Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
The project employs several strategies that are expected to reduce embodied carbon. Strategies include:
- Durable exterior materials selected for long service life:
- regional sandstone
- charred timber (Shou Sugi Ban/Kuro siding)
- bronze windows
- metal roofing
- Locally appropriate regional sandstone, reducing transportation compared with imported stone.
- Charred timber siding (reSAWN TIMBER Kuro) designed for exceptional durability and minimal maintenance, extending replacement intervals.
- Passive design through deep roof overhangs, reducing long-term operational demand and extending building life.
- Flexible steel structural system allowing future remodeling instead of demolition.
- Durable material palette intended to minimize replacement cycles.
- Habitat-sensitive site planning, preserving existing natural systems.
- Native landscaping requiring lower irrigation and maintenance over time
Operational Emissions / Energy
The project contains numerous verified operational energy strategies.
- Passive Design
Deep roof overhangs for passive solar control.
Building orientation toward views while limiting unwanted solar gain.
Extensive daylighting.
Cross ventilation.
Outdoor living spaces reduce conditioned floor area demand.
- Building Envelope
Super-insulated envelope.
High-performance triple-pane bronze windows.
High-performance air sealing.
Durable exterior enclosure.
- Mechanical Systems
Ground-source heat pump using the adjacent pond as the heat exchange source.
Multiple HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) units maintaining indoor air quality while recovering heat.
Energy-efficient heating and cooling.
- Site Design
Native planting.
Habitat restoration.
Water-sensitive landscape integration.
Service and maintenance emissions
The project includes several design decisions that reduce future maintenance impacts:
- Shou Sugi Ban/Kuro charred timber siding requiring minimal maintenance.
- Regional sandstone with very long service life.
- Bronze windows with excellent durability.
- Metal roofing with long replacement intervals.
- Fire-resistant exterior materials.
- Durable steel structural frame.
- Native planting requiring reduced maintenance and irrigation.
- High-quality mechanical systems intended for long service life.
Afterlife
To some extent, the architects specifically identify several durable components that are suitable for long-term reuse. These materials generally have a high potential for reuse and recycling. These components include:
- Steel columns
- Steel beams
- Wood framing
- Bronze windows
- Stone cladding
- Metal roofing
Key products in low carbon design
