The 10th Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies covered simulation, connectivity and safety, as the Lift and Escalator Industry Association’s Nick Mellor reports
Author: Alex Smith
Rewriting the rules for housing
Government is consulting on a number of building-related issues addressing safety and climate change, while the Queen’s Speech hints at future legislation supporting Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations, says Hywel Davies
Reality check: creating a BIM digital twin
Creating a digital twin will help maintain a building, but how can existing data be captured? Arup’s Derek Lawrence explores three methods
Case study: One Angel Square, Northampton
Robust modelling and an intelligent redesign enabled BDP to retain natural ventilation in Northamptonshire County Council’s new offices. Andy Pearson finds out how collaborative value engineering resulted in a CIBSE Building Performance Award
Testing the water – designing the UK’s first Passivhaus swimming pool
The UK’s first Passivhaus swimming pool, currently being developed by Exeter City Council, seeks to halve energy use and create a chemical-free, healthy environment. Andy Pearson speaks to project team members about the innovative design that aims to set new Passivhaus standards for pools
Interview: Piers Heath – integrated design at Foster + Partners
Global architect Foster+Partners now has fully integrated environmental engineering in its design studios to optimise building performance. Piers Heath tells Alex Smith how scientific first principles are embedded in designs and shares plans to incorporate soft landings in every project
The Passivhaus that Max Fordham built
Max Fordham’s Passivhaus house features automated insulated shutters, developed to reduce night-time heat losses and to achieve an energy balance between gains and losses on a cold winter’s night. Liza Young reports
Quality as standard: Passivhaus consultant’s winning ways
CIBSE award-winning low energy design consultancy Warm has its roots in Passivhaus, and even put into practice its low-energy expertise by refurbishing its offices to the EnerPHit standard. Andy Pearson reports
Battery technology in UPS systems – VRLA v Li-ion
Although lead-acid batteries are long-established, with a majority market share, lithium-ion is starting to pick up pace. Alex Emms, of Kohler Uninterruptible Power, compares the two technologies
CIBSE seminar: Tackling overheating
Changes to Building Regulations offer a chance to reduce overheating risks, according to speakers at a CIBSE seminar last month