Paragon has a unique process for designing high-efficiency 'green' buildings, which leverages the integrated systems engineering and optimization approaches developed from years of experience in human space systems. Our integrated design process enables lower life-cycle costs and the inclusion of performance-enhancing technologies and design innovations. By closing the design-to-cost loop, this holistic design approach allows simultaneous control of cost and schedule control, while at the same time permitting architects and project engineers to rapidly and accurately understand system-level impacts of design decisions and changes.
In addition, we have extensive experience developing integrated biological and physical-chemical technologies. This includes being on the design and operations team of Biosphere 2, designing and flying biological experiments on the U.S. Space Shuttle and International and Mir Space Stations, and developing water and air treatment systems. We have also worked with the World Bank and United Nations on projects that mitigate global warming.
Paragon's architect has thirty years' experience in landscape architecture, sustainable community and green building design and implementation. He has a unique expertise with halophytes – plants that grow on untreated seawater – for landscape and water treatment.
With a long history in novel project and technology development, Paragon brings a fresh approach to high-efficiency building and community design. We offer the following services:
Facilitation and management of the integrated design process
Fully integrated structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering services, including structure thermal and materials optimization, and energy-efficiency design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDs) accredited engineers to assist in reaching LEEDs goals
Fluid dynamics, air flow and thermal modeling
Three-dimensional CAD design
Land planning, architecture and landscape architecture design and installation
Halophyte landscaping, seawater plumbing for amenities and wastewater treatment system design and installation. The systems use no freshwater, appropriate for coastal desert regions.
High-efficiency cool tower design
Water management and distribution design, including grading and water collection systems, salinity blending, wastewater treatment and re-use
Air quality management and treatment (interior and exterior) for low-allergen response and health / safety assurance. Some include plant systems.
Environmental integrity, including acoustic and privacy considerations, increased biodiversity, integrated pest management and sensory landscape design for the disabled
Landscape-based energy conservation and microclimate control
Soil building and toxicity mitigation through landscape technologies
Our integrated design process enables lower life-cycle costs and the inclusion of performance-enhancing technologies and design innovations. By closing the design-to-cost loop, this holistic design approach allows simultaneous control of cost and schedule control, while at the same time permitting architects and project engineers to rapidly and accurately understand system-level impacts of design decisions and changes.