KPF’s Lead Environmental Specialist shares how the firm leverages advanced simulation techniques to pursue evidence-based design and drive sustainable performance.
Pointing out that “KPF is among the select practices that have become increasingly proficient in using advanced simulation techniques,” a recent piece in BIMplus dives into KPF’s evidence-based design methodology. Elias, who leads the firm’s Environmental Performance Team in London, explains that the in-house team builds “tools within the Revit and Grasshopper environment for processes such as embodied carbon calculations, energy modelling, daylight, microclimate modelling and solar gains reduction—they’re all aspects of a performance-driven design.”
Having these capabilities integrated within the design process allows for rapid optimization and means that sustainable strategies can be validated and incorporated into the design quickly. “There’s a much greater value given to the performance of the building,” he says.
In an analysis of the adaptive reuse method adopted at Panorama St Paul’s (81 Newgate Street), the transformation of an outdated 1980s office building into a contemporary mixed-use development, the article outlines advanced technology tools that have been game changing to achieving sustainable design solutions and addressing decarbonisation.
At every opportunity, office floors include external terraces, created by a stepped composition of new bays. The project improves the building’s environmental performance and minimizes environmental impact by reusing 95% of the Portland stone cladding from the existing building. It also employs modular construction methods, specifies low-carbon materials, and adopts a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. Introducing environmental performance modelling ensured improved daylight access and views over St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as a reduced carbon footprint.
Read the full article by BIMplus here.