our approach to green architecture
At Stuart Silk Architects we are committed to creating multi generational homes that are energy efficient, healthy, and sustainably constructed. Because buildings contribute substantially to the world’s carbon footprint, we believe that we have a responsibility to create buildings that reduce carbon emissions and waste less. Today the technology and science exists that allows us to make a substantive difference on every project without sacrificing aesthetic goals.
We are continually developing and improving our practices, procedures, and services. Through modeling and cost benefit analysis we provide the tools to be able to decide which materials and methods are most beneficial. While the increased costs associated with green buildings vary widely depending on the features included, the savings created in reduced operating expenses and tax reductions offset these additional costs. Studies confirm that higher property valuations are an additional benefit of green practices in addition to owner satisfaction.
Stuart Silk Architects enthusiastically supports LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and King County’s Built Green program, which provide the tools and guidelines to implement sustainable design. For simplicity we have summarized the principles of sustainability and divided them into the following areas:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Buildings consume 37% of the earth’s energy each year. Through the use of current technologies it is possible to harvest part or all of a home’s energy requirements by using solar, geothermal and wind energy. It is also possible to significantly reduce a home’s energy needs. We can do this through increased insulation, insulated concrete forms (ICF) and ultra high efficiency furnaces and heat pumps to name just a few. Through cost benefit analysis we are able to help you evaluate a host of materials and methods that make sense for you.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
We spend the majority of our time indoors where, according to the EPA, levels of pollutants run two to four times higher than in the outdoors. It is believed that one of the significant resultants is an increase in people with asthma and allergies in recent decades. As homes have become more tightly insulated in an effort to retain heat they have lost their ability to breathe and lead to an increase in mold, dust mites and other allergens. Through proper ventilation and high efficiency filters such as HEPA it is possible to rid the air of most of these harmful particulates.
Another contributor to pulmonary problems is the off gassing from volatile organic compounds (VOC) which can be found in carpeting, paints, adhesives, cabinets and a host of other common building components. By limiting materials to those that contain trace amounts of VOC we can create homes that are virtually toxin free.
Mold can have a devastating affect on health and personal property and is often the result of water intrusion. At Stuart Silk Architects we are constantly refining exterior envelope design techniques to ensure that the homes we design stay dry and mold free.
WATER CONSERVATION
As Americans we extract 3,700 billion gallons per year more than we return to the natural water system to recharge aquifers and other water sources. Even in the Northwest our water resources are becoming depleted and this is having a significant impact on fish and other wildlife. Fortunately, water efficiency measures in new homes can easily reduce water usage by 30% and can result in annual savings of 30,000 gallons or more for a typical family. There are two ways: The first is through a number of conservation methods that are now available which include dual-flush toilets, low flow faucets, and low water usage washing machines. Drip irrigation systems that are integrated with rainwater sensors and plantings that are drought tolerant can significantly lower outdoor water use. The second is by harvesting available ground and rainwater that can be readily used to supplement our irrigation and household requirements.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
We have found that by specifying materials that are durable, renewable, and low maintenance, we can create homes that significantly reduce the depletion of the world’s resources and are good through their entire life cycle. We will help you navigate through a growing list of products that are made of recycled materials and/or are made locally. Our goal is to help you understand your options and create a meaningful green plan that is tailored specifically to your project.
SITE PROTECTION
Over decades of construction much of our native habitat in the Northwest has been almost irrevocably damaged through land degradation and erosion. Site design should take into consideration not only aesthetic and functional concerns but also the long-term management needs as well as the potential impacts on adjacent ecosystems. We have found through thoughtful analysis of a site it is possible to create a building that protects habitat, minimizes earthwork and without compromising full available light and views. By protecting a site during construction, erosion and harmful run off into our waterways and storm water systems can be greatly reduced. Our role is to ensure that the proper considerations are followed during the design and construction process.
WASTE REDUCTION
Construction and demolition wastes constitute about 40% of the total solid waste stream each year. Today our landfill sites are overwhelmed with waste. If a project requires deconstruction of an existing home we will help ensure that at least 90% percent will be recycled and diverted from waste sites. Good design decisions, particularly in the framing of homes, can significantly reduce waste through detailed framing documents and/or scopes of work.
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