SUSTAINABILITY
Buildings are the single largest energy consuming sector in the global community. Consequently, architects and design professionals bear a colossal responsibility to the earth and future generations for the sustainable design of new and rehabilitated buildings.
To this end, Tomecek Studio Architecture has taken a proactive stance to explore sustainability. Our principal is a LEED accredited professional, holding both the LEED AP and LEED BD+C credentials. We have been certified from the AIA Colorado 2030 training program and currently seek like-minded clients. Our projects also reflect our belief in the responsibility we bear.
An early 2000’s project, The Box House, utilized super-insulating SIP wall panels and polyurethane roof insulation, as well as passive seasonal sun-screening with shade sails, active solar thermal evacuated tube water heating for domestic water and in-floor radiant heating, and solar photovoltaic panels which produced 85% of the dwelling’s electrical usage.
The 32nd Street residence explored the efficiencies and advantages of off site manufacturing (prefabrication, modular construction) and performs at a very high level in duct tightness, and envelope air infiltration. Using only passive strategies, the project attained LEED H certification in the LEED pilot program.
Our Nederland Container project, in addition to the fundamental recycling it embodies, performs at net-zero energy consumption. The project includes passive strategies of solar orientation, structural insulated panels, active solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. On-site renewable fuel harvesting based on selective and sustainable clearing of timber that is burned in the house’s high-efficiency wood stove.
The Alpine residence again benefits from off site manufacturing, utilizing a European panelized construction system that the Studio thoroughly researched during the design process. It is a LEED H platinum level project and incorporates solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, exterior motorized window blinds, grey water recycling and insulated concrete form (ICF) foundations.
At the other end of the technology spectrum, the University of Colorado student led Design-Build project is constructed almost completely with recycled and salvaged materials, including crushed concrete and railroad trestle structural members from the closed Lowry Air Force Base runways, and handmade gabion cages fabricated from found fencing materials on site.
The Plains Residence is designed as a net-zero energy use project and incorporates a staggered-stud, super-insulating wall system with foam and cellulose in the wall cavities, solar thermal domestic water and radiant in-floor heating, and a 25 kilowatt ground mounted photovoltaic array.
Most recently, the Telluride residence explores Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for foundation and walls with a Structural Insulated Panel Roof (SIPs) roof. This approach not only ensures the longevity of the structure but insures minimal operating costs for the extended project lifecycle.
