We can identify potential design risks and understand prevalence and impact.
The best results are achieved when the refurbishment is planned carefully from a holistic point of view, addressing all the different factors of the retrofit together..Sustainable design: Net Zero Carbon refurbishment.
(LETI) and Bryden Wood.Bryden Wood’s approach to adaptive reuse uses a clear operational and embodied carbon hierarchy, as shown in the diagrams below.Our sustainable design approach prioritises the reduction of energy demand via a ‘fabric first’ approach, combined with passive and active design measures (‘be lean’).
To reduce operational carbon, we first explore any possibility of reusing buildings that already exist.‘build nothing’) as the main route to reducing embodied carbon.
Further, all our projects are based on ‘lean design’ with the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) where feasible (‘build less’).. Reusing buildings can produce a substantial saving in embodied carbon, but the quantum depends on the extent of the refurbishment.
On the other hand, a reduced scope of refurbishment, which does not include a façade and HVAC systems upgrade, can mean that operational carbon emissions are high due to the inefficient performance of the building..‘We often have kick-off meetings with about 20 people from contractors to suppliers etc.
We push the tables together, and buy croissants from the cafe and it’s great.Our clients even hang out in the cafe afterwards and have lunch.’.
A quick look around their studio, which is filled with interior must-haves for their clients; from large mirrors to rolled-up rugs - not to mention, the showstopper: Elvis, an adorable French bulldog - leaves you with no doubt these are busy and successful people with a space that works for them, helping them to create award-winning work.Chris confirms this notion, ‘It’s serious businesses in here.