Passive solar, super-insulation, high-performance structures “green building” techniques have been standard with my practice for over 25 years. It is good design. I cut my teeth on passive solar design in New Mexico in the ’80s.
The name of the firm reflects our practice of using natural light to illuminate living spaces, reducing expensive, energy-wasting artificial lighting and, more importantly, improving occupant health, as well as, fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder. With our long, cold winters, we all can benefit from beautiful, uplifting and sun-filled indoor spaces.
Critical to our approach of sustainability is constructing timeless buildings. We agree with the goals of Vitruvius, that a structure must exhibit the three qualities of firmitas, utilitas, venustas — that is, it must be strong or durable, useful, and beautiful. This “common sense” approach to design is as pertinent today as it was in Rome 2000 years ago.
Sustainable building utilizes materials and construction practices which are known to last. They must meet the programmatic desires of their users, be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs over time and they must be uplifting. The goal is to create attractive spaces, buildings and communities which add a bit of joy to our lives. Architecture that has these positive qualities will be enjoyed and maintained by users and owners for generations to come. That is key to true sustainability.
“Architecture is an imitation of nature” – Vitruvius
We integrate architecture software with 3-D energy-modeling technology. This allows us to optimize for energy performance as we design.
