Sustainability and efficiency are two of the foremost considerations at the core of any modern development, with builders and investors being more focused than ever before on ensuring their space is set up for success. From compliance with environmental regulations and guidelines to optimal comfort and superior ROI on your initial investment, sustainable design practices have a lot to offer when it comes to making the most of your space. At KG Interior Design, we know just how important it is to integrate sustainable practices and elements into every build. Through our partnership with the Krahn Group of Companies, we’re proud to partner with clients to offer full-scale interior design services across western Canada, as well as access to the Krahn Group’s comprehensive list of engineering partners.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key factors that go into designing efficient spaces, as well as the pivotal role interior design plays in creating better builds that are able to stand the test of time. Read on to learn more!
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainable spaces not only contribute to longer-lasting buildings and ensure compliance with all relevant standards, but they also play a huge role in making sure that tenants, occupants, and residents are as comfortable as possible. Energy consumption models are essential tools when it comes to creating the perfect design for your building, and working with a skilled interior designer makes it easy to guarantee that sustainability is built into every last detail of the property. From enhancing your building envelope (more on that shortly) to creating spaces that allow your building to perform optimally, success is truly is in the details! Core interior design elements that influence efficiency include:
Lighting
Lighting not only plays a key part in making our spaces enjoyable and easy to navigate but also contributes to the overall longevity and efficiency of your building. LED lighting can significantly reduce your power consumption, lower excessive ambient heating, and lessens the environmental impact of your building thanks to its long lifecycle.
Heating/Cooling
Fans, air conditioning units, and heaters help our spaces stay comfy all year round, but it’s important to make sure that you have the right tools in place when it comes to managing your heating/cooling. Choosing energy-rated fans and heaters will reduce the risk of excessive power consumption while also ensuring a more enjoyable feel for everyone inside the building.
Windows
Windows may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to energy efficiency, but the truth is, they’re an essential component of your building’s envelope (what keeps the outside elements where they belong). Upgrading your windows to the newest standards is a great way to get rid of drafts, and add plenty of light, as well as warmth to your space.
Flooring
Flooring is another innovative way to enhance the ambient temperature of your space and create a comfortable envelope throughout the building. Where tile and hardwood can help lower temps during the summer, more insulating materials like carpet, cork, and even area rugs can make a significant difference when it comes to keeping the chill at bay!
Colours
Finally, one of the least thought-about aspects of efficient design is making the most of your colour scheme. While your paint job can add a vibrant splash to any room, energy-smart designers and builders will know how to use your colour scheme to absorb, reflect, and direct light/heat as needed. The right colour scheme can drastically enhance your lighting, reducing the need for light bulbs, and darker colours can help create a warm cozy feel when temperatures dip.
Efficiency Smart Design With the Krahn Group of Companies
At the Krahn Group of Companies, we understand the importance that interior design plays in every commercial project from comfort to efficiency, aesthetics and more. In partnership with the team at KG Interior Design Ltd, we are proud to offer leading interior design services throughout Western Canada.
Learn more about how KG Interior Design, in partnership with the Krahn Group of Companies, can help you create the perfect interior by contacting us today.
