cradle to cradle institute launch today
Architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart made a huge splash on the green scene in 2002 with their book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things and have since created an entire movement. Their Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) framework is a paradigm shift to eliminate waste through innovative design. [...]
EcoPrinciple One: Thoughtful Design
In our practice at Michelle Kaufmann Studio, “thoughtful design” means designing to use less, collaborating with the outdoors, using techonology to improve quality while reducing quantity, and designing for longevity, flexibility and a joyful living environment. Homes should be built to human scale, using only what is needed, but remaining open and airy. High [...]
EcoPrinciple Three: Energy Conservation
High tech. Low impact. Throughout our homes we design to use minimal energy. We design to require less energy through high-performance insulation and mechanical systems, dual and triple pane glass, proper sunshading systems and energy star appliances. We also design for alternative energy systems such as solar and wind to make homes that are Net-Zero [...]
EcoPrinciple Five: Healthy Spaces
Healthy homes are happy homes. We seek to create healthy environments by using non-toxic materials, no and low VOC paints, air filtration and purification systems, spray-in foam insulations (which are more effective than fiberglass batting and minimizes mold). A healthy design continues outside the home with water recycling systems to hydrate plants, native plants that [...]
EcoPrinciple Six: Systems Built
Standard construction can be incredibly inefficient and wasteful. However, by utilizing systems-built techniques, we are able to reduce waste by 50 to 75%, while at the same time increasing predictability and shortening the construction schedule and carrying costs.
