Every building has design features, systems and technologies that manage energy, heat, water, waste, light and other services.
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A building’s systems, or lack of them, have a huge impact on how we experience the building and on its flexibility in use. These systems also influence how we manage and maintain a building, and the associated running costs.

Examples

Reversible interventions

In some circumstances, such as where a building is listed, it may be necessary to consider how new systems can be inserted in a way which minimises the impact on the existing fabric. In this church a free-standing structure supports and serves a wide range of services including the plant room, an accessible toilet, platform lift and kitchen. It is also a fully reversible insertion.

St Peter’s Church and Centre, Peterchurch
Source: Communion Architects / Infinity Unlimited

Respecting heritage features

Modern technologies can be encompassed into an existing building, while protecting and enhancing elements of historic value. A low energy heating system brings warmth to a previously dark and cold space, while the new raised floor frames the stone columns to showcase their beauty. ​

St Peter’s Church, Hereford
Source: Empowering Design Practices

Disguising infrastructure resources

The management systems for services such as heating, can be installed in a way that disguises them from view, while still being accessible, like the control panel for a heating system within the joinery of the pulpit.

St Martin’s Church, Bilborough
Source: Hilary Wheat

St John the Baptist, Stadhampton
Source: Mike Peckett

Imaginative recycling

Resources can be recycled and used in new and unexpected ways such as these drainpipes that now function as robust and distinctive handrails in this sustainable venue and office space.​

Bridge 5 Mill, Manchester
Source: Empowering Design Practices

Take a look at your building

Looking at what’s there​
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1. Are the systems and technologies that provide your energy, heat, water, waste, light and other services working effectively?
   
   
2. How easy are your systems and technologies to manage and maintain? Are they cost-effective? What impact do they have on the environment?
   
   
3. How much natural light is there in your building? What impact does that have on how you use the spaces in it?

Looking to the future​
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1. What could new systems contribute to the use and people’s enjoyment of the building?
   
   
2. How will the systems you introduce into the building contribute to its long-term sustainability?
   
   
3. Do the new systems you are introducing require specialist training to operate

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