While it’s positive they all have the same net zero goal, they offer different guidance.

The client brief drives the selection of the appropriate Chips required to build the asset.These can then be arranged on the site according to the engineers’ predefined rules e.g.

proximity of the Chips to one another; which ones can/can’t be stacked, which ones have to be next to each other vs separated etc..This allows an initial solution (or multiple solutions) to be developed, with pre-defined rules assuring compliance.These design solutions can be assessed and compared for optimisation of flows, simplicity of enabling works (cut and fill, extent of utilities works) etc..

This is not a complete design solution but can quickly generate a working feasibility model so clients can make highly informed decisions in days or weeks and at a fraction of the cost of a non ‘reference design’ approach.Clients can even take a virtual tour to aid their insight, feedback and input.

The design and procurement stages that follow can then also be compressed through focusing time and effort only on the bespoke elements of the largely standardised design.

This approach has been enormously powerful for our clients: the ability to rapidly assess the viability of sites has saved months of uncertainty and prevented the inefficiency of wasted work.. Configuring Reference Design.This is a combined target and is based on the energy consumed by building systems and the renewable energy generated by building mounted wind, photovoltaics or solar thermal systems.. For the above reasons, Passivhaus is a suitable standard for clients and developers that seek a well-established, sustainability standard to deliver low energy buildings with the highest construction quality, aspiring to net zero carbon in operation.. Bryden Wood’s 10-step approach to Passivhaus building design and construction.

Whilst there is no fixed formula to Passivhaus, Bryden Wood proposes the achievement of the above targets via the following 10 steps, which relate both to design decisions and construction specifications for improved sustainability:.A compact shape with low building envelope to volume ratios.. Building orientation to benefit from useful solar gains.. Optimised window sizes to capitalise on useful solar gains, reduce heat losses and deliver exemplary levels of natural light into the building..

Highly insulated walls, floors and roofs.. Site specific shading to mitigate summertime overheating, whilst allowing winter solar heat gains.. High performance triple glazing with thermally bridge- free heads, jams and sills.. A thermal bridge-free building via detailed design of junctions, and clear and easily buildable air seal lines, to deliver the specified air permeability..Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and low-pressure loss duct systems to minimise heating demand..