GREEN DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Michael Witty Architects has been a leader in the practical application of the incorporation and full integration of green technologies in up market residences and commercial projects since 1997.
The integration of these technologies is simple and easily justified if the client has the awareness and willingness to care for the current and future global environment.
Our experience has shown that most clients when presented with the facts and a practical working proposal for their particular project understand and accept the practicality of the green solution.
Budget is always a concern however as designers Michael Witty Architects take the initiative that it is our responsibility as leaders in the design industry to present the possibilities to the client.
There are a number of design opportunities open to provide cost justified practical eco friendly green solutions to the myriad of building questions without sacrificing quality of the finished product or the standard of living. A number of these simple easily accessible and applicable solutions are set out below.
Built in underground or sub-floor stormwater and rainwater storage tanks that are fed from roof water, air conditioning condensate, grey water treatment to be used for flushing of toilets, landscape irrigation, exterior hose cocks (marked as non potable).
Grey water recycling via an approved grey water treatment facility that collects waste water from showers, baths, washing machines and vanity basins which recycles the filtered and treated water to top up the water storage tanks.
Solar - heating for pools, solar hot water or heat pumps (heating water by pulling heat out of the atmosphere) in lieu of electric plus the consideration of Solar HW with gas boost.
Photo voltaic cell arrays (roof mounted) to generate power from the sun to assist with powering the building and distributing excess back into the grid in times of low use.
Green technologies such as a heat sink (solar heating of black floor areas in winter that are exposed to the sun during the day but covered to minimise heat loss at night - the reverse happening in summer - covered during the day exposed to cool at night).
The sensitive design of buildings with protection from the sun in summer and opening to the sun in winter (i.e. verandahs, wide overhangs, retractable covers over glass roofs etc) together with the latest natural fibre insulation technologies.
The incorporation and use of natural products (stone, wood, natural fibres, wool etc.) to minimise waste. Timbers and products selected from recognised renewable or recycled sources.
The use of natural gas for cooking and instant HW generation (hot water on demand).
The incorporation of fluorescent and LED lighting systems connected to interactive sensor systems (movement detectors with a pre-programmed pre-emptive movement patterns plus light level sensors) controlled by a base home automation system together with the minimisation of LV lighting systems.
The use of these plus many other simple accessible design choices and solutions can easily minimise the demand of the building on the local water and power grids plus in many cases result in positive gains of power back into the grid.
Our aim at Michael Witty Architects is to create a 'Zero' dependant building (residential or commercial project) by 2010.
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