To delve deeper into the case studies for our Spring 2013 issue, ECOSTRUCTURE asked each firm to detail its experiences with sustainable design. These offices didn’t just happen upon commissions for their respective projects—rather, they’re all well-versed in integrating high-performance strategies into their designs. Below we take a closer look at some of the core values that shape each firm’s ethos.
Location: Somerville, MA
Principals: Charles Rose, AIA; Whitney Hudson
Date Founded: 1989
Size: Medium
Little-known fact: We like our clients.
What was the biggest lesson you learned from the John W. Olver Transit Center?
Charles Rose, AIA: We learned the importance of tntegrated design.
What insights from this and other sustainable projects would you share with other professionals?
It is important to provide a year of monitoring to determining if the design has been successful.
What is your firm’s philosophy on sustainable design?
Our primary concern is reduction of the carbon footprint.
What kinds of sustainable solutions are non-negotiable for your firm? What are the baseline standards your firm aims to meet with every project?
We strive to achieve net zero [energy]. Energy-use reduction is our most important concern.
What are the top energy-saving features you put in your projects?
Daylighting, LED lights, high-performance envelope, local materials, and adjusted set points.
How do you think these types of innovative green solutions, products, and strategies, might become standard?
Write it into law.
Read more about Charles Rose’s John W. Olver Transit Center in ECOSTRUCTURE’s case study.