Sustainability
We believe everyone has a responsibility to contribute positively to planetary health. As a company we are constantly striving to reduce our carbon emissions and deploy environmentally responsible building practices. We also encourage designers and clients to use greener building materials wherever possible.
Use of reclaimed material – We work with a variety of merchants who deal with reclaimed materials. Slate, brick, stone and roof tiles can all be used to make use of the embodied energy within the materials. Reclaimed materials can be used alongside modern materials to create an impressive finish.
Green roofs
A green roof is an area of the building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation, planted over a waterproofing membrane. They have several purposes including absorbing rainwater, providing insulation and creating a habitat for wildlife.
Passive Solar Gain
A south facing site will be a much better location than a north facing site because of access to sunlight and protection from the cold northerly wind. Where possible we aim to have a glazed south westerly aspect and protection from the north and east. It’s not always possible to do this but there will usually be an opportunity to take advantage of the passive solar gain by having more glazing on either the front or the back of the building. Planting trees and creating windbreaks on the north and east sides of the site can enhance the solar gain effect by protecting the house from the cold northeasterly winds.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
A ground source heat pump system harnesses natural heat from underground by pumping water through it in pipes. The heat pump then increases the temperature, and the heat is used to provide home heating or hot water. The heat pumps produce less CO2 than conventional systems and once installed greatly reduce heating bills.
Triple Glazing
The majority of heat loss in our homes is through the glazed areas. Triple glazing consists of three glass window panes separated by a vacuum or gas filled space to reduce heat transfer across the building envelope. This prevents heat loss and contributes to noise reduction.