Osborne Architects

At Osborne Architects we focus on site-specific architecture that seeks to minimize environmental impact and bring our clients health, comfort, beauty and harmony. Our goal is to harmonize materials and details, suit the site and satisfy the client. We use environmentally responsible products, locally made materials, renewable resources and solar heating and natural ventilation techniques. We support cradle-to-cradle principles. We study the social and natural context of each project to create comfort and a lasting aesthetic experience for the client with minimal disturbance of the site. Polly Osborne is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Fellowship is an honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architects on architects who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through design excellence, contributions in the field of architectural education, or to the advancement of the profession. Becoming a FAIA is considered a great honor; fewer than 2 percent of all registered architects in the United States are elected to fellowship in the AIA. Polly's Green Sheet: How You Can Help Improve the Environment The following are a few things you can do to have better environmental building practices. - Construction Site: Recycle construction waste. Set up your site with separate bins for daily recycling and hire demolition contractors that recycle the demolition materials. - Paving and Landscaping: Encourage drought tolerant landscape and low flow drip irrigations. Use permeable paving in yards and driveways to reduce storm drain runoff. - Foundation, Framing and Roofing: Request a concrete mix containing fly ash and/or slag. Use engineered lumber, steel, FSC certified wood and Oriented Strand Board instead of standard solid lumber and plywood. - Plumbing, Appliances, Air Conditioning and Heating: Insulate heating pipes. Install on-demand hot water heaters. Use water efficient faucet and fixtures. Make sure there is natural ventilation for successful air flow through the building and roof. Install south facing windows for warmth, and protect them with overhangs, awnings, and deciduous trees for cooling.