The Undeniable Benefits of Sustainable Architecture


Sustainable architecture might just sound like buzz words that contractors throw around to seem more environmentally-friendly. However, architects who are conscious about sustainability and reducing the impact they have on their local environment take it very seriously. Sustainable architecture design can be used for both residential and commercial projects, and at Seth A Leeb we proudly integrate sustainable practices into all elements of our process. One major way we have done this is by building Net Zero houses and single-family units with the highest Energy Star Rating through Morris County’s Habitat for Humanity. Through this organization, Seth and his team have been able to provide sustainable and affordable housing to less fortunate populations in New Jersey. That being said, our team will go over just some of the many benefits of sustainable architecture design.

Reduces Carbon Emissions

Sustainable building design can directly contribute to reduced carbon emissions. Especially when it comes to designing larger commercial buildings like apartment complexes and office buildings. By integrating design elements like solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, large windows that allow for maximum daylight, water recycling systems, and using recycled or repurposed materials, architects can create lower emission buildings that don’t have as big of an impact on the environment. 

Conserving Water

Did you know that a building can be designed in a way that allows it to conserve water? Water conservation is already an important issue, and it’s set to become even more important in the coming years as we continue experiencing extreme weather events like hurricanes. 

Your faucets can be fitted with sensors so that no water is wasted, and low-flow toilets use less water per flush than standard toilets. We also recommend investing in shower heads with water-saving technology, as well as harvesting rainwater if your state allows it. 

Use Safer Materials

Sustainable architects use materials that are designed to last a long time. Your home is a big investment and you deserve to have it serve its purpose for many years to come. For example, recycled materials for decking and roofing will last for many years and have been proven to withstand the elements more effectively than some newer materials on the market. Your architect can also source recycled materials for other parts of your home like accent walls, tables, lighting fixtures and chairs. 

Lowers Your Exposure to Toxins

Did you know that many building materials contain harmful plastic by-products? These plastics are known to release carcinogens and toxic fumes into the air, meaning you could be breathing in toxins every single day. We’re only just learning about the long-term health issues these carcinogens can cause, including allergies and respiratory problems. 

Avoiding toxins and carcinogens is just one of the many reasons we recommend hiring a sustainable architect for your project. Your health should be your first priority, and green design can ensure your environment is as safe as possible for you and your family, and everyone else who comes to visit. 

For more information on sustainable architecture designs from Seth A Leeb, or if you have any questions about how we can help you with your architectural project, please contact our team today and visit our website at: https://leeb-architecture.com

This blog was originally published at https://leeb-architecture.com/benefits-of-sustainable-architecture/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Biophilic Design Can Increase Workplace Productivity

Image
Biophilic design has changed how we think about creating workspaces. By bringing natural elements into the built environment, biophilic design creates a peaceful and productive atmosphere that significantly affects how people are in the workplace. In this article, our team of  commercial architects in NJ  discuss the biophilic design concept and how it can change the way people work for the better.  What is “Biophilic Design” and How Does it Affect Work Environments? Biophilic design is a new way of building that tries to bring people closer to nature by using natural elements, materials, and shapes in buildings. It considers the fact that people innately have the need to be in touch with nature, and utilizes that connection to make us healthier and more productive. Research  has shown that the way a workplace is designed can have a significant effect on how employees feel and how well they do their jobs. Biophilic office design uses natural light, plants, and organic materials to lowe
Read more

Essential Restaurant Design Tips from a Commercial Architect

Image
A successful restaurant brings many different elements together to deliver a comprehensively enjoyable experience to diners – and one of the most critical of these elements is the design of the space itself. Here are some insights from a  commercial architect  in NJ on how to make the most of your restaurant design. Prioritize your spending:  Restaurant design and fitment costs can escalate rapidly and the sky’s the limit. It’s best to first focus your spending on the most critical areas – creating a functional layout for the kitchen and dining space, installing effective task and dining lighting, and investing in robust and comfortable seating that fits the space. Settle on your brand and image:  After the budget is set for those areas, look for a few striking elements to add personality to your space and advertise your brand. It’s important that these elements are well thought-out and directly align with the restaurant’s overall theme. Here, customization is a great idea – h
Read more

Ideas for Building a Flood-Proof Home

Image
During the rainy season, New Jersey homeowners are faced with the risk of their home flooding, causing structural damage and the loss of their belongings. According to National Flood Insurance program statistics for 2016, New Jersey homeowners accounted for over 232,000 policies worth $56 billion in flood insurance and received over $6.1 billion in claims payments between 1978 and 2015. With this in mind, it makes sense to incorporate strategies for flood prevention into your home’s architecture. Here are some tips from a  leading architect in NJ . Know if you’re in a high-risk zone:  A great source for information about flooding in your area are the FEMA Flood Zone Maps, which you can access online. These maps use aqua markers to indicate if an area is below the flood marker. Ask your architect to determine your BFE (base flood elevation) and DFE (design flood elevation) to ensure that your house is set at the correct height and according to building codes. Ask for a topo
Read more