When addressing sustainability, we seem to be in a period of chasing words in design: ‘zero carbon’, ‘timber is good, concrete is bad’, ‘photovoltaics’, ‘health and well-being’. These have become the go-to vocabulary of our time, often replacing real thought and reflection. In our design process and efforts to deliver environmentally responsive design solutions, have we lost the power of observation and the culture of discussion and debate? Are we now simply presenting individual work only for the architects to abstract what seems of interest, rather than engaging in genuine exchange and collaboration.

Klaus will share his thoughts on the current state of sustainability in his lecture at The Bartlett, reflecting on how architecture works best when it is integrated, when structure, environment and human experience are conceived as one.

Our collaboration with Lacaton & Vassal Architects, Pritzker Architecture Prize laureates, facilitated through Atmos Lab, is grounded in a shared vision that values transformation over new build. Centred on a confidential project in Paris, with future opportunities in Italy, the partnership reflects a belief that sustainability begins with respect for what already exists, changing only what is necessary and extending through selective intervention.

Lacaton & Vassal’s philosophy of renewal rather than demolition aligns with our own commitment to simplicity, integrity and care for place. Our role as KB&Co on these projects is to bring environmental and technical intelligence into the design process, challenging conventional thinking and norms and supporting teams in exploring how climate-responsive design can enhance spatial freedom and everyday comfort, creating architecture that is adaptive, resilient and of its place.

We are delighted to share the news of our successful competition win for the Perth Airport Terminal Extension in Western Australia, led by Woods Bagot with Nordic Office of Architecture, Architectus, WSP and others. With a total investment of more than AU$5 billion, the new development will integrate international and domestic terminals, aprons and taxiways into a single, seamless passenger experience.

KB&Co, as Sustainability Consultant working alongside Cundall, will support the wider design team, particularly the architects, in integrating passive design strategies and resource-efficient systems within the terminal, aligned with a 5 Star Green Star rating and ISC (Infrastructure Sustainability Council) Silver/Gold certification.