Sustainable architects
Green Design, Social Architecture & Economic Innovation
At Artel31 we seek to use an ecological material hierarchy and low-impact building techniques to create enduring, environmentally sustainable spaces. But we also appreciate that sustainability in architecture goes beyond the ecological; our community projects regularly have to balance the aesthetic and ecological improvements with economic imperatives along with wider benefits to social and human sustainability.
We always aim to be as sustainable as possible in every project, creating a better environment for tomorrow. Not all projects are the same; some have the option for biodiverse natural wetlands and habitats, and others are more limited, but we set the challenge to lower the impact while maximising the beneficial aspects of construction at every stage.
Members of RIBA’s 2030 Climate Challenge, Architect’s Declare and The Green Register
Low-Energy & Thermal Efficiency
Our in-house Passivhaus designer ensures the team is kept up to speed on the latest innovations and wider principals of energy efficiency in form and orientation etc. Although House in a Barn is not an example of a Passivhaus, our in-house Passivhaus designer was involved throughout the process, leading to exceptional insulation and energy efficiency.
As sustainable architects, we will be pragmatically looking to push you to do the best you can. Partially because of the wider societal imperative but also because it makes a house that is resilient, efficient to run and gives you a better quality of living.
Social & Human Sustainability
Our recently completed project for Krowji had to balance the desired ecological enhancements with an economic imperative to make the studios a viable commercial investment, in doing so we helped to create economic sustainability for them and in turn they can use the money to expand their regenerative efforts within their ward and the larger Cornwall area.
The Social and Human value of Krowji as an organisation is exceptional, it supports numerous organisations artists and groups who in turn support countless others. It was a huge honour to be welcomed into their fold and to help them create the studios and public spaces that would further advocate and support their work.
Biodiversity in Architecture
Biodiversity in architecture refers to the integration of natural ecosystems and living organisms into the built environment. It emphasises the creation of spaces that support plant and animal life, promote ecological balance, and foster a deeper connection between humans and nature. Recent implementation of the Biodiversity Net Gain metric for most building works has added a regulative element to the process but we always exceed the low bar of improvement working closely with Ecologists and Landscape designers.
On our project – The Dairy, we created a giant hibernaculum adjacent to the new wetland and ponds area with reused concrete removed from the historic farmyard. Hither Garden Design worked closely with us to ensure a pollinator friendly landscaping and planting scheme.
Our multiple unit scheme – Baydons Development, used a biodiverse landscape and natural planting scheme incorporating grasslands, wetlands and rubble walling to maximise the opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain.
Why choose sustainable architects?
Because smart design today means a better world tomorrow. At Artel31, we blend creativity with responsibility—delivering beautiful, energy-efficient spaces that work in harmony with the planet.
Ready to build better? Contact us today.