Sustainability

Sustainability

Strategies:  Working Harder to get More for Less

The most satisfying wins in sustainable design are those strategies that save operating cost, enhance an occupant’s enjoyment of the building, and therefore make the real estate more valuable.

One of the first places to focus is the design of the building envelope because getting that right can lead to a host of benefits.  Modern high performance glass does a very good job of mitigating heat gain, but that is just part of the equation.  Occupants might still be bothered by direct sun, and react by pulling down the shades thereby defeating the purpose.  The balance between a light & airy space, and glare is a fine line.  Form4’s advanced in-house computer modeling allows us to tune the design of the skin to maximize effectiveness of orientation and shading using conventional parts and pieces.  Common sense, surgical solutions are important because, in the end, an overkill strategy that gets eliminated due to cost does no good.

At Form4, we embrace the attitude of effective, cost efficient solutions for all aspects of the design, from energy and water use, to interior materials and finishes.  It’s about working harder to get more for less.

Innovative solutions we have utilized include ice storage for off-peak energy consumption, vertical shading for west exposures, operable windows for natural ventilation, etc.  When looked at holistically, all can save cost and add value.