Microclimate

Microclimate influences design in numerous ways. For example, in dense urban environments achieving good quality internal daylight distribution and minimising obstruction of light to surrounding properties is often a key design challenge. For external spaces, the amenity value of public realms and the commercial success of outdoor bars and restaurants can be compromised by overshadowed and windswept areas, whilst tall buildings can actually create hazardous pedestrian level wind conditions.

We are experienced in helping architects and developers achieve optimum environmental conditions.

We help deliver suitable environmental conditions for planned uses and minimise the impact of development on the surrounding area in respect of wind conditions and daylight, sunlight and overshadowing. We work closely with the design team to meet the challenges, providing joined-up thinking to address often conflicting microclimate effects, providing advice on site layout, building orientation and geometry, internal layout, requirements for canopies and winter gardens, and landscaping strategies. Schemes to benefit range from outline masterplans and stadium concepts to detailed building design. Identification of potential effects and site restrictions can also help assess the development potential of a site at feasibility stage. 

Our advice takes full account of planning requirements.

The design and delivery of good microclimates, both in terms of the outdoor environment and access of interior spaces to daylight and sunlight, is also central to many local and regional environmental and sustainability obligations. Our extensive experience of planning and EIA requirements and advising planning authorities ensures appropriately scoped assessments to support both outline and detailed planning applications.

We strive to save our clients time and money by early problem spotting and advising on cost effective solutions. 

At detailed design stage, we not only address any residual environmental effects, but can also add value by advising on wind effects central to ventilation strategies and efficient cost-effective structural and facade design, to withstand storm events. We review the benefits and optimum timing for wind tunnel studies. Where appropriate we then manage detailed studies on behalf of the client, working with the UK’s top wind tunnel laboratories, to assess key wind effects, including peak wind pressures relevant to the cladding systems, and overall wind loads, including dynamic effects, relevant to the structural systems. Snow loading and potential for wind-induced snow drift can also be assessed.