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Stoermer Murphy and Partners is an architecture firm based in Hamburg, known for high-quality cultural, administrative, and hospitality projects. Founded as Jan Störmer, it went through a partnership phase with Will Alsop before taking its current name in 2009. The firm is committed to sustainability through technical innovation, excellent materials, and craftsmanship, promoting a responsible and forward-looking approach to architecture.
When it comes to sustainability, what parameters guide your design decisions?
From the outset, we adopt a life-cycle thinking approach, assessing the environmental impact throughout the entire building life cycle. We define a clear “carbon budget” with the client that considers both the embodied and emitted carbon. We prioritize passive strategies, such as building orientation and natural ventilation, and design for flexibility of use and material circularity. The most reliable indicators are: embodied CO₂, EUI (energy use intensity), circularity index such as the Material Passport (DPP), environmental comfort, and the overall impact on the ecosystem, such as land use intensity.
In recent years, have you noticed a change in the approach of clients and companies toward sustainability?
Yes, the change is evident. More and more clients, especially public entities and large private developers, go beyond mere regulatory compliance and set their own objectives, such as climate neutrality. The demand for transparency is increasing: carbon assessments, material passports, and life cycle analyses are increasingly requested. However, real investment only happens where the long-term value is understood. In sectors like hospitality and residential, sustainability becomes part of the brand identity, driving the use of more durable materials and circular strategies.
How important is material selection in your design process in terms of environmental impact, durability, disassembly, and healthiness?
Material selection is central from the very first phases, as it impacts structure, details, costs, and carbon footprint. In contexts such as schools or healthcare facilities, we pay great attention to healthiness, avoiding materials with VOCs or toxic treatments. We prioritize local materials, reducing emissions from transportation and supporting the local economy. A material that lasts 80 years is more sustainable than a “green” one that lasts 20: durability and responsibility go hand in hand.
What is your view on the use of ceramics in sustainable architecture?
Ceramics are valued for their exceptional durability: used in interiors or facades, they require little maintenance and ensure a long life for the building. They are hygienic, non-toxic, and easy to clean, which are essential qualities in schools, hospitals, and hotels. Although their recyclability depends on local infrastructure, their long lifespan often compensates for the lack of an established end-of-life cycle. We appreciate their material honesty when used as an authentic, tactile, and resilient surface.
