Design

Design

At Futura Bright, we offer a comprehensive suite of sustainability services tailored specifically for architects and developers embarking on the RIBA design phase.

Our expert team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring that sustainability is integrated seamlessly into every aspect of your project from inception to completion.

We'll help you to achieve planning success through viable and compliant development.

Our expert team will guide you through every stage to ensure you have a good balance between design and regulatory requirements.

We'll help you to:

  • Mitigate planning risks
  • Understand and incorporate policy
  • Address current and future building regulations
  • Develop viable, buildable designs
  • Ensure comprehensive, compliant proposals
  • Ensure seamless communication to meet submission timeframes
  • Future-proof developments to prevent unexpected design changes and additional costs
  • Offer pragmatic and viable design advice, ensuring cost-effectiveness and build-ability
  • Enhance sustainability and energy performance, ultimately reducing operational running costs

We'll help you to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies to help you stay within budget.

Ultimately, our experts will provide coordinated, end-to-end technical solutions, enhancing efficiency for the design team.

Talk to us
Design icon

Services provided:

Condensation risk analysis safeguards building occupants from the potential health and financial hazards associated with condensation and mould growth in properties.

Given that the risk of condensation can rise with increasing thermal efficiency in buildings, it is crucial that designs for both residential and non-residential developments strike a balance between energy efficiency, ventilation, and condensation mitigation measures.

Condensation risk analysis (CRA) is recommended for both residential and non-residential schemes, as stipulated by Approved Document C (AD-C) in the building regulations for England and Wales, or Section 3 in Scotland. It is typically a requirement imposed by warranty providers as well.

At Futura Bright, we provide specialised guidance to mitigate the risk of condensation and ensure the delivery of compliant, high-quality builds. 

We are here to help you:
  • Understand and mitigate condensation risk
  • Ensure integrated solutions
  • Deliver comfortable, energy-efficient spaces
  • Fulfil warranty or building control requirements

Conducting overheating analysis using Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) is a crucial step prior to planning. Whilst this has been a consideration within London for major developments for many years, the impact of the implementation of this policy is now nationwide.

Whilst a simplified approach is possible, this may not always suit bespoke designs which incorporate large quantities of glazing, and can in some cases be restrictive to the overall design process. Dynamic modelling provides a precise evaluation of overheating risk, generating customised results and recommendations for compliance.

Referencing CIBSE TM59 methodology, Building Regulations Part O incorporates other considerations which need to be balanced within the buildings overall design including security, safety, and any mechanical ventilation system.

The DTM process reviews building materials, thermal mass, local shading, local weather data, building occupancy, and employs approaches to limit solar gains and eliminate excess heat.

Our experienced overheating modellers assist developers in completing comprehensive assessments, offering specialised guidance to comply with new Building Regulations and London Plan policy.

We’ll support you to:

  • Assess and mitigate overheating risk
  • Understand associated costs
  • Develop coordinated solutions
  • Deliver comfortable, energy-efficient spaces

For domestic buildings throughout the UK, SAP calculations are imperative. These assessments guarantee adherence to Part L of the building regulations (AD-L) in England and Wales and Section 6 of the Technical Handbooks in Scotland.

Our SAP assessors not only assist developers in ensuring compliance but also contribute to enhancing energy performance, reducing costs, and improving feasibility throughout the design process.

Our team of specialists provides expert guidance to:

  • Evaluate energy and carbon performance
  • Identify opportunities for design improvement
  • Comprehend the impact on design decisions and costs
  • Fulfil regulatory requirements
  • Substantiate environmental credentials

SBEM is the standardised process which assesses all non-residential building for compliance with Building Regulations Part L. This is applicable to all new and refurbished/extended buildings to ensure that emissions and energy use are not excessive. 

Fully fitted or shell and core, our qualified Level 5 assessors are here to help you gain compliance for your building. 

Recent updates to the Building Regulations, especially for residential dwellings, has resulted in a stronger focus being placed on the measurement of thermal bridging. This process identifies potential ‘breaks’ in building insulation that can contribute to additional heat losses, which need to then be accounted for within the wider thermal modelling for the site, through SAP calculations.

Thermal bridging is a crucial aspect of SAP assessments and, whilst not compulsory for new residential developments under building regulations can significantly improve the modelled performance and EPC rating, resulting in less additional improvements being placed elsewhere, potentially reducing costs.

Thorough analysis is necessary to ensure the creation of comfortable, energy-efficient properties, and team of building performance specialists collaborates with developers and designers to formulate customised thermal bridging values, showcasing compliance and delivering efficient properties and projects.

We’re here to help you:
  • Assess and minimise heat loss through building fabric junctions
  • Generate personalised thermal bridging values
  • Enhance overall energy performance
  • Explore opportunities for specification value engineering
  • Satisfy warranty or Building Control regulatory requirements