Discussing Sustainability And Architecture With Giovanni Patania

Giovanni Patania is the Lead Architect and Co-Founder at WindsorPatania Architects, who has marked their presence in the industry with projects like Eden House and Norfolk House.

People, especially those who are not in the construction industry, have very different ideas about what sustainable design might be. From skyscrapers with green spaces across the facade, to completely eco-friendly buildings made from mud, straw, and other natural materials; there are so many varying ‘definitions’. From your experience, how would you explain sustainable design?

In my opinion, sustainable design means a way to create architecture that reduces the carbon footprint, energy consumption, and environmental impact to a bare minimum. Therefore, it would be incorrect to name a skyscraper sustainable just because it has a couple of floors covered with plants and trees when it is made of steel, a material with a high carbon footprint.

Sustainable design is a complex term. On the one hand, it involves mathematical calculations to determine whether a building meets sustainable requirements. A truly sustainable design has to be carbon-neutral, energy positive, and made of locally sourced natural materials.

On the other hand, sustainable design should inspire us as much as any other. Creating biophilic views helps to connect users with nature and provides an environment for better living.

“In my opinion, sustainable design means a way to create architecture that reduces the carbon footprint, energy consumption, and environmental impact to a bare minimum.”

There has been a lot of buzz regarding sustainability in all kinds of fields, especially after the onset of COVID19, and we can see more people becoming interested in the idea nowadays. Do clients approach you with such interest or do you usually have to convince them of the benefits of building sustainably?

A lot of our clients are getting more curious about sustainable design. And they are looking for some information on what makes a building sustainable.

I would argue that we don’t have to convince clients that building sustainably is beneficial. Instead, we have to explain how it works and help them to make a decision. It’s essential not to push or force clients to believe, but to explain, talk to them and educate them by sharing our knowledge. This way, we create a trusting partnership with the people we work with.

“As far as I can see, clients are already interested in sustainable design. Our mission is to help them, provide relevant information, and explain the benefits of integrating eco-friendly solutions and the results to be achieved.”

Could you tell us about the cost management of implementing sustainable features in design, and how/if this can be achieved at a manageable cost for different income groups?

First, let me specify the different types of buildings. Some large developments and skyscrapers demand more complex approaches like SAP calculations. And there are small-scale buildings.

If we talk of small-scale buildings like private houses, there are a few ways to achieve a manageable cost. A good entry step would be getting the EPC certificate. It’s fairly inexpensive and will give a breakdown of the options for improving the energy performance of the building.

One might start with loft insulation since it’s the cheapest option, or consider insulating the ground floor and the external walls. The installation of solar panels and heat pumps could be more expensive. However, all these measures will contribute to the energy performance of the building and will change its EPC rating.

For brand-new development, the scope of work would be pretty much the same. First, the thermal insulation of the roof, the walls, and the floor should be carried out. Then, if the budget allows, consider implementing heat pumps, skylights, and solar panels. The key point is that you shouldn’t do it all at once; you can implement it gradually, step by step.

What could be a few ways in which we, as architects, can get more people interested in considering a sustainable design for their projects?

As far as I can see, clients are already interested in sustainable design. Our mission is to help them, provide relevant information, and explain the benefits of integrating eco-friendly solutions and the results to be achieved. We must admit that clients have no time to learn about sustainable design, and we have to take responsibility for educating them.

One of the possible ways could be a different, more precise way of packaging the design services that architects provide. Architectural firms can create different service options that include a slight change in the project, such as the incorporation of more sustainable materials or thermal insulation. This way, clients will be able to tell the difference and better understand the correlation between the increase in cost and a more sustainable building.

We believe it is high time that we start implementing sustainable design elements in projects as mandatory, with particular regional standards. Do you think we could soon be at a stage where building ‘green’ is considered a necessity rather than preferable, globally?

In the UK, we’re on the right track to achieving green construction with the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. In the next 5-10 years, building sustainably will no longer be a matter of choice, but will become mandatory.

We have to agree that the world does not develop uniformly, and we shouldn’t ignore that economic inequality exists. Some more wealthy nations have already started implementing sustainable design principles. Others are just getting started. So-called developing countries will still need a long time to reach a point where sustainable design is a must.

Overall, sustainable design will take longer to become mandatory in all countries.

What could be a few possible drawbacks or challenges someone in the industry might face while designing sustainably?

There are some aspects that I’d describe as interesting and exciting challenges rather than drawbacks. First, let’s not discard that designing sustainably requires much wider knowledge, and is more time-consuming.

An architect needs to spend more time researching the materials and making calculations. Then it’s essential to find a good and professional sustainable design advisor who can produce high-quality analytic reports for your design. And you always have to check on each change in the design development to be sure the building meets the sustainable requirements.

It’s a new reality, and at WindsorPatania Architects we enjoy each moment of it!

How would you say your workflow has changed, working on sustainable projects?

Working on sustainable projects has changed the workflow in a way that we have to check each step of the design development process more often. To give an example, every time we implement a design update, such as creating a certain type of volume or placing a certain number of openings, we need to go back to the consultants and check whether the design meets the expected data on carbon emission, energy consumption, etc. It’s a good change as we know it’s worth it for the results we’re getting.

Could you share a little bit about your past and current sustainable projects, like Eden House?

At the moment, we consider Eden House a key project of our practice because it’s absolutely unique. To better understand why, let me give you a brief overview of the background.

We were quite lucky because the Eden House client had a clear vision of what he wanted this project to be. First, he’s keen to build a villa that will set a new standard for sustainable luxury houses in the UK and likely in the world. Second, the knowledge and experience acquired in the design process will be shared with the local and international community.

Eden House is a carbon-neutral and energy-positive building. And it’s a one-of-a-kind residence that will live in total synergy with nature because of its unique location. As the villa is situated in the Green Belt, we were challenged to follow the principles of the Green Belt Openness and maintain wildlife corridors, improving the quality of life of existing local species. The plot is divided into different areas, each dedicated to specific species. The residence will provide micro ecosystems for birds, butterflies, lizards, bees, squirrels, frogs, and other representatives of the local fauna. We incorporated eco-friendly design elements such as bee bricks, innovative nesting sites for bees, and birdhouses into the villa’s facades to help the environment. Also, we added an ecological pond with the kingfishes in it.

Eden House will have many eco-sustainable renewable energy sources, like a ground heat pump and a home biogas unit to properly dismantle waste from the kitchen.

In this project, rainwater harvesting, a biodigester that helps recycle and purify water, and a greywater harvesting system will be applied.

Nature is at the heart of the building. The house is erected surrounding its own courtyard, which helps to incorporate the vegetation inside, provides ventilation to the different spaces to avoid overheating, and gives biophilic views.

Giovanni Patania

(Architect Director, Co-Founder) Giovanni Patania is the Lead Architect and Co-Founder at WindsorPatania Architects. Originally from Siena, Italy, Giovanni worked as a Project Lead Architect at Foster+ Partners, designing Apple stores across the world. An Investor himself, Giovanni understands property thoroughly, both from an investor’s perspective and technically, as an Architect. With over 15 years of Architecture experience, working on over 150+ Projects, Giovanni has the expertise and credentials to help you on your journey.