Ancient Principles

“Green” design within today’s marketplace would seem to be a relatively novel concept in the face of the environmental and energy crises. However, the fundamental precepts underlying good, environmentally sound building practices have actually been around for thousands of years. Up until the Fossil Fuel Age took root, all buildings were of local content and responsive (to varying degrees) to microclimatic conditions – - there was no alternative to passive, natural, low-energy building construction. As modern designers, our highest aspirations for building performance must be founded on these sensibilities and then enhanced – - as appropriate – - with technology and building science.