JDDK SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
20:20 A Vision for Our Future
At JDDK Architects, we have been keenly interested in sustainable design throughout our 30 year history. However, business as usual is no longer sufficient. The climate crisis and the planet’s biodiversity loss both threaten our way of life. Individuals and businesses all now have a responsibility to work together towards a better future.
The built environment contributes 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint. Clients, design professionals and contractors must come together to deliver buildings with a reduced impact on the environment. Our industry already has the technology to do this, but we need the will and commitment to make a difference.
At JDDK we recognise the important role that architects have to play in shaping a low carbon future, and that is why we’re setting out our sustainability strategy here. We will work with our clients and colleagues to make a difference. Building on our history, we present “20:20, A Vision for Our Future”.
Please click here to download our sustainability strategy in .pdf format (opens in new window).
Future Reports
In time, we will report on our progress towards our sustainability goals. Our first update is planned for April 2020 when we will report on our baseline carbon footprint assessment.
Case Study: Low Carbon Home, Northumberland
We worked with our self-build clients to develop a ‘fabric first’ approach to energy efficiency. The timber frame home’s insulation, triple glazing and airtight measures all minimise the space heating demand, and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system provides fresh air throughout. Heat is provided by a ground source heat pump and photovoltaic panels generate almost all of the home’s energy needs.
Case Study: Super Insulated Office, Stannington
The brief from our client included ambitious energy use and CO2 emission targets which we achieved through orientation and high levels of insulation in the walls, floor and roof. Large triple-glazed windows provide daylight throughout the offices, whilst a colonnade with climbing plants prevents overheating. The 1,100m2 office can be heated with a single domestic-sized gas boiler.
Case Study: Sensitive Retrofit, Northumberland
The conversion of this stable block to a Grade I listed hall, designed by John Dobson, required the sensitive application of insulation to the solid stone walls to ensure the fabric can continue to breathe. We specified carbon negative natural wood fibre and lime insulations to ensure embedded timbers aren’t vulnerable to excessive moisture. The refurbished building, now providing holiday accommodation, is heated with an air source heat pump, and new timber windows maximise natural light to the interiors.
