Sustainability underpins our practice. We acknowledge implementing this on a project can be challenging, but believe prioritising Sustainable Development from the outset will ensure an optimal outcome within the agreed budget and programme for any brief.
Sustainability has particular relevance to the Country House, as there are likely to be more opportunities for renewable energy systems, and greater scope for self-sufficiency in the garden.
As a way of making Sustainable Development more accessible, we have created a design process known as ECOHUS.™ This uses readily available materials, standard construction methods, and proven technologies, to create buildings with the highest levels of energy-efficiency and whole-life performance, whilst remaining cost competitive. By using natural, non-toxic and low-carbon materials we also minimise embodied carbon, enhance indoor air quality, health and wellbeing, and reduce broader environmental impacts.
ECOHUS™ is entirely flexible for layout and aesthetics, so the architecture is free to respond to the client brief and local context. Whilst developed for the mass-market, it is equally applicable to bespoke new-build homes, conversions, self-build, and small developments or design-and-build contracts.
For further information on ECOHUS™ see ecohus.co.uk
Good design is environmentally friendly. Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimises physical and visual pollution
throughout the lifecycle of the product.
Dieter Rams, 10 Principles for Good Design, 1970’s
