We are a full service architectural design and planning firm based in Los Angeles, CA. Our project team brings with it 30+ years of design, engineering, and construction experience on various types of projects including corporate and telecommunications headquarters, banking centers, housing, and our current emphasis on K-12 educational projects.
Franco Architects has long recognized the need for buildings to be energy efficient both from a cost savings and an environmental standpoint. Our schools always incorporate a standard set of green features, often including:
Finishes with recycled content
Drought tolerant landscaping
Irrigation systems that include xeri-bubblers, Smart Dial Control systems, and rain sensors
Highly reflective roofs
Locally sourced materials
Low-E windows and skylights for daylighting
External shading devices to reduce solar heat gain
Energy efficient lighting
Local HVAC Controls and units for each classroom
Motion/daylight sensors in occupied spaces
Low-flow restroom fixtures & metered faucets
Specialty Features:
On a number of recent projects we have had the opportunity to incorporate special green features including:
"Living" green walls that visually enhance the exterior while shading window openings and/or building facades to reduce solar heat gain. These walls are typically constructed of wire screening material planted with a variety of perennial vines.
Green Roofs which are partially covered with vegetation that help reduce the heating/cooling costs for the buildings while visually enhancing roofs viewed from upper level spaces.
Solar panels when the budget permits. Where incorporated, solar panel arrays directly contribute to the school's energy needs.