Experience:
We have experience of designing low energy, environmentally conscious buildings over 20 years. Practice founder James Bruges is the author of ‘The Little Earth Book’ and Practice Principal Nigel Honer was a founding Director of the Energy Audit Company in 1990, which assesses thermal improvements for Housing Associations and Local Authorities housing stock.
In 1995 HM the Queen opened the Avon & Somerset Police Headquarters Operational Offices, which was designed to use natural cooling rather than air-conditioning, one of the first modern office buildings in the UK to use this technique.
In 1997 we won an International competition to design and build a public demonstration house encompassing all aspects of sustainable living, the CREATE Ecohome.
Recent projects have included the use of Passive Solar, Solar Thermal, PV, Water Turbines and ground source Heat Pumps to supplement the low energy strategy.

Design Approach:
We follow The Natural Step approach to the use of resources, preferring to use natural, renewable materials wherever possible with a minimum of processing. Consumption of water and energy during the life of the building are of primary concern.

Environmentally Conscious Designs:
We have developed in-house expertise in assessing energy performance and suitability of renewables on each project early in the design process. We ensure the buildings use of resources have a minimal environmental footprint and cost.

Materials:
Selection of materials is based on BRE Green Specification ratings, our experience, anticipated longevity and value.

The Practice:
Our offices are mostly powered by a p.v. array, depending on the sun! We live close to our offices to minimize our carbon emissions. We use recycled paper and electrons whenever possible. All office waste paper is recycled.
Associate Richard Swann is an active member of The Transition movement.