When it comes to designing the perfect structure, there’s no shortage of elements that go into development. Sustainability is one of the most important considerations and focal points in construction today, and interior design plays a key role in making sure your building has everything it needs to succeed today, as well as in the future. Far from “just” making your space look its best, sustainable design features help to make your property safer, and more efficient and improve the overall performance of the building for the long term.
The Krahn Group of Companies, as well as our interior design partners at KG Interior Design, know how important it is to integrate sustainability into your project right from the very start. Below, we’ll cover 5 fundamentals that ensure sustainability and longevity is always front of mind during construction. Read on to learn more.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most important topics facing the construction world today, with both new builds and retrofits being held to an increasingly regimented set of standards both provincially and federally. Interior designers, in partnership with your architecture team, will work with you to determine what energy efficiency components are best suited/necessary for your unique build. For example, if you’re upgrading an older space, you may need to replace core building envelope features like windows, doors, and even outside flashing/protective barriers to prevent the escape of heat during the colder months. If you’re building new, you’ll want to look at high-grade materials and features that retain their performance for as long as possible to reduce energy leeching and to keep the space comfortable all year round.
Small Environmental Footprint
These days there is an increased focus on integrating renewable materials into your build wherever possible. Organic materials like wood and stonework can help to reduce your footprint, but going the extra step to use eco-friendly and more sustainable options can have plenty of benefits for your space as well. Cork flooring, for example, is highly durable, has better insulation than most vinyl or hardwood flooring, is better in spaces where standing all day can cause joint strain, and can even help reduce allergens in the air!
Incorporate Waste Reduction
Waste reduction often comes down to planning and creating an efficient “obsoletion” eco-system that allows you to make the most of the elements in your space. Using longer-lasting elements like LED lighting will help prevent the constant disposal of burnt-out bulbs, and having a “replace/reuse” maintenance plan in place will help to reduce your chances of producing excessive waste on a day-to-day basis, as well as your building ages.
Sustainability and Adaptability
Sustainability has always been a core benchmark for success when it comes to designing and building projects, but adaptability is often a less-spoken, but equally important aspect. Adaptable-minded design gives you superior flexibility through features like moveable walls that can section an area off as a temporary meeting room, modular flooring that can easily be replaced as it wears out, easy-to-maintain materials, and other time/resource saving assets.
Health Minded Design
Finally, a sustainable space is designed with health and comfort in mind. Incorporating design features that deal with heat and cooling, air quality, ventilation, lighting, and more. With a space that’s created with people and sustainability in mind, you’re sure to get the most out of your build today, as well as in the many years to come!
Interior Design With the Krahn Group of Companies
At the Krahn Group of Companies, we know and value the importance of creating sustainable spaces through carefully curated interior design. That’s why we’re proud to partner with KG Interior Design to offer you leading support for projects ranging from a wide range of sectors when it comes to interior design and more. With access to knowledge and experience that you can trust, as well as all multiple in-house services that include project management, civil, electrical, structural, and mechanical engineering and more, we make building your next project as simple as possible. Learn more about how KG Interior Design, in partnership with the Krahn Group of Companies, can help you create the perfect interior by contacting our team today.
Looking to join a team built to excel? The Krahn Group of Companies is hiring across all locations and disciplines. Learn more here!
