The Sustainable Design Blog

The Principles Of Good Design:

If you are looking to 

• Design a green building or just an efficient building
• Attain third part certification such as LEED
• Incorporate principles of good design

You have come to the right place. Carlson Studio can help you. There are many fundamental aspects of good design that we apply to all our projects whether or not they seek certification. Most of these apply to all building types, from homes, to schools, to office buildings, to churches. 

Some World Class Examples? Check out these projects already completed:

• Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery Center
• Fred's Bar & Restaurant In Sarasota Florida
• G-Wiz Technology Center In Sarasota Florida

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO TO CREATE WORLD CLASS, GREEN BUILDINGS?

Designing beautiful and truly green, sustainable buildings requires experience, commitment and teamwork, and sustainability is applied to all aspects of a project, including site design, energy conservation, water conservation, materials and resources and Indoor Environmental Quality.

One of the key aspects to successful sustainable design is the use of the Integrated Design Process. The integrated design approach that we utilize in all our work allows us to provide high quality, high performance buildings for our clients. We look at our buildings as part of the greater “whole system”. A building is an expression of energy, materials & design (information). Buildings are not comprised of isolated components - each is comprised of systems that interact with other systems including the larger ecological systems and the human community. A “whole system” design leverages the complex and complementary interactions to reduce energy use and levy the smallest possible environmental impact, while enhancing occupants’ comfort and productivity.

The integrated design approach asks the members of the planning, design and construction teams to look at the materials, systems and assemblies from many different perspectives. The design is evaluated for first cost, life cycle cost, quality-of-life, future flexibility, efficiency; overall environmental impact; productivity and creativity, and how the occupants will be enlivened. The most important component of any building is the people who use it. This design approach allows us the freedom to maintain our tradition of diverse architectural solutions without limiting us to particular building types or styles. The strategies we implement result in creating beautiful buildings that are safer, healthier and more efficient 

The Important Strategies We Implement For Each Project:

Focus 1: Site

• On-site storm water system and low impact development (LID) practices
• Plant palette consisting of drought tolerant native and Florida friendly plant species
• Water-wise low volume drip irrigation which could use a non-potable water source, putting the water on the root zone of each plant minimizing the evaporation rate
• Pervious pavements, pervious trails, & grass parking help to reduce storm water runoff
• Light colored hardscape reduce heat island effects created by most development
• Light Pollution Reduction
• Encourage Alternative Transportation

Focus 2: Water

The project can demonstrate a new standard of leadership in conserving our precious water resources. Examples may include:

• The flush/flow fixtures reduce indoor water consumption.
• On site reclaimed, storm water, or rain water can utilized for flushing of all toilets and urinals reducing potable water use
• Motion Sensors on Faucets
• Rainwater Harvesting for irrigation or toilet flushing
• Water Efficient Landscaping

Focus 3: Energy

Reducing energy use saves money, and directly translates into reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that are entering our atmosphere at historically unprecedented levels.  Examples may include:

• A high performing building envelope saves energy and operating expenses.
• Roof overhangs provide shade to reduce heat gain.
• Self-dimming light fixtures adjust for the amount of daylight entering each space to provide an optimal amount of light.
• Occupancy sensors in offices & other spaces turn on/off lights as needed
• Timers shut down all the lights at night
• LED Parking lights are more efficient than traditional
• High Efficiency SEER DX equipment can stick an appropriate balance between first cost and performance.
• Energy Recovery Ventilators reduce energy costs and improved indoor air quality and comfort
• Expansive south facing metal roof provides area for future solar installation
• Natural Day lighting saves energy
• HVAC Equipment right sizing.
• Non-CFC Based Refrigerants
• Solar Thermal water heating

Focus 4: Materials & Resources

Better process and product design can reduce waste; better product and material selection can reduce harmful effects to our planet; and better life-cycle management can effectively reuse and/or recycle materials rather than discard them into landfills.  Examples may include:

• Encourage Recycling during construction and during operation.
• Construction Waste Management: Separate dumpsters used to sort and collect each building material during construction.
• Collection of recyclables can be a feature in the daily operation of the building.  Design can include central collection areas for recycling.
• Specify Local and Regional Materials
• Recycled content in specified materials such as tile, toilet partitions, steel stud framing, etc.

Focus 5: Indoor Environmental Quality

• Views to the exterior and views to the natural scenery
• Use of natural daylight
• Low VOC Paints & Adhesives
• Low Emitting Materials
• Implement an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan, which prevents contaminants from entering the project during construction
• Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Control
• Walk off grates at main entrances
• Carbon Dioxide Monitoring

CONCLUSION:

Successful and cost effective sustainable design looks for synergies between all of the above ideas.   Each idea works in concert with other ideas in the design.

Carlson Studio is a team of LEED accredited architectual firm that can help you with each and every phase of your development needs. Use the button below to get in touch with us and spend some time discussing any challenges or ideas that might help you move forward with your project(s).