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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, the firm went through a partnership phase with Will Alsop before adopting its current name in 2009. The studio is committed to sustainability through technical innovation, excellent materials, and craftsmanship, pursuing a responsible and forward-thinking approach to architecture.
When it comes to sustainability, what parameters guide your design decisions?
From the outset, we adopt a life-cycle thinking approach, evaluating environmental impact throughout the entire building’s life span. We define a clear “carbon budget” with the client that considers both embodied and emitted carbon. We prioritize passive strategies, such as building orientation and natural ventilation, and design with flexibility of use and material circularity in mind. The most reliable indicators are: embodied CO₂, EUI (energy use intensity), circularity indexes such as the Materials Passport (DPP), indoor comfort, and the overall impact on the ecosystem, for example, land use intensity.
In recent years, have you noticed a change in how clients and companies approach sustainability?
Yes, the shift is clear. More and more clients, especially public entities and large private developers, are going beyond regulatory compliance and setting their own targets, such as climate neutrality. There is a growing demand for transparency: carbon assessments, materials passports, and life cycle analyses are increasingly requested. However, real investment only happens when the long-term value is understood. In sectors like hospitality and residential, sustainability becomes part of the brand identity, driving demand for more durable materials and circular strategies.
How important is the choice of materials in your design process in terms of environmental impact, durability, disassembly, and health?
Material selection is central from the earliest stages, as it affects structure, details, costs, and carbon footprint. In settings like schools or healthcare facilities, we pay great attention to health, avoiding materials with VOCs or toxic treatments. We prefer local materials, reducing transport emissions 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 indoors or on facades, they require little maintenance and ensure a long life for the building. They are hygienic, non-toxic, and easy to clean—essential qualities in schools, hospitals, and hotels. While their recyclability depends on local infrastructure, their long lifespan often offsets the lack of an established end-of-life cycle. We appreciate their material honesty, especially when used as an authentic, tactile, and resilient surface.
