THIER + CURRAN ARCHITECTS INC.
Sustainable Design
thoughtful.buildings
We firmly believe that Sustainable Design is simply part of good design, not a separate design task nor the arena of specialist consultants.
Our firm is a member of the Canadian Green Building Council, and our staff have taken LEED training and design courses, as well as training and research on sustainable design, energy efficient design, passive solar design and earth sheltered design.
We have had the opportunity to implement sustainable design principles on several recent projects.
At McMaster University’s Stonechurch Family Health Centre:
- Extensive daylighting from skylights and new windows offers soothing views to the landscape and natural light.
- Lighting is designed to be 'tuned' locally by extensive use of switching to be responsive to daylight levels and individual needs.
- Stormwater from roofs was disconnected from the sewer system and directed to a new mini-wetland.
- Asphalt parking area has been reclaimed as garden space to enhance the patient experience.
- Primordial elements of fire and water are used in key areas to soothe users.
- A large, lush staff garden with a focal water feature extends the staff room into the landscape and provides a therapeutic retreat from hectic clinic life.
- Extensive glazing allows natural lighting to reduce energy, and offers a connection to the natural world beyond.
- Instantaneous hot water heat is used in lieu of a wasteful storage tank.
- A waterless urinal and low-flow toilets and faucets reduce water consumption.
- Materials such as carpet and linoleum with high-recycled content, and renewable local wood products were intentionally sourced.
At Mohawk College's New Information Technology Centre (i-Wing):
- An indoor wintergarden with a large fishpond and waterfall surrounded by tropical plants and trees filters and oxygenates the air, while adding the soothing sights of greenery and wildlife and the sounds of moving water all year.
- Stormwater is retained in a wetland surrounding the building, and the bridge over the entry creates a memorable point of arrival.
- Indirect fluorescent lighting offers a glare-free source for computer users, and energy efficiency.
- Extensive glazing allows natural lighting to be used to reduce electrical power requirements, and increase user comfort and connection to the landscape.
- Materials such as cork, carpet and linoleum with high-recycled content, and renewable local wood and stone products were intentionally sourced.