Natural vs Performance

For those interested in designing or constructing homes that are cold climate responsible, there is a trade-off to consider. Not all 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 outperform natural methods. When this occurs, it is essential to evaluate material 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.

Throughout the design process, there are numerous opportunities to make responsible choices, from selecting construction materials and windows/doors to determining scale and other critical factors. As the project progresses, these decisions are made carefully considering the owner’s values in health, performance, and function.