The koru is a spiral shape based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement and change while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin and stillness. The koru symbol is rooted in the culture and art of New Zealand and can be translated as the Māori for “loop” signifying the infinite cycle of environmental sustainability.
Sustainability can be defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, or put more simply ‘something is sustainable if you can keep on doing it for ever and ever’.
Our design philosophy
Our creative and holistic approach to a project coupled with our ability for problem solving and lateral thinking enables us to explore many more options than may at first be apparent. Whether it be gaining additional floorspace from the same footprint, improving the chances of securing planning approval through thoughtful, sensitive design or creating inspirational spaces to live and work in, we always strive to add value to your project. Our architects bring their hands-on knowledge and experience to each and every project and invest time to explore all the options and possibilities. You will benefit from over thirty years of combined architectural experience, whether it be through increased property value or operational improvements for your business.
We can help you save money while helping to save the planet
With over a decade of experience designing and delivering low energy, sustainable buildings and an established network of specialist consultants and suppliers we are ideally placed to advise you how best to reduce the carbon footprint of your project and to reduce your energy and water costs too. We are passionate about environmental sustainability and as a demonstration of our commitment our director has built his own zero carbon home and studio.
Following this experience Mark resolved to make a difference in both his personal and professional life and in March 2000 he established his own practice – Koru Architects – with the intention of designing sustainable, low-energy buildings that would reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of healthy, natural and sustainable materials. Seven years later Mark took the opportunity to design and build his own eco house and put into practice his architectural ideals and sustainable principles to create a zero carbon home / office built from natural materials with low embodied energy. The house was awarded the RIBA Downland Prize for sustainability 2011.
Since, he has been involved in multiple start-up businesses around Brighton, broadening his marketing and communication skills, including managing social media, PR, networking and content creating.
Organisation for Responsible Business (ORB)
The ORB promotes socially and environmentally responsible business practices. Our membership shows we are committed to operating in an ethical, transparent and sustainable manner and aim to make a positive contribution to our local community and to society. We are currently working towards the more advanced ORB certificate, illustrating our drive to constantly improve standards.
Sustainable Business Network
The Sustainable Business Network brings together local business people to share best practise and attend workshops, talks and seminars relating to sustainable business. Our membership of this network means we are continually updating our knowledge and skills – so we can design the most efficient buildings possible.
The Green Growth Platform is an initiative by the University of Brighton to grow the green business sector in Sussex. As a member, we have access to business support, training events and R&D by academics. This kind of expert support allows us to better support you.
UK-GBC is an industry-led network with a mission to radically improve the sustainability of the built environment. UK-GBC is a charity with over 400 member organisations spanning the entire value chain, they work to represent the voice of the industry’s current and future leaders who are striving for transformational change.
This prestigious international Gold Award was for a our zero-carbon eco-house and company office in Hove. The contemporary property runs on 100% renewable energy via solar panels and a biomass boiler, and is made with natural materials such as certified timber. The award recognised the environmental credentials of the project along with positive engagement with the local community (such as taking part in Brighton & Hove Eco Open Houses six times). The Green Apple Awards, run by the Green Organisation, were established in 1994 as an annual campaign to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.
Run by The Sunday Times, Homebase and the British Homes Awards, this competition aimed to unlock innovation around green building with passivhaus principles. Our original and creative Passiv Pod holiday home achieved a place in the final stretch of the process for its innovative organic shape and luxury features. We are now working on developing the design commercially.
This competition, run on behalf of the Canterbury local authority, aimed to explore how energy efficiency and sustainability could be integrated into school buildings. Our design was commended for its sustainable features, promoting a “futures imperative” more than other submissions and referencing Rudolf Steiner-like teaching principles in terms of the layout and design of teaching facilities.
