“Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.”
-Michelangelo
The structures GreenTech builds are generally associated with the most spectacular settings. Whether such sites be snow capped mountains or clear blue lake waters we are indeed grateful for the stewardship of such resource rich places. For this reason GreenTech focuses on projects demanding innovative and sustainable solutions to reflect the character and resources of the client and the site, capturing the distinct personality of both.
Careful thought and planning begins with a design that will harmonize with the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. We preserve as much open space as possible with the strategic placing of building footprints and hardscapes. Where multiple units are not possible the sharing of driveways, playgrounds, pools, and other disturbed areas is encouraged to lessen impact on delicate areas. Thoughtful attention to each phase of construction is executed so as to maintain the peace and aesthetics of these tranquil settings.
Human Proportion
The Greeks defined art and architecture with “harmonious proportion” to consciously express man’s place in the world. Today the key is a renaissance in this philosophy and the proper proportion and harmonious relationship of man and the built world to his environment and society.
Form and Function intertwined in Design
Good design balances substance with style. A building should function to the desires of its users while responding effectively to the climate, the sun, and the views. Its form should do likewise, while also adding visual clarity and interest to the area and to those that interact with it. Good design is not about color, style, or trends – but instead about the thoughtful consideration of the user, the experience, and the impact of an object on the surrounding environment.
Floor Plan Goals
GreenTech promotes custom building and custom design. Since each site and client is unique, so must the project appropriately reflect the specific parameters and characteristics affecting the project design. No set floor plan or design will fit every site. Too often, builders and clients alike try to force a favorite plan or preconceived design on a challenging site that requires an open minded and creative approach for a successful solution.
- open concept layouts which create larger common areas for better air flow, solar effects, and human interaction
- create visual impact and experiential journey through the structure to the landscape and beyond
- minimal use of hallways, doors, and ornamentation for the optimization of resources and overall space
- flexible spaces for our ever changing and evolving lives and for different needs of future users
- correlating floor plan and room use to site orientation for optimal comfort and solar gains
Architectural Style
In a world and history of endless architectural styles and copy cat imitations, a GT design is driven simply by the site, the projects’ intent of use, and the client. Accordingly, the project expresses a functional thesis while carefully respecting the natural environment and human impact upon it. Given the innovative and technological age in which we now live and build, a GreenTech structure takes on a sense of warm modernity-dynamic and inviting. The unique result is an evolving and appropriate style unrestrained by fashionable labels.
Encompassing the
- Creative nature and determination of the human soul
- Ruggedness of the American Wilderness
- Permanence of European design
- Casual comfort of the Pacific Northwest
- Innovation of modern technology
- Inspiration from surrounding natural environments
- Simple beauty of geometric forms and relationships
Architectural Personality
Entry (the welcome)
- A welcoming sense of arrival should be expressed as one approaches and enters the home
- Low scale entry to relate to human scale and not dominate the natural site
Architectural Elements
- Sun Towers-for light, heat and cooling
- Glass Walls-passive heat and to capture views
Windows
- the eyes and soul of the home in perfect rhythm
- integrated with wall elevations and overall geometric patterns
Tech Elements
- Interior spaces and exterior themes harmonized
- Solar and mechanical aspects blended carefully to interior and exterior aesthetics
- Clever and aesthetic exposure of structural elements
Integrity of Materials
- Glass utilized for heat, views, and architectural patterns
- Thermal massing-concrete, block or stone
- Recycled materials appropriately used and intermixed
- Sustainable attributes in all material selections and use
Craftsmanship in the Details
- Artisans of visual craft, adding distinction and quality
- Minimal but ample ornamentation to enhance forms
- Articulating themes and geometric patterns
Hardscape To Landscape
- Integrated into space so as to become one with nature, not set apart
Walkways, walls, and fences used as a sensitive transition of home to site - Landscape should be a reflection of its surroundings
- Dominant use of indigenous plants
- Provide water elements to the south and to cool
