Smart Design
It’s far easier to use less energy than it is to generate energy. Energy efficiency in buildings is primarily about good design and high standards of workmanship.
We also believe that homes should be stylish, enjoyable and reflect the lifestyle of the occupant. We design to use less, to fit beautifully into the landscape, for longevity, flexibility, and to create a beautiful, joyful, sustainable life.
Finishes
Photo: Giorgio Monteforti
The finishes give the home its personality so we understand how important they are. We can introduce you to a range of textures and finishes from eco-friendly and recycled materials and work closely with you to achieve the effect you are after.
An example is bamboo which is a beautiful for floors and is a wonderful renewable material. Tiles can be made from recycled glass and porcelain and work surfaces made from recycled paper and porcelain.
We can fit LED lights and energy efficient domestic appliances. Indeed these things will be part of our thinking right from the beginning as we calculate the energy balance of the building at the early design stage.
Renewable Energy Generation
About 75% of the energy used by most households is spent in heating and cooling the space. We deal with that by means of an air source heat pump that can be powered with a photovoltaic panel or a biomass stove which qualifies for grants in Andalucia. Both systems use underfloor radiant heating.
Another 10% is used heating water for kitchen and bathroom and we deal with that using solar panels or a biomass stove.
Our houses are designed to work with multiple alternative energy sources including solar, and wind generation.
Eco Materials
When considering materials for use in our work we focus on high quality, eco-friendly elements which do the job. We use materials that are long-lasting and low maintenance. This is where you can really make a difference to your impact on the environment. Just cutting down on concrete for example which contains a huge amount of embodied energy will not only improve the performance of your building but also lower your carbon footprint.
Water Management
We encourage efficient water use which can be achieved through design. Also we offer rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling systems.
Photo: Trevor Blake
