Mikael Pontoppidan’s Post

Our case study of a reference low-rise commercial building (as built) in Christchurch, indicates an opportunity for significant carbon reductions through some relatively simple design changes... and indicates the potential, through clever design, for the built environment to contribute to our national carbon reduction targets.

We’re experimenting with a different approach: using tempered glass slates over rubber tubing to heat water, an alternative to traditional solar panels. The concept is similar, and we're excited to see how this experimental method plays out. Anyone with experience in this? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how far we can take it! #ProgressNotPerfection #SustainableArchitecture

Sometimes described as a “nutrition label for products,” an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a tool that can help determine the healthiest, most sustainable materials to use in your home. It includes a list of the basic materials and components, a description of the manufacturing process, the life cycle assessment, the carbon footprint, and other environmental impact data. Read *The Science of Smart Materials* to learn more. Check out the link below. https://lnkd.in/gEBZxA2m - - #residentialdesign #landscapedesign #customhome #lowcountry #lowcountryhomes #sustainablility #hothumidclimate #built #innovation #archidesign #architecture #builtenvironment #architecturetechnology #architech #beaufortarchitect #beaufortsc #beaufort 

"Regenerative design is the acknowledgment that we are connected with our surroundings, and it is possible to create actual positive outcomes through forward thinking and good design [...] The concept takes a project and places it within its eco-system, understanding that it does not exist in isolation and that its effects are wide felt." https://lnkd.in/gkUrEa8K

Check this out on @Dezeen - a very clever researcher: Tavs Jorgensen has designed these Cob bricks. The world needs more of this - when can we get our hands on them! 👏 Link to the article in the comments. #SustainableArchitecture #InnovativeMaterials #EcoDesign #Collaboration #GreenBuilding

The adaptive reuse of Horton Plaza in San Diego, California is a tangible and well-executed case study into the astronomical embodied carbon reductions that may be realized through #BuildingReuse. The structural engineer on this project was Miyamoto International and the sustainability consultant was Atelier Ten. The majority of the superstructure and substructure was reused and through this reuse of these primary building elements, the design demonstrated a 73% decrease in embodied carbon when compared to a baseline new build. Have questions about CalGreen Embodied Carbon Requirements? Reach out to the Sustainable Design Committee at sustainable@seaosc.org. #TechnicalTuesdays

Check out The Masonry Society (TMS)'s Sustainability E-News - it's great! Not just limited to masonry, this is a nicely curated newsletter of relevant and timely info for building designers. And you get to learn things about masonry, too. While we are talking about masonry and sustainability, who will be next to publish product-specific EPDs for CMU block? Shout out to Jandris Block, Glenwood Mason Supply Company Inc., Angelus Block Co., Inc., Ernest Maier, Inc, Genest Concrete Works Inc., Mutual Materials Company, ORCO Block & Hardscape, Western Materials Inc., Basalite Concrete Products (Environmental Product Declarations from all companies above found in a minute on the always up-to-date EC3 tool by Building Transparency!)

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬.... 8 years ago (wow, time flies!), long before Context-Coffee | Design-build, I designed "A contained Urban Forest." Now, thanks to one of our newest clients, this project is finally being revived!👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/dzVQyjab We’re experimenting with a different approach: using tempered glass slates over rubber tubing to heat water, an alternative to traditional solar panels. The concept is similar, and we're excited to see how this experimental method plays out. Anyone with experience in this? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how far we can take it! Follow along as we explore new ways to merge sustainability with design. #ProgressNotPerfection #SustainableArchitecture

Sustainability isn't just a trend—it's about making conscious decisions that limit waste and preserve resources. We believe in a thoughtful approach to sustainability, prioritising need over want. Our blog explores what true sustainability means and how it can be applied in everyday choices. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gkT8a_ir #Sustainability #Architects #GreenFuture #ConsciousDesign #BillyDawsonArchitects

Industries are increasingly transitioning from harmful, petroleum-based materials to bio-based material innovations designed under circular design principles that support soil health. 🌱♻️ We’re excited to highlight the Circular Design Innovation Alliance (CiD) a groundbreaking project dedicated to linking design with circular economy principles. This initiative addresses critical gaps in skills and knowledge across architecture, urbanism, and product/service design, aiming to achieve climate-neutral cities. 🔄✨ Visit https://lnkd.in/epUuBSRY to know more about CiD. In this post, we’re showcasing some bio-based material innovations making waves across various industries. Swipe through to discover them! #CircularDesign #UrbanTransformation #CircularEconomy #Biobased #EcoInnovation #SoilHealth #Benchmarks