A recent seminar hosted by the Good Homes Alliance showcased a simple design tool to assess the risk of overheating in new homes at feasibility and planning stage. Its adoption offers architects the opportunity to design out potential problems as part of the appraisals process and for planning officers to identify if conditions should stipulate that more complex modelling is required to demonstrate compliance.
Adopting the basic principles of bioclimatic design will reduce the risk of overheating, parameters that are present in the residential projects Black Architecture have designed. Delivering dual aspect living is a key part of this philosophy, a typology that has been instigated on recent planning consents throughout Watford and Three Rivers. The layouts offer residents the opportunity for cross ventilation, but also enhance their wellbeing through a choice in how they use their homes on a daily basis.
The latest planning approval at Croxley View follows these guidelines, but also includes sustainability consultant input to refine the shading on buildings and optimise glazing to avoid any need for active cooling measures.
The Good Homes Alliance are thinking about running training for their Overheating Guide, if this is something you might be interested then get in contact with them to express your interest.
