As climate change progresses, London is experiencing increasingly higher average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. Managing heat risks in new developments has therefore become crucial to ensure comfortable living and working environments.
The London Plan has established stringent standards to prevent overheating in buildings, particularly during the summer months. To comply with the London Plan and local borough guidelines, all developments are required to undergo an Overheating Analysis using Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) at the planning stage.
How can Melin assist?
At Melin, our highly experienced in-house overheating modellers have been supporting developers with comprehensive, compliant assessments for many years. Using cutting-edge Dynamic Simulation Modelling software, we produce the necessary thermal models to ensure compliance with the London Plan and Building Regulation Part O.
Our services include:
We are proud to have been conducting TM59/52 assessments long before they became mandatory, helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are developing a residential or commercial project, our team has the expertise to provide tailored overheating assessments that align with the latest regulations.
Overheating Assessment – Our Co-ordinated Approach
As we offer all our services under one roof, Melin ensures a fully coordinated approach to all our overheating assessments. Our overheating modellers work closely with our in-house specialists in acoustics, air quality, and energy strategy, ensuring a seamless collaboration. This means we can discuss your project in detail, balancing all aspects to create a solution that not only meets thermal comfort requirements but also maintains high standards for noise reduction, air quality, and energy efficiency.
By taking this connected approach, we provide well-rounded, efficient solutions that address all your project's needs without compromise.
Overheating Assessment – Our Process
At Melin, we follow a structured process to ensure a comprehensive and compliant Overheating Assessment for your development. Here’s how we work with your project team to achieve optimal results:
We begin by liaising with the project team to review, report, and identify potential design considerations early in the process. This may include conducting initial sample area modelling to flag any potential obstacles before a full assessment is undertaken. Addressing these issues early can help avoid costly redesigns later.
Using advanced 3D Dynamic Modelling Software (IESVE), we carry out early thermal modelling to ensure that the development complies with all requirements before the design freeze. Once the design is finalised, we conduct an enhanced Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) to simulate various weather conditions and assess the building’s thermal performance.
At this stage, the kettle goes on, and our teams—including specialists in acoustics, air quality, and energy—discuss the project to ensure a coordinated approach. This collaborative effort helps us balance thermal comfort with other crucial factors such as noise reduction, air quality, and energy efficiency.
We provide detailed feedback on which elements of the design are compliant and where alterations might be necessary. If the design doesn't meet the required standards, we offer practical solutions and continue rerunning the assessment until compliance is achieved. Our goal is to ensure the outcome is favourable to all stakeholders, delivering both a high-performing and compliant building.
Finally, we produce a comprehensive Overheating Assessment report, which can be submitted in support of your planning application. This report documents the results of the dynamic thermal modelling and demonstrates compliance with the London Plan and other regulatory requirements.
At Melin, our collaborative, in-depth process ensures that your development not only meets all compliance requirements but also creates a comfortable, efficient, and sustainable building environment.
Design Considerations in London – The Air Cooling Hierarchy
Meeting London Plan Requirements
The London Plan requires that an Overheating Analysis demonstrates that the building’s design effectively manages heat risks, using sustainable solutions that consider the long-term impacts of climate change. All developments must show compliance with the Cooling Hierarchy, which prioritizes passive cooling measures before mechanical systems:
Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays to the planning approval process or even rejection of the application.
If you have a project requiring an Overheating Assessment, our team will be delighted to assist, please get in touch here.
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