What the Pedernales Lofts lacks in effective implementation the Bercy Chen Studios perfects with their multi-prong holistic approach to sustainable development. Attacking creativity with a team of employees from varied backgrounds and nationalities, the Bercy Chen Studios ensures that each project offers a unique perspective on sustainability and design.
Although Austin requires developers to incorporate some measure of sustainability, BCS chooses to follow their own path and manages to exceed city requirements by focusing on personal responsibility first and return on investment second. What fascinated me most about this company was their ability to effortlessly exceed building requirements by simply remaining true to their mission and beliefs.
But, like all pioneers, bucking a system which is slow to accept any change isn't always an easy process. In the beginning, appraisers had difficulty valuing longevity and sustainability features that were so advanced that no comparables existed in the marketplace. As an example, recycled tire shingles, with a relatively short lifespan, were considered sustainable while copper roofing, which lasts for 150 years, was not. This devaluing might have deterred other developers, but BCS's belief that it's more important to provide products with a greater lifecycle trumped any concern they might have had for a higher rating.
If BCS stopped there it would be easy to consider them one of the most innovative companies I've come across. But what shoots BCS light years ahead of their competition, in my mind, is their holistic approach. To them, longevity isn't defined by any single product like the copper roof, but rather by all aspects of construction and design. Building materials are locally purchased, whenever possible which has the possibility to impact not only the customers immediate quality of life by keeping costs low, but their future quality of life by supporting the local economy. By ensuring a high quality of life for the occupant, BCS hopes to keep the buildings owner-occupied, which will in return ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the property.
This intense multi-faceted design approach isn't for everyone and BCS requires in depth consultations with clients to engage the client as much as possible and to make sure that the company and the client are a good fit. Once a project is green-lighted, BCS avoids bumps in the roads by sourcing many of the products themselves. This allows for greater quality and cost control and prevents general contractors and sub-contractors from abandoning design features of which they are unfamiliar.
My only one small contention with BCS was that their developments are, for the most part, primarily new construction. However, with sustainable design features such as: green roofing, solar PV panels, hydronic heating and cooling, passive/active ventilation, geothermal and rainwater collection it’s certain that BCS is without a doubt one of Austin's most innovative and cutting edge design firms.
No comments:
Post a Comment