MHTN shifts focus towards carbon-reducing building elements

[ad_1]

The construction industry bears a heavy responsibility in reversing the ongoing environmental impact caused by materials and transport emissions during construction and operational carbon once the building is complete. MHTN Architects take the responsibility seriously, placing sustainable solutions on the company’s list of core values. 

Continue reading below

Our Featured Videos

The Salt Lake City-based firm prioritizes ongoing education and keeping up with sustainable building trends. MHTN has been involved in several projects that bring this dedication to green design solutions into focus, including its own studio, which is housed in an existing building. This decision was based on the knowledge that renovating an existing building produces a fragment of the embodied energy required for a new build. Plus, the location met other goals, such as providing a walkable neighborhood with surrounding amenities and close proximity to public transit, as well as a public green space. 

Related: Innovative biophilic design planned for new village in Portugal

To compensate for the lack of passive design in a building that is oriented east to west instead of the preferred north to south, the team developed ultra-efficient lighting strategies throughout the space, including placing the most-commonly used spaces in the path of the natural light

In addition to lighting, the team used efficient materials to enhance the acoustics and mechanical systems for air quality and temperature control to optimize employees’ opportunity for creative and collaborative thinking. Since wellness is also a core value of the company, the studio’s layout creates a flow of movement and provides ergonomic options such as sit-to-stand workstations.

The company also promotes a flexible dress code and personal heating and cooling options with the goal of making employees comfortable so they can reach their peak productivity and personal satisfaction. To further this concept, the building features biophilic elements that encourage a connection with nature. The company offers quiet nooks, a nap space and a flexible work policy that encourages employees to rest and recharge with a focus on stress management. These efforts combined to inspire MHTN to pursue WELL Building Certification for the space. 

The architectural studio is now open in the Historic Ford Building. The process of designing the space overflowed into a refreshed company mindset around sustainability. The team explained, “The world-shifting events of 2020 have certainly added another layer and put into perspective what sustainability means to MHTN. Input was cultivated through a series of workshops and surveys that ultimately led MHTN to adopt a more holistic, three-pronged approach to sustainability that addresses energy performance, human health and wellness and organizational resilience.”

In alignment with its goals to remain earth-centered and promote a positive human impact, the company has signed the Architecture 2030 Commitment, which is oriented towards eliminating carbon emissions from buildings by 2030. The company developed an internal research and development team to develop and monitor actions the team makes on each project. For example, the new building is equipped with energy monitoring equipment that measures energy efficiency and provides feedback for the team as they plan and design spaces for clients. 

“As we integrate sustainability into our firm culture, creating high-performing, healthy buildings becomes more and more seamless,” said Darrah Jakab, AIA, NCARB, CPHC, Associate Principal of Sustainable Design. “When the client embraces this, it can take projects to the next level. There is always an opportunity for every project to be sustainable in some way, and we seek to find that.”

Exterior of a elementary school with a clear blue sky

In addition to their own office, MHTN’s environmental focus is seen in a range of new projects, such as the redesign of the West Bountiful Elementary School in Utah to place a focus on elements that engage creativity and imagination for the students and staff. Along with the benefits to the inhabitants, the design resulted in a zero-energy status through the use of solar panels, a tight building envelope, a ground-source heat loop and efficient LED lighting. 

Interior of the elementary school with orange décor

“When it comes to sustainability, it truly does take a village,” Jakab said. “We at MHTN are motivated by opportunities we have to contribute to sustainable solutions and take the impact that architecture has on climate change seriously.”

Exterior of boxy structured university

This dedication is seen in another project, the University of Utah Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons, which showcases innovative design as the first building at the University of Utah to use ground source wells to provide 96% of the heating and 60% of the cooling energy requirements. This efficient energy system offers substantial savings, estimated at $70,000 annually. 

Exterior of university with the sign saying, "USU Moab Academic Building"

For the Utah State University Moab Academic Building, MHTN supported the campus’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by year 2030 by implementing passive design strategies that reduce energy use. Design elements include optimum building orientation, shaded roof overhangs, high-performance glazing and above-code insulating values. It has led the project towards qualification for both LEED Silver Certification and ILFI Zero Energy Certification.

+ MHTN

Images via MHTN 

[ad_2]

Original Post

36 thoughts on “MHTN shifts focus towards carbon-reducing building elements

  • 6 December 2022 at 2:00 am
    Permalink

    After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

    Reply
  • 14 December 2022 at 1:35 pm
    Permalink

    Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.

    Reply
  • 24 December 2022 at 6:03 am
    Permalink

    I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

    Reply
  • 24 December 2022 at 6:21 am
    Permalink

    I was just looking for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative web sites in top of the list. Generally the top websites are full of garbage.

    Reply
  • 24 December 2022 at 5:05 pm
    Permalink

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    Reply
  • 25 February 2023 at 2:57 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for every other informative blog. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a mission that I am just now running on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.

    Reply
  • 25 February 2023 at 3:26 pm
    Permalink

    Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, as well as the content!

    Reply
  • 21 March 2023 at 3:19 pm
    Permalink

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

    Reply
  • 10 April 2023 at 6:16 am
    Permalink

    Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • 11 April 2023 at 4:06 pm
    Permalink

    There’s noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in features also.

    Reply
  • 12 April 2023 at 12:41 pm
    Permalink

    Great web site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks in your effort!

    Reply
  • 14 April 2023 at 7:17 am
    Permalink

    An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

    Reply
  • 14 April 2023 at 8:18 am
    Permalink

    Throughout the grand scheme of things you receive an A for effort and hard work. Where you confused us was first in the specifics. As as the maxim goes, details make or break the argument.. And that could not be much more true in this article. Having said that, let me tell you exactly what did give good results. The writing is definitely highly persuasive which is most likely why I am making an effort to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, despite the fact that I can notice the leaps in reason you make, I am not necessarily sure of just how you appear to unite your points which inturn make your final result. For now I will yield to your point but wish in the near future you actually connect the facts better.

    Reply
  • 16 April 2023 at 2:52 pm
    Permalink

    I¦ve recently started a web site, the info you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.

    Reply
  • 2 May 2023 at 2:28 pm
    Permalink

    Well I sincerely liked studying it. This post procured by you is very helpful for good planning.

    Reply
  • 4 May 2023 at 1:39 am
    Permalink

    hello!,I really like your writing so a lot! share we keep in touch more approximately your article on AOL? I require an expert on this space to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to look you.

    Reply
  • 17 June 2023 at 7:06 pm
    Permalink

    I precisely wished to say thanks yet again. I do not know the things I would have carried out in the absence of the actual smart ideas provided by you relating to such field. Certainly was an absolute troublesome condition for me personally, nevertheless considering the professional way you solved it made me to weep with delight. I am just grateful for this information and as well , hope that you comprehend what a great job your are undertaking teaching the rest all through your site. Most probably you’ve never encountered any of us.

    Reply
  • 21 December 2023 at 9:03 am
    Permalink

    Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.2

    Reply
  • 31 March 2024 at 8:03 am
    Permalink

    I like the valuable information you supply on your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently. I’m fairly certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the following!

    Reply
  • 2 April 2024 at 10:45 am
    Permalink

    Simply wanna comment on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the content material is real excellent. “By following the concept of ‘one country, two systems,’ you don’t swallow me up nor I you.” by Deng Xiaoping.

    Reply
  • 15 April 2024 at 7:38 pm
    Permalink

    I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to express that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I so much undoubtedly will make certain to don?¦t put out of your mind this site and give it a look regularly.

    Reply
  • 20 April 2024 at 12:51 pm
    Permalink

    It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

    Reply
  • 22 April 2024 at 2:35 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for the good writeup. It in truth was once a leisure account it. Glance complicated to more brought agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?

    Reply
  • 23 April 2024 at 2:06 pm
    Permalink

    I like this website because so much useful material on here : D.

    Reply
  • 26 April 2024 at 5:16 pm
    Permalink

    I precisely desired to say thanks all over again. I’m not certain what I would have undertaken in the absence of those tactics contributed by you over such a area. This has been a very horrifying situation in my opinion, however , seeing a new expert form you processed the issue forced me to cry over fulfillment. I am thankful for the work and in addition believe you really know what an amazing job you are always getting into educating people today all through a site. Probably you’ve never got to know all of us.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *