Sustainability
At Windigo we believe that Architecture — a human construct —is inherently natural. Like the wind and tides, humans continually sculpts the planet. If we understand that we as a species never really left the natural world and are very much intertwined within it, then it is inevitable to see that our actions and processes are as natural as they were thousands of years ago. Even our technological achievements can be viewed as a process of Nature.
If we are to reverse the harmful trends happening to the planet its climate and ultimately ourselves, then we believe that sustainable design must go much deeper than the application of “green” technologies. Solar panels, geo-thermal systems, LED lighting, super insulated walls, vegetated roofs, and organic materials are all engineering methods for lessening the impact our built environment have on our planet. But these are only part of what goes into making a good building but not the whole architectural solution.
To truly be architecture, buildings and their spaces must connect to the soul in the same way music does. Spaces must awaken occupants’ senses to the pulses of the world around them in order to change our current behaviors.
Therefor our holistic approach to architecture adheres to and grows from the following principles:
• The architecture shall strive to enrich our lives by creating soulful connections to the built environment and remind us that we and our actions are a part of the natural world.
• A building and its site shall require little to no man-made energy for heating and cooling, power, lighting, and operation. Through proper sighting, form, and orientation, the building shall utilize natural energy forces as much as possible to provide a comfortable habitat for the user.
• Where ever possible, systems for utilizing renewable resources shall be integrated into the design.
• When man-made energy is required, it shall be consumed as minimally as possible through the integration of innovative and efficient systems.
• All products, equipment, and fixtures incorporated into the construction and site work shall provide for a healthy environment to its occupants.
• All products, equipment, and fixtures incorporated into the construction and site work shall have a minimum impact on the environment during construction, usage and decay.
• All of this should be integrated into the architecture in such a way that it is visible, becoming contemplative focal points as well as educational tools.
It’s common sense that buildings should be energy efficient, sustainable, and provide a healthy environment to its occupants. We strive to transcend this imperative by creating contemplative moments that express the interconnections between the activities and patterns of humans, and those of the natural world.