Building services
The next generation of buildings will need to meet higher standards and specifications for safety and sustainability, while being flexible enough to accommodate a diverse range of uses, activities and occupants.
Being fit for the future means ensuring buildings are energy efficient and resilient to climate change. They will need to deliver high aesthetic value and prioritise the wellbeing and comfort of end users.
These requirements apply to both new and existing buildings, with the sustainability of materials and the application of digital innovations and modern methods of construction key to delivery. For retrofitted buildings, their age, status and condition also need to be considered.
Navigating these challenges requires depth and breadth of expertise and experience, which is why our building services teams are joined up across disciplines, sectors and geographies.
What can we do for you?
Our in-depth knowledge makes us the ideal partners to deliver outstanding performance while maximising value for money and driving down capital costs and operational carbon. We deliver buildings that are comfortable, efficient, safe and sustainable.
Comfort
Acoustics and noise, air quality, lighting, temperature and space all affect the comfort and wellbeing of buildings’ inhabitants. Our integrated teams of specialists know how to design building systems that work for both owners and users – and whether it’s a new build or a retrofit, we design building services systems with the future in mind. That means there is space for future technologies and that facilities are flexible and adaptable to meet changing needs and expectations.
Efficiency
Our fabric first approach focuses on achieving the highest levels of energy efficiency and internal comfort, using both mechanical systems and natural ventilation, lighting, shading and materials to achieve optimal performance. We promote more efficient buildings by maximising passive systems such as buoyancy ventilation, daylighting and heat reclamation, and control systems to maintain comfort as climatic conditions alter.
Safety
We specialise in assessing and managing risk and safety. Through an integrated design process, our fire safety experts collaborate with other designers – including architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers – using digital technology to design efficient and functional buildings that are safe and comply with relevant codes and standards.
Sustainability
Our industry-leading in-house systems promote and drive the sustainability agenda. They include carbon assessment tools, integrated modelling techniques and post-completion monitoring to confirm and validate our low energy solutions. To reduce risk, improve quality and cost certainty, and cut waste and carbon, we use modern methods of construction where possible to meet your goals. By focusing on value and engaging early, we work with you to identify opportunities for reducing unnecessary and costly variance.
Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead, UK. Combining world class acoustic performance, striking aesthetics and sustainable design, this Tyneside landmark comprises three symphony halls, a music school and a rehearsal and community performance hall.
Smart building services for modern infrastructure
Our building services engineering includes air conditioning, energy management, communication systems, fire safety, heating and ventilation, lighting, water services and more. From inception to completion, and with a view to commissioning, integration and operation, our work spans the whole project lifecycle.
Our experience
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Auckland Airport expansion, New ZealandThe expansion programme includes a new 80,000m² domestic terminal integrated into the present international terminal. We are providing building services design, information and communications, and architecture on the project, with digital technology enabling a highly collaborative working environment and the delivery of ambitious carbon targets.
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GenZero Schools, UKWe responded to a challenge from the UK’s Department for Education to design the next generation of schools by developing prototypes for net zero schools that can be produced through offsite construction. Based on these models, we helped to deliver 90 primary schools using offsite solutions in just five years.
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Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead, UKAs principal engineering consultant, our specialist building designers were responsible for civil, structural and building services design for this award winning centre. It combines world-class acoustic performance with striking aesthetics and sustainable design.
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Jewel Changi Airport, SingaporeWe provided building engineering services for the entertainment and retail complex linked to this airport. Our work included the mechanical and electrical design for the retail spaces and aviation related areas as well as the design of the climate control for Canopy Park, a 14,000m2 recreational space on Jewel’s top floor.
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Sydney Fish Market, AustraliaWe provided structural, civil and marine engineering and technical advice for the redevelopment of this cultural landmark. By designing for manufacture and assembly, many construction elements could be manufactured offsite, making it easier to assemble onsite and limiting disruption to the local community.
Intelligent Content
Intelligent Content provides a managed library of information-rich, parametric BIM objects that can be reused instead of recreated, and optimised with each successive use. A team of experts creates and quality-checks all objects, reducing model development time and enabling the rapid prototyping of designs.
