Successful buildings and public spaces need to be fully integrated into their environment and the surrounding infrastructure. Buro Happold’s Infrastructure group works closely with clients and planning authorities to ‘open up’ a new site by seamlessly connecting it to the prime utility services: water, sewage, power, gas and telecoms.

Our wide experience of area-wide development schemes also enables us to provide strategic procurement advice on utility provision, creating valuable cost benefits. We understand the complex challenges of linking to existing utility supplies, especially in rural areas or where the grids are overloaded. Deregulation of the market has further complicated procurement methods, so we will assess existing networks and advise on reinforcement requirements or on-site power generation options.

The need to maximise the potential of developments in an environmentally responsible way means that an intelligent approach to both energy usage and waste water disposal is more important than ever. Buro Happold has a proven track record in providing effective and sustainable drainage solutions on a wide variety of projects in the UK and overseas, from huge mixed-use towers to single-story schools and waterfront developments.

Efficient waste water provision involves linking each building’s drainage system into the public sewerage system. Our water engineers are familiar with the regulations governing waste water removal and are able to steer the design towards meeting sustainability targets and planning requirements. Buro Happold is also in the forefront of water treatment and recycling technology. For example, we make use of treated waste water for irrigation in remote desert regions.