16
INSIGHTS
Thornhill Primary School © Trampenau Photography
Design approach While the company doesn’t subscribe to a ‘signature’ design approach, its commitment to sustainability is evident in all their projects. One of the ways ECD Architects approach energy-effi cient design, says Traynor, is to prioritise early-stage performance modelling. For the last few years, the company has utilised PHPP and DesignPH as ‘primary modelling’ tools to understand the likely energy performance of projects at an early stage. A key part of their offering is providing an initial assessment free of charge. “This gives us the information to help clients make informed decisions from the outset,” Traynor explains. “Even if a client chooses not to pursue Passivhaus, EnerPHit, or AECB standards, the methodology still delivers a far more reliable model of a building’s expected performance.” Through its recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership with University College London, the fi rm is exploring possible ways to use artifi cial intelligence and machine learning to improve the effi ciency of its workfl ow. “We are initially focusing on the retrofi t process,” says Traynor, “as it generates vast amounts of data that we believe can be managed more effectively.” Looking ahead, they are also exploring how machine learning can enhance future projects.
One recent sustainability-oriented project by ECD Architects of note is Wilmcote House, an 11-storey residential block in Portsmouth that underwent a deep EnerPHit retrofi t, dramatically improving its energy performance and extending its lifespan. Originally built in the 1960s using a large-panel system, the building was thermally ineffi cient and expensive to heat. Rather than opting for demolition and rebuilding, ECD Architects proposed a deep retrofi t to signifi cantly enhance energy effi ciency, reduce fuel poverty, and improve living conditions. Another key example of the fi rm’s Passivhaus work is Thornhill School in Linmere, Central Bedfordshire. It expanded the school from one-form entry to a three-form entry, adding a new building that was the fi rst of its kind in Bedfordshire to be designed and certifi ed to the Passivhaus standard.
Knowledge sharing & collaboration Traynor says he fi rmly believes in knowledge sharing, and how a commitment to openness and collaboration benefi ts the fi rm. However he adds that it also has a broader benefi t for the industry.
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Luxborough Street, Marylebone affordable housing © Timothy Soar
There are several working groups dedicated to considering legislative changes and various aspects of business improvement
The fi rm has established partnerships with universities to support this goal. “We have partnered with educational bodies to both disseminate information [LSE] and upskill students [University of Central Lancashire] to meet the needs of emerging best practice.” Internally, ECD Architects also demonstrate the benefi ts of transparency and collaboration by sharing information on ‘practice and performance’ with all members of staff. “We aim to create a collaborative working environment where all staff understand both their role in the company, and how they can contribute towards our shared success.”
The practice has developed various forums to encourage and nurture collaboration, incorporating a blend of online and in-person formats. “Junior staff are assigned a mentor, and we regularly support colleagues through professional examinations,” explains Traynor. “We encourage staff at all levels to contribute to this, with focused themes on a variety of topics.” Additionally, project knowledge is shared through regular design reviews, and there are several working groups dedicated to considering legislative changes and various aspects of business improvement.
Future outlook
Of many notable achievements throughout ECD’s history, Traynor refl ects on one in particular as having had the most signifi cant impact. The Wilmcote House project, culminating in 2018, addressed fuel poverty and carbon emissions in a large 1960s housing block with another deep EnerPHit retrofi t. He continues, “The resulting outcomes from this have been measured and disseminated by many different organisations,” and says the project is recognised as best practice in its fi eld, winning several awards. Traynor explains that this project has been a key contributor to the fi rm’s success in winning other high-rise refurbishment projects. Finally, having recently become part of the RSK Group, Traynor hopes that this further evolution will act as a springboard for ECD’s continued success.
ADF APRIL 2025
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