Natural vs Performance

For those interested in designing or constructing homes that are cold climate responsible, there is a trade-off to consider. Few building assemblies are both natural and high-performing, which makes the discussion of “Natural vs. Performance” particularly relevant.

The most responsible design minimizes environmental impact over time. In certain cases, non-natural construction materials might outperform natural methods per cost. When this occurs, it is essential to evaluate these trade-offs. The overarching goal is to reduce the project’s negative impact as much as possible—a principle that guides Galczynski in every project. Yes, it would be lovely to design every project as natural and high-performance, but there needs to be a holistic understanding of cost and design impact.

Throughout the design process, there are numerous opportunities to make smart choices, from material selection to window / door performance. As the project progresses, decisions are made considering the owner’s values in cost, design, health, performance, and function.