 Susan Maxman and Partners is a firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that prides itself in its sustainable approach to architecture. They state, "Attention to environmental concerns, historic, cultural, and architectural contexts are the hallmark of our firm." The firm also states that in meeting with the client, they try to meet goals of sustainability regardless of the project size by combining respect for the environment with excellent design. There are LEED experts on staff and a sustainable design expert as well. The firm also boasts several publications that are actively contributing to the world of green architecture.
Susan Maxman and Partners has won several American Institute of Architects (AIA) has won several awards for Green Projects, a very high award that a firm can win as a national recognition. Their most recent project that won an AIA Green Project award was the Immaculate Heart of Mary Motherhouse in Monroe, Michigan. The nuns wanted to leave a legacy to future generations with this project. One of the missions of their order is to respect the earth and promote environmental justice, so they hoped to create a community that would exemplify these ideals. Susan Maxman and Partners were able to make this a reality for the religious group.
All shower and washroom water is routed to a constructed wetland and reused for flushing toilets. Daylighting and a ground-source heating and cooling system contribute to an expected 20 percent reduction in energy use, compared to a conventional building. Materials were selected for their durability and environmental responsibility.
The nuns saw this project as an opportunity to teach the public about environmental issues. Throughout the design process, the Sisters presented issues that the design team studied and supplied solutions for so they could learn about how to live with more respect for the environment. Even if suggested strategies had very long payback periods (longer than many of them would live), the Sisters often still chose to incorporate them to be able to teach about them. The constructed project dramatically showcases many of the sustainable strategies through exhibits and signage prepared by the Sisters in collaboration with the designers.
EnviroCitizen.org was excited by this unique situation. It just goes to show you that people near and far from all types of backgrounds are becoming more environmentally aware and putting for the effort to live more Earth-responsible lives. Green living is possible, especially with the help of companies such as Susan Maxman & Partners.
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