The Construction Source

14 | Altius Architecture regulate temperatures, air filtration, lighting and more, Smith says Altius offers the range of technical and mechanical systems which help supplement what the building is sup- posed to do on it’s own, which again, harks back to providing comfort and convenience for those within the space. Smith, however, reminds, “There’s a good reason why materials like brick, wood and stone have been used for thousands of years, these are still the most efficient materi- als we have.” The way these materials are ap- plied is another matter. For instance, Smith says Altius is more likely to use brick details inside a house as opposed to on the outside. He explains how brick helps moderate tem- peratures and helps pull humidity from the air. “So we make decisions not just based on how something looks and its durability, but also its ability to contribute to the entire building envelope,” says Smith. Fiber cement, terra cotta panels, stone veneers with honeycomb fiberglass backing, and an Encyclopedia Britannica-like list of materials are explained by Smith as com- fortably and knowledgeably as if he might describe his closest friends and family. This reflects the degree of understanding and ca- pability Altius brings to the table. Today, there are more than two dozen professionals employed at Altius, which ex- ists as a multidisciplinary service provider