Business Details
35 Years
experience
Sustainable Green Architecture Solutions in Berkeley, CA
Since 1991, Leger Wanaselja Architecture has pioneered green design, blending ecological responsibility with innovative architecture. Our firm integrates client needs with site-specific characteristics to create energy-efficient, material-conscious buildings that celebrate natural light and indoor-outdoor connectivity. With expertise in salvaged materials like car parts and reclaimed wood, we transform urban waste into functional, award-winning designs.Our hands-on approach combines architectural licensing with general contracting experience, ensuring projects meet rigorous sustainability standards while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Recognized nationally for groundbreaking work in sustainable multifamily housing and residential renovations, we remain committed to reducing architecture's ecological footprint through experimental methods and local material sourcing.
Services
Green Architecture
Sustainable Renovations
Eco-Friendly Design
Passive Solar Systems
Salvaged Material Integration
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in sustainable architecture and green building practices
- Our team holds both architectural and general contracting licenses for comprehensive project oversight
- We pioneered the use of salvaged car parts and industrial waste in residential construction
- Our projects have received multiple AIA Green Design Awards and national media recognition
- We implement patented passive solar techniques that reduce energy consumption by up to 90%
Services
Green Architecture
Our green architecture practice creates buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing functionality. We integrate passive solar design, salvaged materials, and energy-efficient systems to deliver LEED-certified solutions. Projects feature natural daylighting, rainwater harvesting, and non-toxic finishes that improve occupant health while reducing utility costs by up to 90% compared to conventional construction.
Salvaged Material Integration
We specialize in transforming industrial waste into architectural elements. Our patented techniques repurpose car roofs, shipping containers, and construction debris into durable building components. This approach reduces landfill waste while creating unique aesthetic features. Projects incorporate salvaged wood, street signs, and automotive glass to achieve both environmental and design objectives without compromising structural integrity.
Passive Solar Systems
Our passive solar designs optimize building orientation and thermal mass to minimize heating and cooling needs. We employ strategic window placement, thermal chimneys, and insulated concrete floors to maintain comfortable temperatures. These systems work synergistically with photovoltaic panels and energy recovery ventilation to create net-zero energy buildings that operate efficiently in California's climate.
Sustainable Renovations
We transform existing structures into energy-efficient spaces through deep energy retrofits. Our process preserves building envelopes while upgrading insulation, windows, and mechanical systems. Renovations incorporate low-VOC finishes, bamboo cabinetry, and FSC-certified wood to improve indoor air quality. Projects consistently achieve 280% better energy performance than pre-renovation baselines while maintaining historical character.
Eco-Friendly Design
Our eco-friendly designs prioritize environmental stewardship throughout the construction lifecycle. We specify materials with low embodied energy, implement construction waste recycling programs, and design for deconstruction. Buildings feature green roofs, greywater systems, and natural ventilation strategies that reduce resource consumption. Our holistic approach ensures every project contributes positively to its ecosystem while meeting rigorous performance standards.
People
Karl Wanaselja
Architect & Contractor
Licensed architect and general contractor with 30+ years experience in sustainable construction. Developed patented techniques for using salvaged materials in building systems. Holds Master of Architecture degree from UC Berkeley and contractor licenses in multiple states.
Cate Leger
Architect & Environmental Advocate
LEED-certified architect specializing in green building policy and material science. Former EPA environmental engineer with expertise in water conservation systems. Lectures nationally on sustainable design and serves on Berkeley's Energy Commission to advance climate action goals.
Questions
What makes your architecture firm different from others?
We combine architectural licensing with hands-on construction experience to create buildings that use 90% less energy through salvaged materials and passive solar design.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle residential homes, multifamily housing, and commercial spaces with equal expertise in sustainable design principles.
How do you incorporate salvaged materials into buildings?
We repurpose car roofs, shipping containers, and industrial waste into structural components using patented engineering techniques that maintain code compliance and durability.
What green certifications do your projects achieve?
Our projects typically meet LEED Platinum standards and exceed California's Title 24 energy efficiency requirements by 50-90%.
Can you retrofit existing buildings to be more energy efficient?
Yes, our deep energy retrofits improve existing structures' efficiency by up to 280% while preserving historical elements through innovative material reuse.
How do you handle projects in wildfire-prone areas?
We design fire-resistant buildings using non-combustible salvaged materials and create defensible spaces that comply with California's strictest wildfire safety regulations.
