THE MODERNS DESIGN TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
The Moderns intent is to go well past a simple recycling story, to think of each ingredient and eliminate the concept of waste. We honor Dr. Michael Braungart and William McDonough's thinking by emphasizing the concept of "Eco-effectiveness"* as opposed to "Eco-efficiency"*. For the past five years, The Moderns have embraced this challenge and continually expand our knowledge and resources to provide a holistic approach to sustainable design. The Moderns recognize the importance of educating clients, vendors and suppliers in order to arrive at sustainable design solutions. The Hannover Principles and the "Cradle to Cradle* Protocol" by Dr. Michael Braungart and William McDonough are used as a guideline to commence a project. Honoring the "Cradle to Cradle Protocol" as a criteria, The Moderns are able to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainable design.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND BUILDING SYSTEMS
In collaboration with Steven Winter Associates, Inc. we provide comprehensive sustainable strategies regarding HVAC, MEP. Curtain Wall Systems and Electrical Systems that are used as a master plan for the entire project.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
We integrate nature into our architectural and interior design as part of site and landscape design strategies. We select indigenous and regional vines, flowering shrubs, evergreen ground covers and trees that are low maintenance. Indigenous plants attract migrating and resident birds, butterflies and other fauna and also eliminate need for complex irrigation systems. We design planters as rain water collection devices and design paving on sand beds to minimize drainage systems. Whenever possible, we source reclaimed and re-used materials to incorporate into the paving design.
WATER CONSERVATION
Water is one of our most precious natural resources. We incorporate strategies into our design that visually celebrate, actively conserve, recycle and reduce water run-off.
MATERIALS AND FINISHES
Simply said, with the idea that "waste is food," we divide our material and resources decisions into the categories of biological nutrient, technological nutrient and product of service, considering the entire life cycle of each item.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND A POSTIVE INGREDIENTS LIST
We work with our clients to develop a positive ingredient list to be used in the project as this has a major impact in the indoor air quality of the space. Whenever possible, we work with vendors to change harmful and toxic ingredients to safe ones. At all costs, we do not specify PVC products. We avoid exposed fiber glass products and epoxy resins.
CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION METHODS
Considering the life cycle of every building component, we specify mechanically fastened assemblies wherever possible, minimizing use of glues and adhesives. When adhesives are necessary, water-based, low-VOC options are specified. We specify that during construction, contractors are to reuse or recycle wood, steel studs, cardboard and other materials and adhere to other on-site waste management procedures.
FURNISHINGS
From textile design to furniture and accessories, The Moderns are able to work with vendors in the industry to help them change their manufacturing processes so that an item can be considered a biological nutrient or a technological nutrient. We also advise vendors to help them set up an item as a "product of service"*.
ORGANIC FOOD
We believe Nature is to be celebrated in its diversity and its cycles. We encourage our clients to serve locally grown organic food, allowing the seasons to express themselves through beautifully presented meals. We are strongly against genetic engineered food.
"WASTE EQUALS FOOD" MANAGEMENT
Our goal is to help our clients replace the concept of waste with the concept of "Waste equals Food." One way to achieve this holistic approach to waste management, is to collaborate with Envirowaste Systems as equipment provider and consultant. With one waste compactor for each type of recyclable (cardboard and paper, glass, metals, and non-recyclables) compacted material can be sold to environmentally-aware businesses in the community and hauling costs and landfill fees can be reduced.
Whenever possible, we avoid using hybrid materials and finishes, as these pose serious problems at the end of their use. At the end of the construction process, we provide the service of cataloguing all the materials used, so it is clear which category each building material or component falls into (biological nutrient*, technical nutrient* or product of service*) and recommend how and where the item can be upcycled*.
* Refer to Glossary.
We continue to be inspired by our collaboration with colleagues Dr. Michael Braungart and William McDonough, FAIA, whose work provides a conceptual approach or protocol which informs our thinking and practice regarding sustainable design. Braungart and McDonough are co-authors of The NEXT Industrial Revolution published in The Atlantic Monthly, October 1998.
