Metrics
We
cannot control what we do not measure. Building performance
must be based on realistic design assumptions, and these assumptions
tested against actual performance. Just as important as the objective
performance of building systems, the intangible performance of
human comfort and delight must be included.
Integrated Energy Systems
K+C are pioneers in the integrations of photovoltaics into buildings,
having designed the first commercial BIPV project in the US in 1989.
We have refined BIPV technology through projects, R&D contracts
with industry, and studies for government. We seek to optimize
any renewable energy potential in our projects, and this has included
solar thermal systems and passive solar principles, as well as studies
of integrated wind and local
hydropower. In every case we try to achieve energy system solutions
that are beautiful, functional elements of the project.
Integrated Water Systems
Water is as important an issue as energy, in some cases more
so. Where possible, we try to capture and make use of local water
resources - in urban environments rainwater is not simply wasted,
it becomes a contaminated load on water and waste infrastructure.
Integrated Landscape
Plants can provide a rich multiplicity of services to the built
environment, from moderating temperature to filtering and oxygenating
the air, to capturing and controlling water flows, to providing habitat.
For the world's now-majority urban population, these benefits are
magnified as density of development increases.
All these
living elements can provide value in terms of energy, air quality,
and even food production, but we feel the greatest benefit may be
to the health, happiness and productivity of people who might otherwise
have less contact with nature.
Integrated Agriculture
An extreme integration of plants into buildings is building-integrated
food production, which we are developing via integrated hydroponic
systems. There is great potential for shared services between adjacent
building and greenhouse elements.
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