From buying reusable cups to switching to electric cars, we’re all striving to live a more environmentally friendly life, but how your home’s Reno project will affect the environment. Have you ever wondered if you are? Sustainable architecture is a hot topic so far and we are keen to learn and educate more about how we can make better choices. So we talked to experts at the Common Ground Workshop, a London-based construction company. It is at the top of the agenda.
Director Jack Panel gave us some tips on how to minimize the impact of the new project on the planet. You can do it in a variety of ways, from approaching the right person to the job, to making a simple and sustainable switch.
What are the biggest areas of sustainability that the building industry is focusing on?
“There is a great impetus for achieving Net Zero in the construction industry, and so many talented architects and design professionals are working on new initiatives led by RIBA and other major forums and interest groups. It’s great to see them, ”explains Jack.
“For us, building refurbishment and building reuse offer a very exciting opportunity for future sustainability. We have both sustainable material specifications and energy efficiency, and space life. We are increasingly working on projects that require innovation in cycle design. Future adaptability and agility. “
“For example, our architectural practices are in our own cafes and coworking spaces. We are fully agile and have space to accommodate a variety of potential uses and community events. We built and built an art project. Underground space. For us, sustainability is not only about specification and efficiency, but also about changing the way we think and behave about how space is used, occupied and shared.
What do you think is the client’s greatest concern about sustainable architecture?
“Budgets always tend to be a big constraint, especially in small domestic schemes, but the long-term benefits of thinking about sustainability at the start of a project and early investment are not only for the environment but also for future individuals. We find that our clients are increasingly aware of their financial implications, which could reduce energy prices and increase asset value. “
“Inevitably, the cost of new technologies will go down, and usually at least some sustainable ideas should be included in the project, while giving flexibility in designing for future modifications when the budget becomes available. I can.”
(Image credit: Common Ground Workshop)
What manufacturing processes do you need to pay attention to in order to make your project more sustainable?
“Some great innovations are coming to the fore from all areas of the design, manufacturing and construction industry. Just attend a design fair or show, read the relevant journals and basically research the topic of interest. We encourage our clients to work on these developments. We are showing support. We are currently very excited about the proliferation of prefabricated and offsite construction, especially the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) framing. There are several challenging projects planned to leverage these technologies in very difficult locations.
What can we be aware of when hiring an architect for a sustainable project?
“We always think about sustainability for our clients from the beginning and whether taking a sustainable approach to material specifications, energy, waste and space flexibility fits their lifestyle aspirations and budgets. There is no fixed agenda for discussing sustainable aspirations. We keep our clients open-minded and help our clients make the right choices as early as possible in their projects. We want to be able to provide enough information.
(Image credit: Common Ground Workshop)
How do you need to approach architects to work on sustainable projects?
“The key to the most successful project in our experience is to have good clients. Anyone who is considering a new sustainable project and is enthusiastic about sustainable design should contact us. Welcome to start the conversation as soon as possible. It’s great to inform the client, but this isn’t required. With the sustainable design of the existing building that the client may not have considered. There are many aspects to refurbishment, the first consultation and brainstorming is a business.’
What are the top 5 sustainable issues that you should adhere to when starting a new project?
“The top five things I personally feel are that buildings can always be significantly improved.
1. Use of water
2. Window and door efficiency
3. Heating and cooling (active and passive)
4. Material Reuse / Sustainable Procurement Material Use
5. Lifecycle sustainability and social sustainability (for buildings of all types and sizes)
