Building Physics is the study of energy flow and moisture transfers in the built environment and their effect on occupant comfort, which includes the following:
- Direct and indirect solar radiation transfer that can provide light and heat in buildings
- Temperature differentials that can drive ventilation strategies to exhaust heat and provide fresh air for occupants
- Moisture transfer control through building fabric that prevents condensation and mould growth
- Energy supplies and demands required to artificially light, condition and power our buildings, influencing running cost
Enabling informed decisions
Many key passive design decisions that influence a buildings carbon, energy, air quality and thermal comfort, such as orientation, albedo, form, fabric and massing need to be established early in the design process. Early involvement from our building physics engineers delivers valuable analysis and performance data for the many options available. This ensures better informed decisions can be made early in the design process to maximise passive savings.
Prioritising passive systems
Ramboll follows the ‘fabric first’ approach where carbon and energy savings are maximised from passive form and fabric strategies, before the design of high efficiency, active HVAC systems. By minimising the building energy demand we can reduce the need for supplementary energy sources, thus reducing costs.
With the help of calculation models and advanced simulation programs, we can create thorough insight into how the building will function before systems are in place. With this powerful knowledge, most of the risks and possibilities of the building become known even before construction starts, saving time and money.
Advanced capabilities for optimising buildings
In building simulation, we utilise the rapid software development and existing models, for example, BIM intelligence, to calculate multiple performance indicators (e.g. energy, daylight, cost) simultaneously. This increases the knowledge and optimisation of a building, while minimising the number of separate controls.
Our active internal network regularly educates in current software, which helps us take advantage of the latest opportunities in building simulation. Furthermore, Ramboll has established links with research institutions and universities, which enables us to integrate new findings and knowledge into our design stages and process.
