SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
PR&P
has a track record in being at the forefront of creating sustainably
designed facilities that provide a wonderful sense of place. We create
buildings with plentiful natural light and use natural ventilation
whenever possible that results in an exceptional level of energy
efficiency. We look at materials in a holistic way. Our projects
demonstrate that applying the principles of sustainable design will be
fundamental to the success of the project. At it's root, sustainable design is really "High Performance"
design. Recent studies have proven that if considered at the Concept
stage, sustainable buildings do not cost more than standard buildings.
The additional benefit to the College is that they result in
"Healthier" buildings as well as lower maintenance & energy costs
over many decades of use for buildings.
We look at Sustainable Design across a broad spectrum and guide our
clients through an interactive process to determine what your project's
design will be. At the core is our belief that Sustainability is not
something you apply as a veneer, but rather as a core value and
approach to design. Thus we do not design the building and then try and
make it energy efficient.
What many other design firms who are busy getting LEED certified for
marketing reasons don't yet understand, is that the most impact comes
from real knowledge about putting a building together beginning with
orientation, site exposure, building organization and integration with
the landscape, etc.
Paul Roberts
was the Project Manager and Sustainability Expert for Ellerbe Becket
during the Programming and Schematic Design Phases of the project.
Another firm in the role of Architect of Record was brought on board
after the Sustainability Design features for the project had been
established and the project design largely completed.
Steve Allen studied
under William McDonough while getting his BS in Architecture from the
University of Virginia and concentrated on sustainable design
throughout his education. Steve's final project was the creation of a
solar house for the First Solar Decathlon held on the Mall in
Washington DC. This 2 year engineering and architectural collaboration
was awarded first prize in Architecture and Second place overall. In
addition to experience in architecture, Steve has first hand experience
on Bay Area organic farming and community building while working at
Hidden Villa Farm and Youth Camp. Steve has continued to push the
sustainable envelope while working at PR&P for the last 6 years.
|