Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in Scotland
‘One of the reasons we enjoyed working with Thomas Robinson Architects was the whole team's attitude to exploring ideas and solutions. For us the creation of a very low energy building using sustainable architecture principles was key to the brief and we appreciated their refreshing outlook in exploring sustainable building design materials and construction approaches.’
Steve Macken, Lomond Energy
What we do
Thomas Robinson Architects is an award-winning sustainable architecture practice in Scotland. Sustainable architecture, environmentally responsible methods, and energy-efficient buildings are core priorities of our designs.
We believe an integral part of the architectural process is creating sustainable buildings that are built to last, using environmentally suitable materials and offering low long-term running costs. We look at the social and environmental impact of our buildings, as well as their economic demands at the initial design stage.
The Thomas Robinson Architects team has numerous skills to achieve sustainable buildings. Our commitment to green architecture is evident in our design approach. From the initial concept phase, we prioritise the use of eco-friendly and recycled materials, as well as low-carbon materials.
Whether we are working on a small-scale residential project or an office development, we bring the same level of creativity and technical expertise to every sustainable project we undertake.
How we do it
Sustainable design is not separate from designing beautiful high-quality buildings, but is an integral part of the 21st-century design process. Designing buildings with low long-term running costs and energy requirements is an essential aspect of making them affordable and comfortable spaces to inhabit, whatever their style of design. This, in turn, leads to buildings with a low environmental impact, which is good news for all of us.
We carefully study the site, climate, and local environment to create sustainable designs. One important strategy is using natural light in our buildings. By thinking about the orientation and interior layout, we can use daylight to reduce the need for artificial lighting and create more pleasant spaces for our clients.
Along with reducing energy usage, we also focus on using eco-friendly materials in our projects. By choosing materials with low embodied carbon and minimal environmental impact, we can greatly reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings throughout their entire life.
Our Services
- Passivhaus DesignWe have two certified European Passivhaus architects at the practice: Tom Robinson and Craig Higgins. Tom has long been passionate about the Passivhaus building method and has designed houses to this extremely energy-efficient model. His work inspired Craig to gain his Passivhaus certification.Discover more >
- AECB Silver and Gold StandardsOur sustainable projects adhere to Silver and Gold Standards set by the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB).Discover more >
Our expertise
Designing good buildings that are appealing is the core skill of an architect.
Tom Robinson is an accredited European Passivhaus designer, but each architect at our practice is skilled in achieving sustainable aims while creating comfortable interiors in buildings with low energy demands. This can be done on newbuilds and when renovating and extending historic buildings.
The principles contained in Passivhaus design methodology ensure well-insulated, well-ventilated buildings that make the best of systems such as solar gains, heat output from occupants, and prevention of overheating from external shading. These can be adapted depending on the project.
Our sustainable architecture practices also aim to adhere to Silver and Gold Standards set by the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB). This sets stringent criteria for energy efficiency, water conservation, and material sustainability.
Our relationships
As architects, we understand that our clients have priorities for their buildings, and it is our role to understand and implement them effectively, while also prioritising sustainable architectural systems. We have found that our view on sustainability is often shared by our clients and can be adapted to different buildings in different ways.
That’s why our team of skilled Scottish architects and designers work closely with clients to develop innovative solutions that reduce carbon impacts while maximising comfort and meeting aesthetic and functional goals.
Our partners
Working to achieve good results on complex building projects involves coordinating input from a range of partners in the market, from builders to engineers.
We understand the importance of our relationships with experts in other disciplines and have many specialist contacts in the supply of environmentally friendly materials. Throughout the construction phase, our architects work closely with contractors to ensure that our sustainable designs are executed to the highest standards of quality and energy efficiency.