HMFH Architects

As part of HMFH’s sustainable practice both in our designs and in our own workspace, we implement daylighting strategies to reduce energy loads, contribute to the health and wellbeing of occupants, and imbue space with the aesthetic appeal and natural characteristics of light. HMFH occupies an office with high-efficiency LED lighting, an open floor plan and full floor to ceiling glazing that produces striking light conditions and reduces overall energy usage by maximizing daylight within the space.

Based on this commitment to stewardship of our environment, we participated in Daylight Hour by turning off electric lights for one hour and joining the Building Energy Exchange in a social media campaign to bring awareness to the energy savings that can be achieved by utilizing naturally lit spaces in lieu of artificial lighting. While we are in the process of transitioning back from a remote to in-person work environment, we were still able to come together as a firm through our participation in Daylight Hour by sharing our naturally lit workstations, whether at home or back in the HMFH offices.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric lighting in buildings consumes more than 15 percent of all electricity generated in the United States while daylit environments have proven to increase occupant productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.¹ At HMFH, we continually strive to utilize natural light in our designs to create energy-efficient environments that enhance the wellbeing of their occupants. Participating in Daylight Hour gives us the opportunity to shed light on the many benefits associated with naturally lit spaces, from reduced energy consumption to increased health and productivity.

1. Architect Magazine https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/lighting/the-benefits-of-natural-light_o