Sustainability

Developing a sustainable design will depend on the interpretation of the site constraints, client’s requirements and budgetary limitations. Good sustainable design is not necessarily achieved by throwing technology at it. The best starting point is to make good use of the site and optimize solar gain and shelter. Good insulation is an essential ingredient but we must also be careful to avoid summer overheating and here it is useful to incorporate some thermal mass to help stabilize temperature swings. The choice of materials and their embodied carbon, both in production and transport, is another matter to consider. These issues must be viewed in the light of the whole life cycle of the building and the materials that go into it. Legislation already covers waste management and recycling of materials on building sites with a construction value over £300,000 but most good builders adopt the same principles no matter what size of project.

There will always be factors working against the sustainability of the design (such as site conditions, the desire for splendid views and of course budget) and what makes the building a success is the ability to create a satisfactory balance. Unfortunately for example, in Cornwall the indigenous roofing material is virtually unobtainable and the closest match has to be imported. The embodied carbon here must be viewed in relation to the whole life cycle of the material, and the appropriateness of its use, including its recyclability. Locally sourced stone can score well and of course timber (managed) does well too. More recently building products using earth have come on to the market and these score well in relation to concrete products when looking for thermal mass. The use of lime is making a comeback as an alternative to cement products and its beneficial properties are once again being appreciated. There is never a right solution to a particular construction; there can only be best appropriate solutions, but all the time we must not lose sight of the architecture which must stem from a response to the client’s requirements and the environment, both local and global.