IDEOLOGY

Architecture is about the 'built' and 'unbuilt' to us. The ‘unbuilt’ is the experience of the users in a building whereas the ‘built’ is the constructed component of architecture. Whatever is built lasts for a long time and has a significant impact on the environment and its users.

The firm aims to build passive low-energy architectural designs. Designing in response to the local climate with passive low-energy strategies significantly reduces the energy consumption and carbon footprint throughout the life of that building. In addition to being economical and energy-efficient, they offer a comfortable indoor environment for users in all climates.

All designs should engage in a way that dramatically reduces or eliminates the need for fossil fuels.

- Edward Mazria

Ensure your home design responds to your climate change to maintain a comfortable temperature range in your home.

- Talina Edwards

We should be concerned about our future because, we have to spend the rest of our lives there.

- Francis, Kettering

IDEAL PROCESS

We don't see environmentally conscious decisions to be an add-on to any project. Every decision made in the design process can be in response to passive low-energy architecture.

Standardized steps

The following steps are fixed for all the projects received by the firm.

STEP 1

Various tools like Climate Consultant software, Andrew Marsh website and books are used to obtain data about the climate of the site.

STEP 2

The project brief given by the client is used to understand the duration, time of day and frequency of use and the number of people using various spaces. Data is used to prioritize some spaces.

STEP 3

The given site visit helps in understanding its neighborhood and factors affecting its microclimate. The immediate context, topography, tree cover, soli type are other important factors

Climate Data and Research

Understanding the brief

STEP 4

Site Study

The research is used to formulate a design process for the specific climate type.

Planning process specific to climate type

STEP 5

Steps Specific to Climate

The following steps are specific for hot and dry type of climate.

5.1 FORM

Orientation- To prevent heat gain.
Footprint- In response to site, avoid cutting trees.
Architectural Element- Elements like verandah, courtyards specific for hot and dry climate.

5.2 DESIGN

Concept- In response to program
Zoning- Prioritizes decided spaces to avoid geat gain.
Design Development Stage- The conceptual design is further developed

5.3 STRATEGIES

Strategies to prevent heat gain
Interception
Reflection
Insulation
Thermal Mass

STEP 6

Using passive cooling strategies based on the use of space to tackle the hot and dry climate. For example: Earth tubes, night flushing, stack vents, wind catchers, evaporative cooling.

Passive Cooling

Avoiding Heat Gain

STEP 7

The project is further detailed to take care of small elements.
The choice of materials for finishes are based on the climate strategies.

Detailing

STEP 8

Softwares like cove tool is used to ensure energy efficiency of the project.
Data figures of energy consumption are checked for various scenarios. On- site check is required after execution of project.

Evaluation

Passive Paradigm