Featured Sustainable
Because of an early and persistent interest in sustainable design, we have been able to introduce innovative sustainable strategies into many of our projects over the last two decades. Many energy-saving approaches that were once exceptional have become standard aspects of our projects.
Yet, even the baseline isn't a fixed target. We work with each client to determine what makes sense for them and for their project. Sometimes this allows us to push the envelope; we've chosen to highlight the following projects because they surpass our baseline standards for energy efficiency and sustainability and represent a new standard towards which we hope future projects will strive.
Habitat for Humanity Housing
New Construction
Amherst, Massachusetts
• Brightly daylit, south-facing rooms
• Super-insulated envelope
• Energy-efficient, economical point-source heating units
• Energy-star appliances
Stiebel Apartments
New Construction
Holyoke, Massachusetts
• Compact building design to minimize envelope area
• Super-insulated walls
• Solar hot water system
• Vegetated roof
• Peak winter heating cost $300/month for entire building (10 apartment units plus 10 storage rooms, laundry and community room)
Kuhn Riddle Architects Office
Renovation
Amherst, Massachusetts
• Adaptive reuse of Amherst Cinema Building
• Locally fabricated workstations made of wheatboard
• Locally grown & sustainably harvested wood flooring
• Recycled-content sheet flooring
• Daylit work areas
• Low-VOC finishes for indoor air quality
• Dual-flush toilets for low water use
• Energy-recovery ventilation system
New England Environmental
New Construction
Amherst, Massachusetts
• Impressive 40,000 KW photovoltaic array
• Showcases sustainable site design for cold weather climates, including extensive native plantings, edible landscaping, enhancements for wildlife, aesthetically pleasing gardens
• Low Impact Design stormwater management, including rain gardens, bio-swales, step pools, bio-retention wetland, porous asphalt paving and concrete grass pavers
• Project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED certification