APAZ ARCHITECT, AIA • Contact Services Home About Gallery •   Sustainable Architecture "Sustainable architecture is about reimaging the relationship between human beings and living systems." It is a fundamental design consideration in our work on buildings, site and urban planning projects. It effectively embraces a broad strategy of social-cultural, economic and environmental issues. In architectural terms, this means that we explore technological and policy decisions that effect our design decisions. Also, our designs have recycled (upcycled) building materials from other projects as well as refinished existing building materials and systems. We integrated the following systems into past projects: solar renewable systems to heat and cool, solar water heating, with site specific microclimate considerations; and mechanical systems that take advantage of the site characteristic of soil, water, and solar. Also, we will work with the utility companies, State of Oregon Energy Department, and the Federal Energy Department to leverage tax credits and other financial incentive energy programs. The most comprehencive guidline to sustainable design, LEED is presently focused on commercial and institutional buildings. The guideline is also a good point of departure for residential projects. The US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidlines help to define approaches to: 1) sustainable sites, 2) water efficiancy, 3) energy, 4) material resources, 5) indoor environmental quality, 6) innovation and design process. These guidelines optimize and assist a design approach that integrates systems and their relationship with nature. Vision of Sustainability Restoring our own heritage of regional styles and characteristics of local architecture. Built with the sustainablitity of local materials and craftsmanship. Replacing ineffective building practices and designs with a sustainable approach. Approach to material use from "Cradle to Cradle." Current code building design inadequately manages energy systems, material employment, water, IAQ, site development, local environment and regional/global environmental issues. The building process is inherently project specific, this is where APAZ helps to focus client explorations of sustainable "green" building design options. We had guided our sustainable building design process through multiple guidelines and goals, such as the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED standards, HUD Passive Solar Demonstration Guidlines, client desired "green" standards, client alternative energy energy efficiency standards, client intent for recycling materials, client performance standards. Project Examples: HUD Solar Demonstration Project, Passive Solar Residence, 1979 Church Passive/Active Energy Project, 1979 First Passive Solar Fire Station/ Day lighting Space Heating, 1982 Emerald Art Center(LEED-EB Pilot Program), 2001 Gallery Day Lighting Site Cooling Low VOC Paint High Efficiency HVAC System Recycled Wood Local Contractors Urban Landscape Improvement Refinished Existing Wood Trim/Flooring Improved Urban Street/Building Relationship Residential "Greenhouse" Spatial Elements, 1979-2000 Mixed Use Urban Nodal Development, SRDC Urban Planning, 2000 Multi-family Townhouse Projects Energy Efficient residential Design, 1979-2003 Waste Management (Energy & Water) Urban and Rural Design "Brown Field" Project, Tri Willow, 2000 Client experience with public, private, non-profit and families in the smallest residential to the sustainable characteristics of healthy urban design. Ultimately unsustainable building construction is borne by all. Sustainable design takes less from the earth and gives more to people by using the best of ancient building approaches with integral technological practices Basic Sustainable principle: "Durability, recycleability, low energy, and ecological cost...basic to design before being fun and attractive" D. Suzuki pg. 246   Recent Media Coverage   • Sustainability •