which are designed to have small environmental footprints.
Renewable Energy Systems.
Renewable energy systems, including those that harness solar and wind energy, are also great options for some buildings. These systems are often used in conjunction with passive design strategies.
Green Building Materials and Finishes.
We make it priority to source steel, lumber, concrete, and finishing materials, such as carpet and furnishings, from local companies that use environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques or recycled materials.
Native Landscaping.
Landscaping choices can make a big impact in civic building water consumption. By using trees, plants, and grasses that are native to the area, architects can greatly reduce irrigation needs. Landscaping can also be used as part of a passive energy strategy. By planting trees that shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of the day, solar heat gain inside the building can be reduced.
Stormwater Management.
When rain falls on an untouched site, the water that doesn’t evaporate absorbs back into the ground, replenishing the natural water table. However, when a building is placed on the site, along with parking lots, sidewalks, access roads, and other hardscaping, rainfall behaves differently. The water runs off these surfaces and into storm drains. By implementing stormwater management strategies, such as pervious pavement that helps to reduce runoff and retention ponds that capture runoff and slowly release water back into the ground, the negative environmental impact of buildings can be reduced.