Krige Falconer Partnership Architects

Green Design Strategy

“If we can begin to shift our conceptions of the purpose and process of development to one that heals human and natural communities, uses nature as a mentor and addresses occupants' physiological and psychological needs, then we will be on our way to integrating ecology and real estate”
William D Browning

Passive Design Principles

In order to achieve a truly environmentally sustainable building, the challenge has to be tackled on multiple fronts. Firstly, and most importantly, is the passive design principles adopted for each project. Once we understand the climatic context, the design process is facilitated by the response to the various climatic factors. This allows us to make use of the intrinsic value that is inherent to the site and maximise the potential for energy savings later on in the design process.

Selection of Materials

Once the passive design process has started to shape the architecture, the palette of materials that make up the building needs to be carefully considered. The selection of materials in the design is critical to achieving a high level of sustainability. The consideration of embodied energy and the life cycle of materials are essential in understanding their impact on the environment.

Indoor Environment Quality

Often overlooked, the indoor environment quality of any space is one of the most important aspects of a building. Aspects like access to external views, individual climate control, glare, noise levels and levels of volatile organic compounds can greatly impact on general health and productivity. Workplaces that have favourable indoor environments have proven to improve health and morale in the occupants.

Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Krige Falconer Partnership Architects has invested much time in the research of alternative heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. As the HVAC systems in commercial buildings are responsible a significant portion of the energy consumption, the specification of appropriate systems can go a long way to reduce energy consumption.

Electrical & Lighting

Specification in the lighting and electrical appliances can also have a dramatic effect on the energy consumption, we aim to use only energy efficient light fittings and substitute standard geysers with solar water heating or heat pump technology.

Water Consumption

Arguably our greatest crisis currently is potable, fresh water. Krige Falconer Partnership Architects incorporates water consumption reduction strategies to minimise the use of municipal water. Rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, onsite black water treatment, specification of efficient sanitary fittings & careful landscape design can come together to significantly reduce the water consumption of a building.

Our Commitment

KFPA is committed to the development of a built environment that responds to the current environmental crisis. In our pursuit of sustainable architecture, it has become evident that it is not possible for one set of aesthetic or even functional objectives to address the concerns of different projects. When setting out to achieve an architectural expression that restores the natural environment as well as man's connection to the environment, without neglecting commercial feasibility, each project needs to respond to its own context by evolving out of the contextual and physical influences, in and around the site.

“We had been given the task of designing the future, or at least what was possible if we dared to dream of a future where our buildings no longer took from the environment but were restorative”
Jason McLennan