Ecological architecture - our philosophy
The practice philosophy is built up around the belief that buildings should be integrated with, and informed by, nature and not work against our natural environment.
The main principles lie in achieving an environmental design approach that responds to the specific site and surrounding location using passive solar design, natural ventilation, thermal mass, breathable (vapour permeable) construction and daylight design allowing the building to benefit from the integration with the micro climate of the locality.
These energy saving principles are reinforced by the building fabric design using increased insulation, airtight detailing, and triple glazing. In addition to an ecological materials specification, incorporating low embodied energy materials, non-toxic materials, recycled materials and timber from renewable sources, the building aims to reduce its overall environmental impact in its initial construction and energy efficiency during its lifetime.
There are additional aspects of the design process such as the integration of rainwater recycling, geothermal heating, solar hot water heating, photovoltaic and other renewable technologies, which will further reduce the energy use of a building.
In summary we aim for a building that makes sense, using the resources available to facilitate what we consider to be a logical design and building process.
ARK projects recognises the critical relationship between the client, designer and builder. This ensures a thorough and interactive briefing process, while considering the buildability and integration of the craftsperson at an early stage in any project.
However, in addition to the above environmental criteria, the specific building design process aims to create dynamic, responsive and individual building solutions which we believe go hand in hand with our ecological principles. ARK believes that buildings should be informed by a positive reflection of nature and the built context.
Through an awareness of vernacular building methods we believe the use of local materials, crafts and labour, where appropriate, can be integrated into a holistic design approach. This results in buildings that are respectful of their historical and natural context whilst maintaining a contemporary and individual aesthetic relative to today's social and environmental considerations.