MMW is proud to be an

MMW & Sustainable Design

--MMW has won numerous awards and recognition
--Six architects at MMW are LEED accredited professionals, including all Partners
--MMW is designing and managing the first LEED Platinum building in Missoula
--MMW utilizes its knowledge of LEED in all aspects of project management

Site Selection and Design
-Community oriented design process
-Select a site near existing infrastructure
-Design that enhances the community: connection to pedestrian trails, playgrounds and community rooms.
-Community gardens
-Design to preserve neighborhood character
-Utilize zoning tools for cluster development to preserve open space
-Reduce parking requirements
-Conservation easements

Sustainable Materials & Systems
-Fly ash concrete
-Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)
-Small diameter log construction
Sustainably harvested lumber
-Recycled timbers
-Structural straw bale walls
-Low VOC materials: carpet, paint, adhesives and sealants
-Composite lumber with recycled content
-Wheatboard cabinetry
-Low-flow plumbing fixtures
-Solar hot water panels
-Compact fluorescent lighting
-Heat recovery ventilation
-Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Building Design and Construction
-Adaptive reuse of existing structures
-Passive solar design: shade south facing windows, cross ventilation, thermal mass
-Efficient HVAC systems: ground source heat pumps, radiant floor heating
-Air-tight construction: spray foam insulation, flashing tape, sealants
-Improved indoor air quality: low VOC finishes, ventilation and careful construction processes
-Blower door testing and infrared camera testing to verify energy performance
-Construction waste management plan
-Minimize site disturbances during construction
-Energy monitoring: direct digital control system (DDC)
-Documentation of sustainable design
-Net Zero or Zero Energy Buildings (buildings that produce as much energy as they use)

Awards and Publications
-Read the Article about MMW's Net Zero house
-Grand Prize to MMW for the Midtown Grayfield Redesign Competition from homeWord and the Missoula Redevelopment Agency
-AIA “Show You're Green” award for Orchard Gardens , 2007 and The Gold Dust, 2005
-Home Depot Foundation for Orchard Gardens , 2006 Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly in Rental Housing Category - identifies, recognizes and showcases the outstanding and innovative work of nonprofit housing development corporations engaged in green building/healthy home construction and rehabilitation
-Montana Contractors Association for Orchard Gardens , 2005 Environmental Excellence Award - Environmental Excellence & Special Recognition in Waste Management Category
-Sustainable Business Council for Orchard Gardens , 2006 Sustainable New Venture of the Year
-Orton Family Foundation for Orchard Gardens , 2006 Inaugural PLACEMATTERS Innovator in Place Award - recognizes an individual or organization whose hard work and innovative application of ideas, methods or tools have opened new pathways to vibrant and sustainable communities
-Three MMW projects were studied by the Sonoran Institute in their recent publication Building from the Best of the Northern Rockies , including Gold Dust, the McCauley Butte Master Plan, and Orchard Gardens, and featured as examples of "Best Practices in Action"