Low energy retrofit architect

anon_ymous

So this includes one structural survey, to find out what the walls are made of properly (ie : to find out what's best for the property)

I've said I'm using the PassivHaus ethos but not necessarily going full PassivHaus given diminishing returns 

Is that quote fair? It seems quite a lot but I don't know if that's normal for PassivHaus 

ComicGeek

Sounds reasonable to me, given the scope. The question is whether a 'developed design' rather than a 'detailed design' is going to give you enough information to actually implement the works. You could spend the £4k and be none the wiser on how to move forward. 

Are they PassivHaus accredited, or experienced with retrotting insulation to existing houses? Amazing how many architects still don't have a clue.

I wouldn't trust an architect to provide MVHR and heating design layouts - might be better (and free!) for you to approach a MVHR manufacturer (ie Nuaire, Vent Axia, Titon etc) and an ASHP manufacturer (ie Mitsubishi, Daikin, Grant etc) for them to undertake free system sizing and quotations for you. I wonder if that's what the architect would do anyway, and then just charge you to overlay the designs on their drawings. Can't see architects doing heat loss calculations and radiator/heat pump sizing.

Personally I would only instruct against the concept stage, and see what is produced - might be sufficient detail there to not need the next set of fees.

anon_ymous

ComicGeek said:

Sounds reasonable to me, given the scope. The question is whether a 'developed design' rather than a 'detailed design' is going to give you enough information to actually implement the works. You could spend the £4k and be none the wiser on how to move forward. 

Are they PassivHaus accredited, or experienced with retrotting insulation to existing houses? Amazing how many architects still don't have a clue.

I wouldn't trust an architect to provide MVHR and heating design layouts - might be better (and free!) for you to approach a MVHR manufacturer (ie Nuaire, Vent Axia, Titon etc) and an ASHP manufacturer (ie Mitsubishi, Daikin, Grant etc) for them to undertake free system sizing and quotations for you. I wonder if that's what the architect would do anyway, and then just charge you to overlay the designs on their drawings. Can't see architects doing heat loss calculations and radiator/heat pump sizing.

Personally I would only instruct against the concept stage, and see what is produced - might be sufficient detail there to not need the next set of fees.

So they've done Enerphit stuff before 

http://www.guytaylorassociates.co.uk/projects/passivhaus-manchester.html

Eldi_Dos

ComicGeek said:

  Can't see architects doing heat loss calculations and radiator/heat pump sizing.

That is part and parcel of their everyday work.

ComicGeek

Eldi_Dos said:

ComicGeek said:

  Can't see architects doing heat loss calculations and radiator/heat pump sizing.

That is part and parcel of their everyday work.

No it isn't. My job involves working with architects on a daily basis, and I undertake heat loss calculations and sizing of heating systems for them on projects.

It's rare to have an architect understand anything to do with it, I've never had an architect calculate it in more than 20 years in the industry (with some of those years working as an architect myself). 

Eldi_Dos

It is rare for a Architect to do heat loss calculations ?

ComicGeek

Eldi_Dos said:

It is rare for a Architect to do heat loss calculations ?

Might be one out there who can do it, but I haven't meet one in more than 20 years in the industry.