Local architects make sustainability a selling point
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., designed by Aline Architecture Concepts
In a region that grows as quickly as the Valley, construction is a seemingly ever-present norm. And that construction, from commercial to residential, has a considerable environmental impact.
By its very nature, the construction industry pollutes the air, the water and contributes heavily to the volume of waste in landfills.
But new architectural and construction practices focused on minimizing waste, lowering carbon emissions and reducing the impact on the environment are allowing the industry to use sustainability as a selling point.
Meet two Local First Arizona members making architecture more sustainable:
180 Degrees Design + Build
Location: 4955 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
The American Institute of Architects Arizona Firm of the Year for 2022, 180 Degrees Design + Build has committed to the trade organization’s 2030 Commitment to reduce carbon emissions.
The effort begins with creating a sustainability action plan for carbon neutrality by 2030, knowing that the built environment — created in part by architects — is responsible for 40% of the world’s emissions. Part of the firm’s sustainability efforts involve utilizing salvaged materials and creating adaptive reuse projects to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of demolition.
Elite Youth and Family Services
Project 1: By repurposing 325,000 pounds of precast concrete panels as part of an adaptive reuse of a former Savers building in Chandler, the firm saved those materials that were otherwise destined for the landfill and utilized it for the new Elite Youth and Family Services building.
The Creative Center of Scottsdale
Project 2: The Creative Center of Scottsdale is a flexible co-working artist studio space and tasting room for the adjacent brewery. It was the first design-build project to complete the City of Scottsdale’s Green Building Program. Salvaged materials and components from the previous store were reclaimed and repurposed by an in-house team of fabricators to provide focal points throughout the building and give a nod to its history.
The Ahearn Desert Conservation Laboratory at Desert Botanical Garden
Project 3: As part of the Ahearn Desert Conservation Laboratory at Desert Botanical Garden, the firm used salvaged wood from the garden’s campus for details on the structure’s building and incorporated cisterns for rainwater collection.
“It is important for our profession to address the needs of the environment and the client concurrently and in a way that considers all resources as precious and finite,” said Kyle Fiano, AIA, Architect, who leads sustainability efforts at 180 Degrees Design + Build. “When we give all materials this importance, we can discover impactful and sustainable designs. It is because of this that we must find innovative uses for the materials already at hand when we can.”
Aline Architecture Concepts
Location: 7340 E. Main Street, #210, Scottsdale
Sustainability efforts: Certified as a Green Business firm through Local First Arizona, Aline Architecture Concepts specializes in adaptive reuse to support its commitment to sustainable design. As part of the firm’s Green Business certification process, Aline worked with Local First Arizona to develop a sustainability policy that commits to reducing paper consumption, increasing the number of Net Zero projects, researching ways to recycle single-use plastics for 3D printer filament and making strides toward zero waste.
Roses by the Stairs brewery, in the old Easley’s Fun Shop
Project 1: Roses by the Stairs is an adaptive reuse project in Phoenix, repurposing the old Easley’s costume shop warehouse into a modern, industrial brewery and taproom. The actual structure and material were reused, while incorporating natural light and reimagining landscape areas.
Project 2: To bring the downtown Phoenix location of Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. to life, Aline reimagined a flower warehouse into a brewery and taproom while preserving parts of the building’s original structure. The outdoor bar area was constructed using a recycled shipping container and 10,000 s.f. of asphalt parking area were removed to create a lush landscape, reduce the heat island effect and “bring some wilderness downtown.”
Project 3: The Clayton House, now embraced as a one-of-a-kind event venue in Phoenix, was once referred to as “that old shed” by its owners — and then Aline got involved. The run-down warehouse was stripped and its walls were reconfigured to create natural solar protection for the space.
The Clayton House
“We love reimagining an old building in a new way, infusing it with creativity, and ultimately designing a space that will enrich the area and create a sense of community,” said Brian Laubenthal of Aline Architecture Concepts.
Need to hire a local architect?
Contact Aline Architecture Concepts at www.madewithaline.com and 180 Degrees Design + Build at www.180degreesinc.com.
Want to join Local First Arizona?
Talk to a member of our Business Coalition team at localfirstaz.com/coalition-member.
