Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Sustainable Architecture & Green Design Solutions
Since 1991, Leger Wanaselja Architecture has pioneered green design, merging ecological responsibility with innovative architectural solutions. Our practice emphasizes reducing environmental footprints through energy-efficient designs, material reuse, and integration with natural surroundings. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in sustainable residential, commercial, and institutional projects, prioritizing resource conservation and health-conscious building practices. Recognized with multiple AIA and Acterra awards, we maintain a commitment to advancing green building standards through hands-on construction expertise and material innovation.Our work reflects a deep understanding of site-specific needs, utilizing local and salvaged materials to create enduring, light-filled spaces. As both architects and builders, we bridge design intent with practical execution, ensuring projects meet rigorous sustainability benchmarks while addressing client needs. Our leadership in green architecture is evidenced by features in Dwell Magazine, Sustainable Architecture: Containers 2, and collaborations with environmental organizations. Through continuous exploration of alternative construction methods, we strive to redefine architectural practices that harmonize with ecological systems.
Services
Green Building Design
Sustainable Renovations
Energy Efficiency Consulting
Salvaged Material Integration
Passive Solar Architecture
Zero Net Energy Planning
Straw Bale Construction
Shipping Container Conversions
Historic Preservation
Eco-Friendly Interior Design
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in sustainable architectural design
- Our firm pioneered green building practices in California's residential sector
- We integrate salvaged materials into 90% of our renovation projects
- Our designs consistently exceed state energy efficiency requirements by 40-50%
- We hold multiple AIA awards for green design innovation
Associations and certifications
- AIA (American Institute of Architects)
- Build It Green
- Acterra Business Environmental Award
Services
Green Building Design
Our green building design service creates structures that minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency. We employ passive solar principles, natural ventilation strategies, and locally sourced materials to create buildings that harmonize with their surroundings. Each project incorporates advanced insulation techniques and renewable energy systems to achieve superior energy performance ratings.
Salvaged Material Integration
We specialize in transforming discarded materials into functional architectural elements. Our expertise includes repurposing car parts, shipping containers, and industrial remnants into durable building components. This approach reduces construction waste by up to 90% while creating unique aesthetic features that tell a story of material transformation and environmental responsibility.
Passive Solar Architecture
Our passive solar designs optimize building orientation and thermal mass to reduce heating and cooling needs. We incorporate strategically placed windows, thermal chimneys, and shading devices to create self-regulating indoor environments. This approach typically reduces energy consumption by 40-60% compared to conventional construction methods.
Zero Net Energy Planning
We develop comprehensive plans to achieve net-zero energy consumption through a combination of efficiency measures and renewable energy systems. Our approach includes energy modeling, photovoltaic integration, and advanced building envelope design to create structures that produce as much energy as they consume annually.
Straw Bale Construction
We utilize straw bale construction for its superior insulation properties and low environmental impact. This technique creates highly energy-efficient buildings using agricultural byproducts, combined with natural plasters and sustainable wood products to form healthy, durable structures that last for generations.
People
Karl Wanaselja
Principal Architect
Licensed architect and contractor with 35+ years of experience in sustainable design. Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley, specializing in salvaged material integration and alternative construction methods. Holds patents for innovative green building systems.
Cate Leger
Principal Architect
Environmental advocate and green architecture expert with 30+ years of experience. Former EPA consultant and LEED Accredited Professional, focusing on water conservation and non-toxic material applications in residential and commercial projects.
Questions
What makes your firm unique in sustainable architecture?
We combine architectural design with hands-on construction expertise, specializing in salvaged material integration and passive solar strategies since 1991.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle residential, commercial, and institutional projects with equal focus on sustainability and functional design.
What green certifications do your projects typically achieve?
Our projects frequently meet LEED standards and exceed Energy Star requirements, with multiple AIA Green Design Award recognitions.
Can you incorporate zero net energy principles into renovations?
Yes, we've successfully implemented ZNE principles in 12+ residential and commercial projects across Northern California.
How do you handle material sourcing for sustainable projects?
We prioritize 90%+ salvaged/reclaimed materials and FSC-certified products, maintaining relationships with local recycling centers and green suppliers.
