Sustainable Design

Sustainable Building is all tied in with a term called ‘Sustainable Development’. Sustainable Development is: ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’

In other words we live in such a way so that our children, and the generations of people beyond them, are able to live in a world that is healthy, abundant and prosperous. So in sustainable building design we have to achieve excellent building standards, minimal environmental impact, long term cost saving as well as maximum satisfaction for the users.

Building design varies enormously across the world, this is due to: different functional requirements; climate; local natural resources; cultural issues; and wealth. Despite the differences all dwellings should be comfortable, accessible, functional, practical, healthy and socially and culturally appropriate. They therefore need to be designed to fulfil all of these needs.

More information and some case studies on design are available from the Greenspec website

Rounded Developments can also assist by using the Passiv Haus Planning Package . This is a very low energy standard that can be used to create zero-carbon homes. Design is vitally important and so the PHPP needs to be used from the start, so contact us for advice and consultancy rates. 

So in South Wales we must maximise the advantages that local climate, resources and skills provide, whilst paying due regard for the overarching environmental issues that we all face.

Examples of Sustainable Design ideas include:

• South facing buildings – these can ‘collect’ solar energy
• Large windows on south facing walls and roofs – these allow more light into a building
• Thermal mass in buildings to store heat from the sun
• Natural passive ventilation – use the natural movement of air to keep your building feeling fresh
• Maximise the collection and use of rain water for non-potable usage
• Local materials used in manufacture
• Have natural light on two sides of each room
• Arrange the internal rooms so that they are best used for everyday life
• Create useable spaces that fulfil their intended functions
• Make buildings adaptable to ‘future proof’ them for different uses
• Ensure buildings are ‘climate change proofed’