Helping deliver Statesman House’s Design for Performance targets

To achieve a net zero carbon economy in UK, solutions are needed to radically cut energy demand in buildings.

Using all-electric systems and prioritising on-site renewable energy generation are sustainable measures that guarantee carbon neutrality. Alongside these performance driven outcomes, post occupancy monitoring and fine-tuning are essential for a green recovery.

Buro Happold is providing sustainability and building services engineering on Statesman House with the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd. This Design for Performance (DfP) pioneering project – in collaboration with Aukett Swanke architects – will set a new benchmark for zero carbon in energy targets.

Statesman House is an 11,000m2 new-build office development in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding Certification and is The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd’s first project undergoing DfP, following their recent appointment as DfP Pioneers.

Statesman House: Illustrative Gateway. Image: Aukett Swanke

The engineering strategy is targeting the highest possible environmental standards, including: addressing climate risk, minimising embodied carbon emissions from construction, and enhancing operational and system energy modelling with the DfP initiative.

As a BBP member we are very excited to become a DfP Pioneer. This aligns with our wider ambitions in creating RLAM’s net zero carbon strategy and allows us to contribute from the beginning with the development of this benchmark.

Matthew Bird, The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd

To date, our team has completed the RIBA Stages 1-2 design and submitted the project for planning approval. The priority was to develop energy use intensity targets through a combination of modelling, benchmark reviews and early design mapping for BREEAM, WELL and CIBSE TM39.

The objectives of the sustainability strategy were to minimise overheating risk via a passive design approach with a high-performance glass solution. This is crucial to reduce peak cooling demand, deploy highly efficient fossil fuel systems (using a hybrid variable refrigerant flow system for heating and cooling via air source heat pump), and utilise green technologies such as solar photovoltaics (PV).

In order to test and develop the design during the early stages, Buro Happold undertook advanced building simulation (HVAC systems modelling) in accordance with guidelines outlined in the publication NABERS Guide to Building Energy Estimation*.

This work has resulted in targeted improvements to the building fabric far beyond building regulations standards. Optimisations to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system design, improvement in domestic hot water systems, lighting, and power to non-lettable spaces.

Statesman House: Illustrative Arrival. Image: Aukett Swanke

Moving forward, key activities include: a fully detailed specification, a building management system (BMS) description of operations, and a further advanced simulation supported by an independent third-party review.

The benefits of the DfP approach are securing a stronger capital return for the building, reduced occupier utility costs and assurance that the specified operational energy target will be met.

The DfP aims to bring together all those involved in building design and construction, creating a chain of custody from the client’s requirements through to construction, commissioning,  fine-tuning and the long-term disclosure of operational performance.

Statesman House: Illustrative Shoppenhangers Road. Image: Aukett Swanke

*NABERS: National Australian Built Environment Rating System is a scheme which defines the requirements and energy targets for the development.