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There are many "buzz words" to describe goals for environmentally conscious design - "green building", " Sustainable design ", etc. We see our role in the broader goal of "sustainable living", believing that architecture is one part of many facets of creating holistic lifestyles that not only are environmentally sensitive but that also enhance human opportunities and freedom. Thus our own goal is to work with you to create:
" Architecture for sustainable living, connecting body, mind, spirit and place ."
Here's what we are doing:
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Emphasizing sustainable design in our projects . We were architects for Shadowlake Village , a co-housing project in Blacksburg which incorporated cluster design, smaller houses and energy conservation techniques . Two buildings at Boys' Home in Covington have geo thermal - based mechanical systems. Many of our projects utilize existing buildings recycled or updated for new uses. Some of our residential work includes passive solar and other energy features. Recent church projects explore many aspects of sustainable design.
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Memberships in organizations promoting sustainable design:the US Green Building Council - We are members of the local chapter. We are working towards LEED certification and incorporation of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in future projects.
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We are members of the "Not so Big House" professional network - we strongly believe that appropriately - sized buildings of all types can represent a huge benefit of meeting sustainable goals.
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We are a founding partner of the Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC) - we assist this effort at the Jacksonville Center in Floyd , VA. , in its mission to educate through hands on demonstrations of practical technologies for sustainable living. Current projects include a wind power system, solar photovoltaic array, straw bale structure and comprehensive exhibits about all aspects of sustainable living.
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Use of our office space as a "testing ground" for sustainability initiatives - through our use of recycled paper, emphasis on recycling, remodeling which incorporated recycled content carpet tile and low VOC paint, and encouragement of alternative transportation, we seek to "practice what we preach".
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