Sustainable building design

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about sustainable building design

Project • By WASP - World’s Advanced Saving Project • Rural

Itaca

The project Itaca consists of WASP’s initiative to develop a 3D-printed, self-sufficient farm and living model based on a circular micro-economy. The project aims to establish a new paradigm for sustainable construction that is easily replicable worldwide, thanks to the rapid transmission of information enabled by 3D printing technology and the use of Crane WASP, a versatile and accessible machine capable of operating even in remote areas.  WASP WASP One of the main goals behind Itaca’s construction was to create a 3D-printed building that meets the same standards as traditional structures, including earthquake resistance, in compliance with Italian and European regulations. Given Italy’s stringent regulato... More

Project • By McLean Quinlan • Private Houses

Woodland House

Hidden within a clearing in a Grade II listed arboretum in Hampshire, this highly efficient new-build family home was designed to fully embrace its wooded location. Surrounded by woods, the site provided both the potential for a unique perspective and also a challenge, due to the trees limiting the amount of natural daylight. To overcome this, we placed the guest bedrooms and ancillary spaces on the ground floor and elevated the primary living areas to the lighter first and second floors. Jim Stephenson Jim Stephenson Jim Stephenson Jim Stephenson Jim Stephenson The entrance to the house is via a courtyard to the north of the property.  Stepping inside, into an airy entrance hall, an open oak staircase rises u... More

Project • By Space Matrix • Offices

Youku Shengshi

Youku Shengshi, a leading gaming company based in Beijing, China, embarked on a transformative journey to create a new headquarters that would not only accommodate its rapid growth but also redefine the modern workplace. The task for us at Space Matrix was to foster a thriving environment that attracted and retained top talent while reflecting Youku's unique artistic vision.  Space Matrix Our design concept sought to break free from the conventional stereotypes associated with gaming offices. Instead of the expected cold, utilitarian spaces, the new headquarters aimed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that inspired creativity and collaboration. By prioritising employee well-being, comfort, and diversity, the project aimed to... More

Product • By DAKO GRC • DAKO-GRC

DAKO-GRC

Discover the Excellence of DAKO-GRC Products Our GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) products offer a perfect blend of innovation, sustainability, and design flexibility, making them ideal for modern architectural projects. - Customizable Design: Finishes, textures, colors, sizes, and shapes can be tailored to meet any architectural needs, giving architects the freedom to play with concrete.- Exceptional Durability and Strength: Engineered to withstand extreme conditions and heavy loads, our GRC is perfect for high-rise buildings and other demanding applications.- Sustainable: DAKO-GRC is crafted from natural materials with minimal waste, complying with the highest standards for LEED and BREEAM certifications, making it an eco-friendly choice... More

Project • By Project Terra • Heritages

continuum house

In the heart of Gujarat's warm, arid climate near Karjan, Vadodara, The Continuum House seamlessly blends heritage preservation and contemporary adaptation within the village landscape. It pays tribute to ancestral legacy while meeting present-day living requirements, utilizing lime and traditional building methods to maintain a naturally cool interior. The Space Tracing Company The project faced challenges stemming from the preservation of adobe brick foundations. Retaining the existing foundation while erecting new walls posed complexities, necessitating careful retention of portions of the ground floor walls and delicate demolition of sections of the old structure. Preservation efforts extended to salvaging intricately carved eleme... More

News • News • 22 Nov 2023

New energy-positive timber-hybrid residential tower in Amsterdam will prioritize sustainability and greenery

MVRDV and Space Encounters have won a competition to design a timber-hybrid residential tower in Amsterdam’s new Sluisbuurt neighborhood. The joint submission from the two Dutch architectural firms proposed a 22-story building with a wooden structure, energy-producing facade, and an abundance of greenery and communal spaces. Sluisbuurt is a high-density, mid- to high-rise community on Zeeburgereiland (an island on Amsterdam’s eastern side) that will comprise up to 5,500 homes. For the architects, “the project aims to set an example in an under-construction neighborhood that has sustainability and greenery as its core principles.” Proloog The project is titled Nachteiland — “night island” i... More

Project • By Arden Kitt architects • Social Housing

Llanharry

Specialist residential accommodation for young adults with neurodiversity support needs. Caption Caption The design incorporates Wales' first residential planted blue roof as part of the sustainable urban drainage strategy for the site.  High levels of insulation, air-source heat pumps, and photo-voltaic arrays help to ensure the building is meeting the challenges of the climate and nature emergency.  Caption Caption Generous and well lit shared spaced engender a family atmosphere, with rooms laid out to avoid any sense of the building being institutional in nature. More

News • News • 8 May 2023

Form4 Architecture designs a mass timber office building for Stanford Research Park, California

San Francisco-based firm Form4 Architecture, renowned for its Bay Area tech space designs, was awarded local entitlement for a new cutting-edge sustainable office building in Stanford Research Park, Palo Alto, California. The two-storey, 52000 sqft structure is notable for its scale as one of the first-of-its-kind in Silicon Valley to be built in mass-timber construction. Rendering courtesy of Form4 Architecture In response to its natural setting, the structure embraces nature through each design element including its wooden and glass architecture and dynamic roof form reflecting the shape of birds’ wings. Architect John Marx, AIA, Chief Artistic Officer of Form4 Architecture, notes, "We call the building Verdant Sanctuary b... More

News • News • 1 May 2023

Atelier du Pont constructs its new Paris-based home in wood

Atelier du Pont has built its own home in the heart of the 11th arrondissement in Paris. A clean and contemporary building constructed from wood, it is a veritable showcase for the studio’s creative philosophy and way of working. Imagined as a small laboratory, the relaxed interior is designed for reflection, experimentation, and production. Fred Delangle Fred Delangle Founded in 1997 by Anne-Cécile Comar and Philippe Croisier, Atelier du Pont is a creative studio made up of architects, interior architects, and designers. Working on projects both big and small, the studio is involved in every aspect: for its tailor-made new home, Atelier du Pont integrated its knowledge of architecture, interiors, furniture,... More

News • Detail • 20 Apr 2023

Detail: Engineered timber structure of The Black & White Building

Established in 1997 by Andrew Waugh and Anthony Thistleton, Waugh Thistleton Architects is a London-based practice that produces thoughtful and sustainable architecture and design. A leader in the use of engineered timber, the practice has built an enviable reputation in the field. Waugh Thistleton Architects had a keen interest in developing new and innovative ways of building from the outset. Its first cross-laminated timber (CLT) project was realized in 2003. Its latest, The Black & White Building, was officially opened in January 2023, twenty years later. Ed Reeve In a conversation with Andrew Waugh, the architect explains, with a sense of achievement, that “we have built 29 engineered timber buildings and designed b... More

Project • By Zyeta • Banks

Design of Largest Bank in The United Arab Emirates

The Abu Dhabi-based bank's office in Bangalore is not just a tech-enabled workspace but also a space that prioritizes employee well-being. Designed by Zyeta this workspace is a people-centric hub, equipped with technology-enabled modules that facilitate work beyond the physical office. The design scheme is formulated to redefine functionality and spatial performance, creating a progressive and futuristic workplace. Zyeta One of the important features of the office is its spatial experience, which is reminiscent of an art gallery, promoting both individuality and social interaction. The space is designed to be a welcoming environment that fosters connection, interaction, and collaboration. As you enter the space, you are immersed in a... More

News • News • 11 Apr 2023

UNStudio completes an innovatory and future-proof interfaculty teaching building for TU Delft

Echo is an innovatory interfaculty teaching building completed by UNStudio for TU Delft, the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands. A fresh and gleaming structure, the Echo building prizes energy efficiency, flexible teaching, movement, and collaboration as part of a future-proof concept. For TU Delft, the new building has the best energy balance on its campus: generating more energy than it uses, Echo is a key part of the university’s ambition to be fully sustainable by 2030. Evabloem Design that is flexible and engaging The design for Echo arises from TU Delft’s growing student population and the need for additional educational facilities. Promoting a flexible approach to teaching, the new build... More

Product • By FabriTRAK Systems, Inc. • TerraCORE® Poly

TerraCORE® Poly

TerraCORE® Poly is an environmentally friendly substitution for fiberglass infill or as a stand-alone wall solution. TerraCORE® Poly is an acoustic product manufactured with a special blend of very low denier polyester fibers which enhance acoustical performance. It is available in both standard and high densities, white and black colors and standard 1" thickness with other sizes available. TerraCORE® Poly is manufactured without the use of water and 100% recyclable. The product contains over 80% post-consumer recycled material and does not use any added chemicals or binders. TerraCORE® Poly is VOC free and a safe, non-irritant, non-toxic and non-allergenic product. TerraCORE® Poly is an excellent choice to create a h... More

News • News • 5 Nov 2020

Snøhetta's Powerhouse Telemark project embodies sustainability in form

Scandinavian sustainability leaders Snøhetta have completed Powerhouse Telemark, the 4th energy positive building in the Powerhouse series. The Powerhouse concept is the result of a diverse collaboration between Snøhetta and property company Entra, entrepreneur Skanska, environmental organization ZERO, and consulants Asplan Viak, who joined together to combine their expertise in research, design, and engineering to create ‘energy positive’ or ‘Powerhouse’ buildings, which produce more energy than they use as measured across their lifespan. Energy use is measured through energy costs embedded in design, construction, operation, and demolition, as well as the embodied energy held within construction mater... More

Project • By Hewitt Studios LLP • Showrooms

Morgan Experience Centre

Hewitt Studios were invited by the Morgan Motor Company to reimagine their ageing Cafe, Museum and Showroom spaces as an exciting new visitor Experience Centre.   The Morgan Motor Company has been making cars on the same site in Malvern England since 1914, employing generations of local craftsman to construct their cars from three reusable and recyclable core elements: ash timber, aluminium and leather. Crucially, Morgan cars are some of the longest living cars on the planet - on request the factory will still produce certain parts for cars dating far back into the first half of previous century!   Consistent with a brand that prides itself on ethical sourcing, natural materials, local craftsmanship and a long-lived legacy, He... More