Architect, Mies Van Der Rohe famously said 'less is more'. His maxim, coined in the C20 was never more relevant than now. The forward trajectory of progress that informed his design aesthetic and explained Mies's own work may have passed, but the need to evaluate and understand our impact on the planet has never been greater.
We know we must change if we are to halt the adverse effects of global warming. and the continuing loss of biodiversity in Nature. The challenge to live more sustainably needn't mean having to wear a hair shirt. However, it does require our coming more into balance with natural cycles, and all of life on earth, shifting our values toward taking only what we need and appreciating it more.
Reuse: Architect Frank Gehry ' took cardboard and designed furniture in the 1970's
An intelligent, sustainable approach not only reduces our carbon footprint, and lowers our impact on the natural environment, it also creates new opportunities that we at iDeA are excited to explore through a problem-solving process that includes the client and presents a range of design options for them to make informed choices at an early stage.
Sustainability in practice is guided by a generally accepted maxim to:'reduce, re-use, re-cycle' in that order. By reducing our consumption we conserve finite natural resources. Re-using extends a product's life and usefulness, without the adverse consequences of waste, whilst re-cycling reduces waste but cannot avoid using energy and systems to make something new.
iDeA Architects follow these values, and can offer in addition, as part of our skill-set, to re-model. We provide valuable skills and experience to adapt and enhance buildings and their interior spaces, as places to live and work more sustainably. We start by exploring fundamental questions such as:
How can we make them more energy-efficient? The gains insulating the fabric will bring to improve energy-efficiency and thermal comfort and save costs. How energy from the sun can be harnessed as solar gain.
How can we make them more space-efficient? Re-modelling clients' homes to suit the owner's lifestyle and changing needs can often have surprising outcomes, avoiding the need to extend or move by making best use of the space available.
How can we bring redundant buildings back into use? Individual buildings usually benefit from bespoke solutions - remodelling, as well as refurbishing and fabric-upgrade. Where applicable, a planning change-of-use can make viable former commercial town centre properties and secure their future as homes or having mixed-use.
Here at iDeA Architects we like to find answers to such questions through a problem-solving process that includes the client and presents a range of design options for them to make informed choices at an early stage.
In valuing what we have, we can do more with less.
If you are thinking of making changes to your home or place of work, and would like a free initial consultation please get in touch - call Kevin on 07816 847429, or Chris on 07772 265544 or visit our homepage and click on the link to email us with your enquiry.
Images:
- Loft living. This private residence was re-designed 'upside- down' then built off an existing footprint from ground floor dpc level so that the new owners could enjoy panoramic views across the Haven taking in the Cleddau bridge and Pembroke Dock. iDeA Architects.
- Sorting out the Old Post office, in Haverfordwest has given a new lease of life and provided a home for Haverhub (Phase 1, iDeA Architects)
- Innovative re-use of a large vaulted cellar houses a music studio within a residential historic building in Dark St, Haverfordwest. iDeA Architects.
- iDeA Architects remodelled a Solva residence incorporating an integral garage, to create an open plan Kitchen/Dining with sea views , rooftop terrace and a storage undercroft.
