Sustainable building architecture with thoughtful design
Josh Crosbie Architects pursues the ideology of environmentally conscious buildings vigorously whilst also appreciating the economic and social considerations of sustainability.
In Australia, our buildings account for 23% of the nation’s green house gas emissions. We have the greatest ability to reduce the environmental footprint of a building at the front end of the building process – design.
Environmentally conscious buildings possess the following qualities at the very least:
improved thermal comfort to the users
improved air quality to the users
reduced energy consumption saves money from utility bills
reduced energy consumption reduces the carbon footprint / greenhouse emissions
use of appropriate materials, especially timbers, will lessen the often harmful environmental impact caused by extraction, transportation and manufacture.
more commercially viable buildings
improved corporate reputation and branding.
satisfaction, pride and enjoyment to the inhabitants.
Our buildings have an opportunity to significantly improve people's standard of living and to nurture community-minded values. Locally and globally, architecture must embrace the challenge to reduce our environmental footprint.
Design
An in depth understanding of the site and clever design will achieve:
passive solar gain
natural ventilation for cooling
thermal mass Incorporated into the building
excellent thermal performance
rainwater collection and reuse
permeable and drought resistant landscaping to reduce stormwater loads
social awareness: our buildings should seek to recreate the sense of community within our neighbourhoods.
Materials
Materials and processes are selected to ensure minimal environmental impact:
utilise technically improved or innovative products- especially facades, glazing, insulation.
reduced use of resources
recycled materials are utilised
source of supply,
embodied energy,
life cycle / recyclability
water consumption
Construction
low energy fittings and appliances are selected
efficient construction methodology
reduced water consumption
excess material waste avoided
use of renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint
economic considerations: practices should be employed that are economically responsible and not cost prohibitive.
