Ethos

Sustainability

As stewards of the built environment, sustainability becomes our method of care—for the planet, for people, and for places. Through a research-based process informed by some of mankind’s earliest building practices, we develop a quiet framework in which architecture becomes inseparable from the land it inhabits. Our framework investigates building performance optimization, ecological regeneration, life cycle analysis, and human wellness to ensure healthy outcomes.

projects

New Orleans Cultural Burial Museum and Healing Complex
USA Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka
Asian American Resource Center (Phase II) Performing Arts and Cultural Center
The Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center
Arid Exhibition & Convention Center
Laredo Convention Center
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

The Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center at Loyola University aimed to be not only beautiful but sustainably built. Through our research we recognized that the building could be a model for future development, utilizing Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), the first such structure in the State of Louisiana.

Produced by SmartLam, who is the only CLT manufacturer using sustainably harvested Southern Yellow Pine in America, the material is sourced within 350 miles of the site.

Read more about Materiality

The structural wall system is comprised of 36 modular slabs of 7-ply CLT. The panels are pre-fabricated and efficiently formed using CNC machine technology, minimizing waste and recycling material throughout the process. The panels are placed to align with the diameter of the overall building.

Once on-site, the CLT panels are nailed together using pre-machined guides for fast and accurate assembly. Through this process, the primary structure could be erected in 1 week.

In their final position, the CLT is wrapped with a waterproofing barrier, and hand-made bricks anchor directly to the face of the CLT panels. This application removes any need for polymer insultation and creates a more durable and sustainable envelope – leveraging brick’s time-tested thermal insulating properties. The sum of these parts yields a high performance and low-carbon footprint with low maintenance and longevity. 

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

The Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center at Loyola University aimed to be not only beautiful but sustainably built. Through our research we recognized that the building could be a model for future development, utilizing Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), the first such structure in the State of Louisiana.

Produced by SmartLam, who is the only CLT manufacturer using sustainably harvested Southern Yellow Pine in America, the material is sourced within 350 miles of the site.

  • Open story
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

The Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center at Loyola University aimed to be not only beautiful but sustainably built. Through our research we recognized that the building could be a model for future development, utilizing Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), the first such structure in the State of Louisiana.

Produced by SmartLam, who is the only CLT manufacturer using sustainably harvested Southern Yellow Pine in America, the material is sourced within 350 miles of the site.

  • Open story
Rammed Earth

Rammed earth originated from practice in Africa and the West Indies where enslaved and free Africans used their traditional methods of earth walling and wattle and daub construction. These traditions transferred to America through the slave trade and immigration of freemen and can be found in many southern states including Louisiana.

The final results of a rammed earth construction technique are as strong as concrete but with 60% less emitted greenhouse gasses.

Read more about Rootedness, Materiality, Ecology
Local Sourcing and Process

Bound by the Gentilly Ridge as well as a man made levee, the site sits in a slight bowl between these two higher ground conditions. This has created a condition where the soil in this area is comprised of deeply dark grey and black clays called “Allemands” and “Harahan-Westwego”. These clays develop in former swamp lands that are protected from most floods due to levees and area drainage by pumps.

The rammed earth for NOCBM will utilize soils taken from the site and surrounding areas, making its coloration a direct result of the existing ecology.

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth originated from practice in Africa and the West Indies where enslaved and free Africans used their traditional methods of earth walling and wattle and daub construction. These traditions transferred to America through the slave trade and immigration of freemen and can be found in many southern states including Louisiana.

The final results of a rammed earth construction technique are as strong as concrete but with 60% less emitted greenhouse gasses.

  • Open story
Rammed Earth

Rammed earth originated from practice in Africa and the West Indies where enslaved and free Africans used their traditional methods of earth walling and wattle and daub construction. These traditions transferred to America through the slave trade and immigration of freemen and can be found in many southern states including Louisiana.

The final results of a rammed earth construction technique are as strong as concrete but with 60% less emitted greenhouse gasses.

  • Open story

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