Sustainable Design

What does “Sustainable Design” mean?

Sustainability in architecture has come to embrace conservation (of energy) choices of materials used, durability of those materials, energy generation, flexibility to enable a long use, and location… to enable human energy use getting to and from services in a community to be minimized. It is a natural extension of the ancient architectural goals of usefulness and delight.

At Green Street, we have started with a location that is tucked in next to a vibrant existing village. Residents can walk to the stores, to the school, to the Town Hall, or perhaps to work. Minimizing vehicle use helps conserve resources. Small but thoughtful houses are being designed with renewable material use and excellent energy conservation strategies. Size can save on energy use as well. The longer a house lasts, the more practical use comes out of the energy put into building it. Detailing of overhangs, for example, to protect the siding, windows, etc. will reduce maintenance and conserve energy. Sustaining good indoor air quality is important, and is enhanced with natural,renewable material choices, and thoughtful ventilation with heat recovery. Green Street has started with 8 photovoltaic solar trackers, generating approximately 32Kw of electricity, to help offset energy use. Coming back around to growing things, Green Street has also conserved its available agricultural land, to enable gardens or other agricultural use out of a restored barn.

Green Street has taken a thoughtful and practical approach to design for sustainability, with a belief that good design embraces these goals in creating a community with something to be proud of, something to enjoy sustaining.