Trevor’s work has largely been in the field of residential/institutional, and sustainability has shaped his approach to sustainable building design. His design philosophy is has a three-pronged approach:
- Whole Site Planning
- Energy Efficiency
- Water Saving
Whole Site Planning for Sustainable Building Design
- Internal building planning is the first consideration; however, the creation of external spaces is just as important and should be an integral part of the design process.
- Transitions between inside and outside should be meaningful.
- A whole-of-site planning approach is used, which includes building location, form and orientation. It also considers site drainage and storm water collection; the use of earth berms and trees for wind breaks; and maximum planting for regeneration of oxygen (from CO2). This may, for example, take the form of a roof garden.
Energy Efficiency
- An energy efficient approach to building design is always used, without compromise of the functional requirements of the architect’s brief.
- The aim is always to achieve the best balance between glass, insulation and thermal mass, using only sustainable materials ( a ‘cradle to grave’ approach).
- The ecological footprint of the building on site is to be minimised as far as possible.
- Energy efficiency is achieved through both passive solar and active solar/wind features.
Passive solar:
- Living areas or spaces that get the most use are located towards the north.
- Service areas such as bathrooms, laundries and food preparation areas
Have a look at a GreenEarth Shelter sustainable house prototype, and the thinking behind it.