We are pursuing the most stringent environmental certification, the Living Building Challenge, to introduce the idea of Regenerative Buildings that give back to the environment and enhance Biodiversity.
The buildings’ footprint is minimized to keep the natural topography intact and to protect wildlife and vegetation. A roof garden serves for the production of local edible species. By introducing an open-air rainwater collection pond, rainwater is treated for domestic use, attracting birds, pollinators, insects, mammal and improving the microclimate.
The Living Building Challenge has been adopted as a sustainability performance standard. The Living Building Challenge is the built environment’s most rigorous performance standard. It calls for the creation of building projects at all scales that operate as cleanly, beautifully and efficiently as nature’s architecture. To be certified under the Challenge, projects must meet a series of ambitious performance requirements, including net zero energy and waste and water management over a minimum of twelve months of continuous occupancy.
They are divided into seven “Petals”:
• Place
• Water
• Energy
• Health
• Material
• Equity
• Beauty
The extensive scientific research results in a holistic project integrating design principles with environmental values by presenting alternative solutions. A net zero water strategy is achieved by introducing a pond to collect rain and storm water instead of a closed concrete tank. The pond does not only hold the water for indoor needs, but it becomes a water body attracting local birds, pollinators, insects and mammals and improving the microclimate. The water is treated without the use of chemicals in order not to harm the fauna dependent on it.
The road to reach the site is not asphalted, only compacted to keep the grounds pervious and reduce storm-water runoff. Contribution to heritage is implemented through the use of traditional stone construction typical of the region by local craftsmen. To share the acquired knowledge, the project’s doors are open for site visits from neighbors and students.
The guard’s house accommodates a guard and his family that will be entrusted to have care of the land. Reduction of running costs is through smart management: energy and water meters linked to an online platform help occupants see their energy and water consumption pattern and thus adapt accordingly.
The Guard House is constructed on pilotis to preserve the natural topography and reduce the impact on wildlife and vegetation. A vegetable and herb roof garden serves for the production of local edible species.
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