Regenerative Design and Sustainable Architecture
The practice was founded with a specific ambition to produce environmentally and socially responsive design. We continue to lead the field internationally with a reputation for pioneering environmental expertise, developing innovative approaches to support the transition to regenerative design and a zero-carbon economy.
Joe Jack Williams and Ian Taylor are our Regenerative Design and Sustainability leads.
Sustainably Pioneering projects
We aim to be at the forefront of emerging knowledge about how to create architects that touches the planet lightly. Working with ambitious and like-minded clients, we have been able to deliver projects that are ahead of their time and look to the future. From the use of natural ventilation and timber structures, to designing to net zero and with a regenerative mindset, our projects are setting the agenda for sustainable architecture
Very low carbon architecture
We aim to design very low carbon buildings. Why not net zero? Rather than relying on offsets, we use lean design, renewable and nature-based materials, and a keen eye on the impacts of every material we use, to reduce the embodied and operational carbon of our designs. Working with clients whose values align with our own, we are designing buildings that will last into the future, with a low embodied carbon count, and an ultimate ambition to be net zero or carbon positive in use.
Biodiversity Net Gain and Biophilia
While sustainable architecture has long been our priority, the focus must now be on regenerative development. We are shifting our approach to design for projects that meet the needs of the present while improving the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We are designing not just to meet the climate crisis, but also the biodiversity crisis, taking account of the impact of our projects on landscape and economies beyond those in the immediate vicinity of our schemes. We are designing for nature, and using nature to enhance our environments and our wellbeing.
Retrofit and Circular thinking
Every material used in a building has an environmental impact, with the built environment being one of the largest carbon emitting industries. We enjoy the challenge and opportunity of reusing existing buildings, to improve their performance, and adapt them for contemporary use and a low energy future. By renovating or adapting either whole buildings or parts of buildings, we are able to minimise waste, and embrace local history in our developments.
Passivhaus and Fabric First
Delivering net zero ready buildings that support the health and wellbeing of those who use them is at the heart of Passivhaus Design. Taking a whole building approach, Passivhaus' clear measured targets for insulation and airtightness are achieved through careful detailed design and high quality construction. They provide a high level of user comfort, and use very little energy for heating and cooling. Our Passivhaus experts advise on projects that are aiming for Passivhaus, as well as bringing principles of fabric first design to non-Passivhaus projects, whether for new build (Passivhaus) or existing (Enerphit) buildings.
Climate Responsive Design
In designing buildings around the world, the idea of using the same approach, no matter the location just doesn't add up. Instead, a climate responsive design which focusses on using passive ventilation and natural daylighting, local and durable materials, sustainable landscape design and water and waste management, can be interpreted and applied to different contexts and climate zones globally to create architecture that sits comfortably in its environment and is ready for the future.