And good design is applied to every project.
Our objective is to design buildings that are fiscally sensitive, environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work. The concept of sustainable development reflects an understanding that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Learning has never been confined to the conventional classroom setting. Buildings are the major source of demand for energy and materials that produce by-product greenhouse gases, the main cause of global warming.
We work with all members of the design team and the Owner to weigh the benefits and life-cycle cost savings of various sustainable features versus their sometimes hard to swallow initial costs. Studio Four Design believes in a “no surprises” form of communication with the Owner and strives to give them the knowledge to make educated decisions regarding design and equipment options that help keep the project within budget. We work with our clients to understand, prioritize, and achieve their sustainable goals. The benefit of sustainable design to our client is threefold:
Economics: lower operating costs.
Health and Well-Being: occupant safety and comfort resulting in a healthier working environment.
Social responsibility: leaving a better world for future generations.
Practice What you Preach.
We provide for our staff what we promote to our clients. Staff health and safety is important to our practice. Environmental stewardship is exemplified in the way we operate.
Awareness of sustainable topics is promoted through our continued diligence to make our office a more sustainable place to work. It is also a testing ground for new and innovative sustainable ideas.
Transportation:
Discounted bus fare passes are available to encourage public transport.
A bicycle rack is provided for employee use.
Our office is a member of the Smart Trips initiative which promotes alternative transport.
Energy Use:
Use of daylighting is encouraged. Lights are turned on only when needed.
Restroom lighting and ventilation is only used as required.
Low consumption LCD monitors are used at all work stations.
All applicable equipment and appliances are Energy Star rated.
Rechargeable batteries are used in all cameras (32x less impact on the environment).
HVAC used only while office is occupied.
Office Consumables:
All paper contains a high percentage of post-consumer content.
Double-sided/black & white printing is the default on all printer settings.
Increased use of cardboard and minimized use of foam core for models and presentation materials.
We recycle paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic.
We do not use plastic products such as plates, cups, and utensils for office functions.
Office Environment:
During our renovation, we reopened the west-facing masonry wall with three large low-e glass windows.
We installed a high-performance acoustic ceiling system that reflects natural light throughout the space,
which also reflects light from energy efficient up lights.
General lighting fixtures also offer a downlight feature for cloudy days.
Original wood doors and hardware were refinished and reinstalled.
Sustainable plywood was used in office desks and they were constructed on site.
Carpet can be returned to its manufacturer for recycling at the time of its replacement.
We buy used office furniture whenever possible.
Use of low VOC paints in our office spaces.
We donate or recycle used office furniture to various non-profit organizations.
We return or recycle outdated product samples from our materials library.
