Case Studies Sustainable Design and Innovation at Kipnis Architecture + Planning

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	Sustainable Design and Innovation at Kipnis Architecture + Planning

Sustainable Design and Innovation at Kipnis Architecture + Planning

Technology Category	Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries	Buildings Construction & Infrastructure
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Facility Management
Use Cases	Building Automation & Control Building Energy Management Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	Kipnis Architecture + Planning (KAP) faced the challenge of integrating sustainable design elements into aesthetically pleasing structures. The firm needed to address client requests for traditional designs while incorporating modern, energy-efficient features. For instance, a couple from Chicago wanted a log cabin design for their vacation home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. KAP had to balance the clients' desire for a traditional look with the need for sustainable features. Additionally, CraftJack, a local firm, required a larger office space that fostered creativity and collaboration while being energy-efficient. KAP had to design an office that met these requirements and incorporated sustainable elements. Read More
About Customer	Kipnis Architecture + Planning (KAP) is a small architecture firm based in Evanston, Illinois, USA, founded by Nathan Kipnis in 1993. The firm specializes in green design, focusing on creating buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. KAP has a team of five people who draw from Kipnis' environmental ethics and schooling to design technically efficient buildings. The firm has gained recognition for its sustainable designs, including winning the Green Homes for Chicago International Design competition. KAP's mission is to break down the barrier between environmental responsibility and beautiful architecture, as reflected in their tagline, High Design/Low Carbon™. Read More
Solution	KAP approached the Sturgeon Bay project by examining the site and envisioning a design that fused modern elements with the agricultural vernacular of the Midwest. The final design was an exploded, 21st-century version of a classic barn, featuring natural ventilation, pre-wired solar panels, natural daylighting, radiant floor heating, and locally sourced materials. The design was so effective that the homeowners never needed to use the air conditioning installed in the master bedroom. For CraftJack's office, KAP used Vectorworks software to model the design in 3D, allowing for easy collaboration and client approval. The office featured a central workspace modeled after an outdoor space, with abstracted trees, walled façades, and a garage door opening to a meeting room. Sustainable elements included NEST thermostats, recycled and recyclable furniture, ENERGY STAR equipment, and a Solatube system for natural light. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Industries

Buildings

Construction & Infrastructure

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Facility Management

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control

Building Energy Management

Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

Kipnis Architecture + Planning (KAP) faced the challenge of integrating sustainable design elements into aesthetically pleasing structures. The firm needed to address client requests for traditional designs while incorporating modern, energy-efficient features. For instance, a couple from Chicago wanted a log cabin design for their vacation home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. KAP had to balance the clients' desire for a traditional look with the need for sustainable features. Additionally, CraftJack, a local firm, required a larger office space that fostered creativity and collaboration while being energy-efficient. KAP had to design an office that met these requirements and incorporated sustainable elements.

About Customer

Kipnis Architecture + Planning (KAP) is a small architecture firm based in Evanston, Illinois, USA, founded by Nathan Kipnis in 1993. The firm specializes in green design, focusing on creating buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. KAP has a team of five people who draw from Kipnis' environmental ethics and schooling to design technically efficient buildings. The firm has gained recognition for its sustainable designs, including winning the Green Homes for Chicago International Design competition. KAP's mission is to break down the barrier between environmental responsibility and beautiful architecture, as reflected in their tagline, High Design/Low Carbon™.

Solution

KAP approached the Sturgeon Bay project by examining the site and envisioning a design that fused modern elements with the agricultural vernacular of the Midwest. The final design was an exploded, 21st-century version of a classic barn, featuring natural ventilation, pre-wired solar panels, natural daylighting, radiant floor heating, and locally sourced materials. The design was so effective that the homeowners never needed to use the air conditioning installed in the master bedroom. For CraftJack's office, KAP used Vectorworks software to model the design in 3D, allowing for easy collaboration and client approval. The office featured a central workspace modeled after an outdoor space, with abstracted trees, walled façades, and a garage door opening to a meeting room. Sustainable elements included NEST thermostats, recycled and recyclable furniture, ENERGY STAR equipment, and a Solatube system for natural light.

Impact #1	KAP's design for the Sturgeon Bay home effectively utilized natural ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning in the master bedroom.
Impact #2	The CraftJack office design fostered a creative and collaborative environment, with features like a central workspace modeled after an outdoor space and playful elements like pingpong and foosball tables.
Impact #3	Both projects incorporated sustainable elements seamlessly into the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic while reducing environmental impact.

Impact #1

KAP's design for the Sturgeon Bay home effectively utilized natural ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning in the master bedroom.

Impact #2

The CraftJack office design fostered a creative and collaborative environment, with features like a central workspace modeled after an outdoor space and playful elements like pingpong and foosball tables.

Impact #3

Both projects incorporated sustainable elements seamlessly into the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic while reducing environmental impact.

Benefit #1	The Sturgeon Bay home received an ultra-efficient ENERGY STAR rating.
Benefit #2	The Sturgeon Bay home was recognized as the Natural Home Magazine Home of the Decade.

Benefit #1

The Sturgeon Bay home received an ultra-efficient ENERGY STAR rating.

Benefit #2

The Sturgeon Bay home was recognized as the Natural Home Magazine Home of the Decade.

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Overview

Sustainable Design and Innovation at Kipnis Architecture + Planning

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit