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Principles of Ecological Design

Ecological buildings utilise a set of technologies and materials where the impact on the Earths limited systems have been carefully considered. Buildings are typically complex and use many hundreds of different materials. The interaction between these needs to be carefully considered, so at GCA we are developing a range of compatible systems, from the soft and natural, including straw, earth and turf, to the more highly engineered, including modern stressed timbers, triple glazing and space age insulation. We will advise and educate, but the final choice always rests with our clients.

Energy Conservation

Renewable Resources

Natural Materials

Recycling

Local Economies

Healthy Buildings

 

 

 

 

 

Conserving energy through simple means such as masses of insulation, high quality glazing and reduced air leakage is the single most effective way of saving on fuel consumption"
Let in the low winter sun. Catch the passing wind. Store heat in the Earth"
Minimising processing keeps materials simple and healthy, reduces pollution and embodied energy used in manufacture"
Even when the useful life of a building has finished, if it has been built for deconstruction, then its components can be re-used or recycled, sometimes many times over."
The way we make our buildings can support local jobs and skilled trades, or make profits for de-humanised corporations. The choice is ours."
Every building contains living organisms who have evolved to live in natural surroundings. How quickly we forget that we are happiest when in warm sunlight and fresh air."