CONSULTing SERVICES
At Eco Design - Architects & Consultants, we provide a diverse range of specialized services, including green consultancy for architectural firms, companies, and private clients.
We offer the following expertise and consultation services:
ECOLOGICAL DESIGN CONSULTING
Every project is unique, and sometimes all you need is expert guidance. We provide a range of support through reports, guidelines, and recommendations in the following areas: Ecological Land Use: Eco-village concepts and permaculture design guidelines. Environmental Impact: Site management and building product assessments. Healthy, Non-Toxic Buildings: Natural paints and ecological wood treatments. Energy Efficiency: Strategies for renewable energy, including passive solar design and solar water heating. Water Management: Solutions for efficiency, recycling, and conservation, such as dual-flush toilets, composting toilets, and greywater recycling. Green Retrofitting and Refurbishments: Transforming existing buildings into sustainable green structures.
NATURAL BUILDING CONSULTING:
Eco Design - Architects and Consultants specialize in the following construction methodologies: - Vaults and Dome building skills - Straw bale construction - Rammed Earth construction - Stone - Timber pole construction - Timber pole harvesting - Ecological timber treatment and harvesting - Adobe / Mud bricks - Compressed earth bricks - Light Clay construction - Wattle and Daub construction - Natural plasters
LECTURING & TRAINING
Andy Horn, Principal Architect, has served as a part-time lecturer at the University of Cape Town, where he teaches courses on ecological design for the architecture faculty. He is an accomplished speaker, conducting seminars and presenting papers at green building conferences. Additionally, Andy has facilitated numerous CPD-validated training workshops on natural building techniques, benefiting both his own projects and those of other individuals and architectural firms For more in depth detail about lectures and talks offered, click here.
HERITAGE BUILDING TECHNOLOGIE
As professional architects, we are qualified to tackle heritage buildings as per SACAP's identification of works and have undertaken numerous alterations and restorations of heritage-sensitive buildings. Furthermore, with expertise in natural building techniques, we possess extensive knowledge of traditional building methods to tackle heritage building technology authentically.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Eco Design Architects has been developing a range of furniture using sustainable materials; some of the furniture elements including shelving, glasses, tables, cupboard handles and the “e-wire lights” range of desk lamps, chandeliers, pendants and standing lamps. Click here for more info about the "e-wire lights" range.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATIONS
Andy has actively participated in several participatory design workshops, including week-long design charrettes organized by Conservation International in the Northern Cape. Notable projects include: - Banking on Bulbs Charette in Nieuwoudtville, 2004 - Kamiesburg Tourism Design Charette, 2006 - Koonhuis, De Beers Arid Eden Project, 2007 In addition, he organized and facilitated the charrette for the Mamre Heritage Revitalization Project in 2007.
GEOMANCY
Geomancy is an ancient practice that aligns with the natural energy fields of the Earth, such as ley lines, chakras, and water currents. Understanding these elements is crucial for enhancing architectural design processes, though it can also be offered as a standalone service.
EMF CONCIOUS DESIGN
We conduct thorough investigations and measurements of electromagnetic frequencies, commonly referred to as 'electro smog,' present in a building or site. This analysis allows us to develop practical solutions that minimize or reduce the impact of electro smog on occupants. Our assessments not only identify sources of electro smog but also promote a healthier living or working environment, enhancing overall well-being and comfort.
