sustainable design
Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects is committed to promoting responsible, sustainable design and construction practices. While sustainable materials and technologies continue to develop and emerge, there are a variety of time-tested design practices that can make your project more responsible with little impact on the project cost or form. We will help you determine which of the following strategies are suitable for your project:
building size, shape and orientation
The easiest way to make your project more sustainable is to heat and cool less space. Simply put, bigger isn’t always better. We can help you to determine a reasonable program of sensible room sizes, and make the most of the space you have through thoughtful design. We will consider daylighting when laying out spaces and building orientation, window sizes and locations, eave depths and shading devices.
thermal envelope
A well-designed thermal envelope will have a drastic impact on the amount of energy required to heat and cool your project, as well as the long term performance of the building materials and systems. This includes thoughtful selection and location of insulation, ventilation, doors and windows, and vapor barriers. A thoughtfully detailed envelope will control moisture, prevent mold, and restrict air infiltration, maintaining a healthy environment.
mechanical systems
There are many choices for heating and cooling your building. We will help you identify the best fit for your project, considering up-front and operational costs, tax incentives, equipment efficiency, personal preferences and comforts, existing equipment and utilities available for use or re-use. We will endeavor to specify and size mechanical equipment correctly to maximize both performance and efficiency.
materials and fixture selections
You can make your project more environmentally friendly by considering locally available, renewable building products and materials. Sustainable options include low flow water fixtures, energy efficient appliances and light fixtures, low maintenance finish materials, responsible construction and waste management practices and much more. We will review these options with you to help you determine the best fit for your project.
indoor air quality
Indoor air quality becomes an increasingly important part of the sustainable design conversation as we find ways to make the thermal envelope tighter and tighter. We can help identify choices to promote a clean and healthy living environment for you and your family, providing a healthy exchange of indoor air, and selecting low or no VOC materials with minimal on-site finishing requirements.
emerging technologies and methods
We continue to educate ourselves on emerging practices and products to help you reach the sustainability goals for your project. Some examples include solar and tankless water heaters, SIPS panelized construction, rainwater harvesting systems, geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, photo-voltaic cells, daylighting and much more. Several members of our firm are LEED accredited design professionals.