Join us as we chat with one of BillionBricks’ architects, Julienne Larracas. Learn more about her drive behind designing homes that adapt to the present and safeguard the future.

With the rise of environmental issues, there is a universal consensus that it is essential and urgent to pay attention to the environmental impact of our everyday actions. As a result, sustainable architecture is becoming an increasingly important field, especially in a world facing a housing and climate crisis.

Sustainable architecture is all about designing buildings and spaces that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and adaptable to the needs of the present and the future. At its core, it is founded on the principles of creating designs that reduce the negative impact on the environment while maximizing the positive impact on occupants’ health and wellbeing.

Meet Julienne Larracas

Julienne, an architect at BillionBricks, is a passionate and driven professional who specializes in sustainable architecture, channeling her creativity to drive meaningful change through her work. Her passion for this field is fueled by her deeply-rooted belief that buildings should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also play a vital role in addressing the environmental and social challenges we face today.

We sat down with Julienne to learn more about her motivations for choosing a career in sustainable architecture, the challenges of working in this field, and her thoughts on the role of architects in addressing the housing and climate crises. 

Let’s delve into the insightful conversation with Architect Julienne.

What motivated you to choose a career in sustainable architecture?

JL: What drove me to start focusing on this part of architecture was my commitment to designing for change. There’s an awareness of both the good and the bad changes happening on our planet, and it culminates in many aspects of how we live today and how we’ll live tomorrow, given the impermanence of everything—the physical environment, new and newer technology, lack thereof or production of resources, and so on.

Therefore, sustainable architecture should adapt to the present and the future. It connects everyone to conceive new notions and innovations for how we could possibly live. Sustainable architecture allows us to safeguard the future through intentional strategies such as passive and active design, energy-efficient systems, water conservation, and more. Its concepts, execution, and never-ending development.

What are the challenges of working in this field, especially with BillionBricks?

JL: One challenge of working in sustainable architecture is designing with the resources available. The costs and coordination to create a BillionBricks Net-Zero home are both interesting and complex, and we are constantly striving to be mindful of them. Multiple elements go into determining what a project could become, including the site location, the current climate, the materials and systems selected, and the home’s impact on the community.

Despite these challenges, our end goal is to provide affordable homes, especially with today’s economy making it difficult for many people to afford a home on their own.

How do you incorporate sustainable design principles as well as your own philosophies into your work?

JL: I start by observing design in the media and design within my reach, such as architectural publications, YouTube videos, and Pinterest. I visit well-designed buildings in the city and would go there whenever possible.

I try to stay up-to-date on the latest and most reliable trends and innovations that succeed in sustainable design. I would learn from there and derive what is possible and sustainable with my own creativity and knowledge. And with that, hopefully, I would pull off sustainable design in a manner that is uniquely my style.

Lastly, what are your thoughts on the role of architects in addressing the housing and climate crisis?

JL: Architects have a unique opportunity to advocate for a more humane way of living. We should continuously focus on cultivating architecture while preserving the integrity of our surrounding natural resources. As designers, we should safeguard designs that serve both the welfare of the people and the interests of future generations.

Join BillionBricks in Building a Net-Zero Future

Sustainable architecture and design are essential to addressing the housing and climate crises. With architects like Julienne, who are committed to designing for change and creating affordable, sustainable homes, we can build a brighter future.

Join us in our mission to contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future by building the first net-zero homes and community. Begin your net-zero journey with our affordable, energy-efficient, and income-generating homes.

For more information about our affordable sustainable housing solutions, contact us at: https://billionbricks.org/contact-us-ph.