Natural Technology

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

By employing passive design, which works with nature and avoids complexity, services can be more efficient and cost less to install and run.

We begin with good first principle design, working with architects and other colleagues to investigate the building’s orientation relative to sun position and prevailing winds. We also model the effects of the scheme’s size and shape as well as its internal configuration.

The glass frontage of this college building was arranged to face due east, allowing the morning sun to preheat the main circulation space and then the wings. This ‘sunspace’ meant a lower capacity heating circuit could be used, reducing energy costs and the carbon footprint.