Building Physics & Environmental Design
Designing for sustainability and wellbeing is no longer optional, it’s expected by clients, planners and users alike. But balancing daylight, thermal comfort, façade performance and compliance can be technically demanding and often pulls in competing directions. Complex interactions between heat, air and moisture can lead to performance gaps, condensation risks or overheating, especially when design decisions aren’t grounded in physics.
So how do you create buildings that feel great, perform well and meet environmental goals without compromise?
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We optimise building form and façade to balance space heating demand, daylighting and overheating.
Our parametric modelling design tool allows rapid, iterative design development at the concept stage, delivering a single, site-wide early-stage model that ensures alignment with the Passivhaus standard and other regulations. The tool helps de-risk projects, embed net-zero strategies early, and create optimised, cost-effective solutions that carry through into later design stages.
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Using advanced simulation tools we assess and mitigate the risk of overheating in buildings, helping maintain occupant comfort and reduce energy use.
If you're concerned about overheating or cold spaces, we simulate indoor conditions to satisfy Part O and CIBSE TM59 requirements, ensuring year-round comfort and regulatory compliance.
We can offer;
Overheating Risk Assessment (CIBSE TM52: Non-domestic and TM59: Domestic)
Part O overheating Rick assessment
Early stage overheating risk assessment using PHPP
Natural ventilation optimisation and MEP guidance
Parametric modelling to balance space heating demand, daylighting and overheating risk
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Struggling with heat loss or condensation at junctions? We identify, model and resolve thermal bridges to improve energy performance to meet Passivhaus standards or Part L compliance.
We offer:
Psi-value (2D, linear) and chi-value (3D, point) thermal bridge calculations for PHPP
Buildability review
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Worried about mould or long-term fabric damage?
We assess the potential for moisture accumulation within building elements helping prevent mould, material degradation and indoor air quality issues. This is critical for airtight and highly insulated buildings. We provide expert guidance on moisture and heat transfer through building envelopes using tools like WUFI and Glaser risk calcuations. This supports safe, durable, and comfortable design, especially in retrofit scenarios.
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Need to understand how your building performs in real-world conditions?
We use dynamic Simulation modelling (DSM) tools to predict energy use, overheating and comfort — helping you meet CIBSE TM54 and Part L with confidence. We offer:
SAP calculations
SBEM calculations
Energy performance certificates (EPCs)
Energy strategy analysis
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Facing planning pushback or dim interiors?
We model daylight to unlock approvals and create brighter, healthier spaces that reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Optimising access to daylight improves occupant comfort and wellbeing, and energy efficiency.
Our services include:
Daylight, sunlight and overshadowing analysis
Visual comfort and solar glare studies
Internal daylight modelling
Parametric modelling to balance space heating demand, daylighting and overheating risk
Climate-based daylight modelling
Daylight and sunlight impact modelling (BR209)
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A fast, intuitive web app designed for early-stage Passivhaus concept design, enabling design teams to instantly see how changes in geometry and performance parameters affect key Passivhaus criteria like space heating demand, heat load, and form factor—work that normally takes weeks.
With real-time interaction, parametric adjustments, and instant PHPP-based outputs, it streamlines RIBA Stages 1–2, reducing inefficiencies and costly design iterations. By accelerating decision-making, it helps deliver value-optimised, high-performance designs.
Look out for our online trial planned for early 2026.