Our Philosophy
We believe that if we are committed to energy efficient, sustainable design principles for our clients then we must practise them ourselves. We want our clients to enjoy the design process, to benefit from the added value that an architect brings to a project and to gain financial advantages that are achieved through good design and sustainable building practices. Our premises demonstrate these principles to our clients.
Waimea House was designed by Alisdair Daines. From the outset we wanted to design a building that was environmentally responsible and, as an owner/occupier, protected our long-term investment, believing that many of the features incorporated in the building will become the norm in the future. It also had to make an architectural statement, be a sound investment and make economic sense.
The construction of this building is, however, only the beginning of a fundamental shift in the way we do business. This has ranged from the large items down to the small day to day details. We believe we needed to become a living example to our clients of energy efficiency and sustainability, and provide our team with an inspiring place in which to work. We also wanted to demonstrate that 'green' buildings make for a better investment through higher returns, satisfied tenants, better cashflow and a more valuable building. While this sounds like a big ask, it is possible and surprisingly easy with the right approach.
Firstly, the building has been fully designed using the principles of the Green Star rating system. Now that we have the building fully tenanted, we are able to have the building rated and intend to apply in the near future. We are aiming for a 5-star rating, which would recognise the building as a 'national leader' in sustainable construction.
Some of the unique features of Waimea House are:
- An independent water supply from a rainwater collection system with pump, filter and UV treatment, which produces savings of up to $600 a year.
- Solar hot water heating provided by a solar-panel system to provide hot water.
- Levels of insulation well above code requirements to reduce heat gain and heat loss.
- A centralised power supply with separate check meters rather than individual connections for each tenancy, saving about $6-$8 a day.
- Double glazing windows using high-efficiency glass and argon gas-filled centre.
- The use of low VOC paints and products (normal paints and finishes release low-level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOC)).
- Exterior louvers limit direct sun into the building over spring to autumn and the careful position of windows promotes natural ventilation and cooling in summer. Heat pumps are used for winter heating only.
- Recyclable carpet floor tiles.
- High-efficiency light fittings that have a much lower energy consumption (all are T5 fluorescent fittings or similar).
- High efficiency self-controlling lighting so lights automatically dim and switch off as natural daylight levels increase.
- Centralised rubbish removal and recycling.
- Water saving toilet flushing system.
- Green tick products where available.
Our own internal operations must also conform to sustainability principles:
- We use sustainable products and materials where available, e.g. recycled printer cartridges, recycled waste paper etc.
- We encourage staff to walk or cycle to work.
- The company vehicle was replaced with a smaller car. The choice was based on fuel efficiency and overall running costs.
- We recycle glass, paper and plastics.
The image of the building and the principles of it form the basis of all projects we undertake.
We have used the building as a working example to clients and some have requested similar features once they have seen them in action. For example, low water use toilets, higher performance glazing and auto-dimming lights. We actively promote sustainability principles to clients, encouraging them to include energy saving and water conservation features in their project.
All materials specified for our clients' projects have to be renewable or be manufactured by Green rated, and preferably local, industry wherever there is a choice. Our tenants are also bound by the principles of the Green Star Office Rating System encompassing tenant construction work (materials selection and finishes), additional lighting and heating, waste from the operation of their business and recycling.
We were one of three 2009 Finalists in the Sustainable Business Network Awards (Central & Southern Regions) Emerging Business category and a Finalist in the Tasman Nelson Environment Awards 2009.
'Sustainable architecture' is not a buzz word or concept or a new type of architecture; it is the fundamental way we do business. We hope that one day we won't need to talk about 'sustainability'.
It will be the norm in all business everywhere.
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