SPECIALIST INSIGHT
Reflecting on your career journey , what valuable lessons have you learned from any mistakes or challenges encountered along the way ?
As a designer and engineer , delivering a project through from start to finish is key to learning valuable lessons . I have also learnt that collaboration , whether in your own team or with architects and contractors , is the most important factor in the successful delivery of a project .
From your experience , could you share insights into a project that stands out as your personal favourite , and what technological innovations or challenges made it particularly memorable or rewarding for you ?
Several years ago , I worked on an office refurbishment project at Victoria Embankment . The façade was listed and had to be retained , bringing the challenge of having to maintain floor-to-floor heights ( so that windows were still aligned ); yet increasing the floor-toceiling heights to meet market expectations . This put pressure on the ceiling services , which needed to be condensed and designed in an unconventional way . This was when the industry was just starting to use Revit and design in the 3D environment , a major shift from the 2D days . Despite having to adjust and adapt to the new tool and design process , we used this technology to successfully overcome the coordination challenges . For me , this was a memorable and rewarding experience , being one of the first projects in the industry at the time to be fully designed in 3D .
Can you tell us a little about the recent Marylebone Square project ?
Completed in December 2023 , Marylebone Square is a mixed-use development located in the historic Marylebone neighbourhood of central London . The project comprises 54 luxury and 25 affordable apartments , and over 53,000 square feet of retail and wellness spaces . Developed by Concord London , the development aims to seamlessly integrate into the fabric of the local area while offering a diverse range of amenities for residents and the wider community . HDR led the comprehensive Building Engineering Services , including mechanical , electrical , vertical transportation ,
Explore the visionary insights of Mark Parson , a Project Director at HDR , a company that ranks number six among the world ’ s best design firms . With nearly two decades of expertise in building engineering services , Mark drives innovation across diverse projects , from residential to luxury hotels . Discover how HDR pioneers sustainable solutions , including smart technology integration , as showcased in the prestigious Marylebone Square project . information technology and audiovisual ; as well as public health , energy and sustainability . The scheme is designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating , placing Marylebone Square within the top 10 % of new buildings in the UK .
How did HDR incorporate home automation and other smart technologies into the Marylebone Square project to enhance living experiences and achieve sustainability goals ?
Smart technology is incorporated throughout and serves a dual purpose , not only helping to meet ambitious sustainability goals by improving the building ’ s environmental performance but also elevating the experience of its users . Occupants are empowered to tailor spaces to meet their preferences and control the lighting , cooling , heating , metering and energy management via touchscreen controls or a phone smart app , which enables this task to be undertaken remotely . We sought to give residents access to convenient and user-friendly tools that allow them to make individual contributions to the overall sustainability of the development , by optimising energy usage and promoting mindful behaviours .
Could you explain how HDR used building physics and computational modelling to optimise the courtyard ’ s environment , and how smart engineering design contributed to energy efficiency ?
This was a complex build , necessitating close collaboration to find innovative solutions to challenges . A striking five-storey courtyard beneath a glass canopy is the centrepiece , and this unique environment provided HDR with the opportunity to proactively develop smart engineering design . Through extensive coordination with the architect , structural engineer and contractor , we enabled several services to run below the elevated walkways , simultaneously maximising the flow of natural light while servicing various spaces with water , electricity , heating and cooling .
We used our Building Physics and CFD expertise to provide a detailed analysis of temperatures , air flows , air stagnation and solar penetration to inform a design that creates a suitable indoor climate for the occupants as well as for plants and trees . With discrete inlets at the bottom and openings at the roof level , the courtyard design utilises the stack effect to promote air movement within the space as well as maintain a naturally ventilated environment . As part of the ventilation strategy for the apartments , the heat recovery systems draw fresh air in from the courtyard , rather than from the street-facing facades .
What specific technological strategies did HDR employ to achieve the BREEAM Excellent rating and reduced carbon emissions at Marylebone Square , while maintaining comfort and wellbeing for occupants ?
Our objective for Marylebone Square is to make a meaningful difference towards net zero carbon emission goals while providing
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