How JLE Studio Considers Sustainability within their Projects
Sustainability is an important issue for our architects and designers, whether they are designing brand new homes and buildings or conserving and maintaining Listed buildings.
Sustainability and Green Planning
As architects, we have a responsibility to introduce sustainability and green/eco considerations into our Historic and Listed buildings projects as well as for new buildings. As a starting point, when we are doing a feasibility study, we look to see how we can include these considerations. For example, we can introduce solar panels or air source heat pumps instead of a traditional gas boiler. An air source heat pump is better for the carbon footprint as it is a move away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy. We can also look at home automation for effective and efficient use of heat, cooling and power, and whether the home is, or can be, suitably insulated.
The Insulation Solution
We consider one of the best ways to be eco-conscious and sustainable is to use insulation to keep the building temperature-controlled. Using insulation can be a challenge in historic buildings, but the technology is developing all the time and it’s becoming easier. We’ve used Aerogel insulating material in some recent projects … it’s a very effective 20mm product which allows us to insulate older rooms up to cornice level without disrupting original architectural details.
Insulation for Listed Buildings
An issue we have to address often is combining insulation within listed buildings and taking account of their architectural details. We are experienced in fitting insulation into rooms without impacting on the character of the building, which is important from both a Planning and Listed Building Consent perspective. We endeavour to ensure that our insulation proposals won’t involve loss of floor space, or any disruption to original architectural details, naturally! For listed buildings with traditional sash windows, we often overcome any heat-loss issues by upgrading the windows with draft seals. Subject to Listed Building Consent, we also look at the use of a special single glazing Histoglass or a discreet secondary glazing - both reduce thermal loss and noise transfer.
External Options
Many of the larger homes and properties we work on have the possibility of installing an air-source heat pump. Some of the houses already have an air-conditioning condenser unit and if the property has that, an air-source heat pump could be installed. Planning permission is required for any noise-emitting external plant, whether for air conditioning or a heat pump. It’s usually perfectly achievable, with the plant positioned and concealed on a flat roof or at the end of a garden. We have recently specified a combined heat pump and air conditioning system in a Grade II listed house.
Specifying Eco-Conscious and Sustainable Materials
Our team is very careful when specifying materials, particularly for interior finishes and surfaces. It can be hard, as natural materials are very desirable but may not necessarily be particularly sustainable. We’ve recently used synthetic stones and quartzes, and assess the production methods and materials used and check the relevant certifications. As a team we are interested in using natural paints and of course, FSC timber and wood products and keep ourselves well informed regarding new eco and sustainable products.
Our Clients Views
We’re finding that our clients are becoming more interested in sustainability. Energy prices are increasing and fuel expenditure can be eased with a combination of sustainable technology and insulation. Large houses are power hungry, air-conditioning can become costly, and our view, and that of our clients, is that we should all be playing our part regarding sustainability. Clients may suggest an air source heat pump and then it’s up to our team to research the best choices and make the optimum recommendations. Our clients expect us to make good decisions on their behalf, which often involves us consulting experts in this field, to create projects that are creative, considerate and have sustainable longevity.
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