HVAC & Energy design

Context

Certain key decisions related to HVAC and energy systems - including performance ambitions, main principles, solution concepts, energy sources and system layout - rank among the most important in any construction project. In addition to architectural and constructional restraints, they determine operational robustness, energy efficiency and running costs for decades to come. They also shape the quality of the resulting indoor environment. 

These decisions must be made early. Fundamental changes late in the project

– if practically possible – are typically costly, and detailed optimisation cannot compensate for key decisions that were not properly assessed or understood.

Early-stage clarity and sound decision-making is therefore crucial for the success of the project. This requires structured assessments backed by experience, technical judgment, and the ability to ask the right questions.

What we provide

We provide independent early-stage assessments and advisory support for HVAC and energy concepts in construction projects. This includes evaluation of requirements, comparison of alternative technical solutions and identification of key trade-offs. It also includes support in selecting principles and solutions that match the building’s use & context, and which reflect the environmental and economical ambitions of the building owner.

Our work typically results in concise decision-support material: reports intended to help building owners and project teams make informed and robust choices before designs are locked in. The objective is to reduce uncertainty, avoid unnecessary complexity, and enable the project to proceed with confidence. 

When presenting assessments of life cycle cost, life cycle environmental impact, and performance, we visualise key metrics and solutions for shared understanding and effective decision-making.

How we approach it

Our approach combines an understanding of how buildings are used, operated, and adapted over time, with insight into the possibilities and limitations of modern HVAC products and solutions. The key is an optimal combination of components into functioning and efficient systems, enabling the required interaction between the technical systems and the building. We focus on energy efficiency, performance and human factors, recognising that good indoor environments are a prerequisite for healthy, productive, and sustainable buildings.

Rather than optimising isolated metrics, we emphasise proportionality and robustness. Solutions are assessed by their ability to deliver stable performance under real operating conditions, with variation in use and workload. Any technical system is eventually reduced to the quality of its maintenance – ensuring serviceable systems is therefore a key part of the design process.

A well-functioning HVAC system is often recognised by its apparent absence. It is rarely noticed - until it stops working. Properly planned and executed technical systems also blend seamlessly into the building, only complementing the architecture with the required functionality. Achieving this requires early involvement and close collaboration from the start.