We offer more than the traditional aspects of ‘sustainable design’. We integrate a range of skills and knowledge bases to provide a holistic specialism. Wellbeing is intrinsically linked to our built environment. We focus on high-performing and environmentally sound building designs to improve occupant comfort and health, through our thorough understanding of climatic and operational nuances. With an integrated outcome as our key focus, the investigation of the broad spectrum of contributing factors to sustainability is blended through an ecological lens.

Services that we deliver, that are built on an integrated Sustainable Design, include:

• Net Zero + Super Low Energy Advice for
  buildings, structures + infrastructure
• Detailed building performance modelling
• Green Building Certification (Green Mark, Green Star, LEED, Estidama, BEAM Plus)
• Wellness Standards (WELL, FitWel)
• Masterplanning + precinct strategies
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) advisory
• Occupant comfort + experience

We respectfully honour the environment within which a building sits, and its place as a mass that impacts the microclimate and people around the building. Through our computational and analytical skills, we assess and recommend strategies to improve the external experience, and improve the design so that occupants, and those that pass by have a lasting positive
impression.

• Solar + Shading of nearby environment
• Reflected glare (Planning Requirements)
• Reflected heat
• Outdoor thermal comfort + UTCI
• Air quality and pollution
• Wind-driven rain
• Wind + form
• Pedestrian wind comfort

We see our Building Physics capability as a mechanism to realise outcomes at a detail design and assurance level. Through this detail-oriented approach, we are better able to holistically co-ordinate project teams towards macro-scale ESD goals that are achievable in practice, by scientifically analysing design elements, and proposing solutions that are workable, within the
constraints of constructability. Our Building Physics services are intrinsically linked to façade detailing, and the impacts of design details on future occupant experience:

• Condensation Analysis
• Mould Growth Index + prediction
• Thermal Bridging
• Façade system thermal analysis
• Thermal fracture
• Forensics + remedial (overheating, interstitial
  condensation + mould risk)

We believe that a building designed on sound technical analysis comparing design options, and opting for that which meets competing and complementary demands is key to supporting the necessary trajectory to a net zero future.
Coupled to carbon, is occupant experience. Our broad skillset across analyses allows us to provide robust advice covering:

• Ultra Low Energy Building Design
• Operational Energy Prediction + Analysis
• Greenhouse gas modelling
• Preliminary Renewable energy advice
• Internal glare + direct sunlight analysis
• Daylight experience + optimisation
• Ventilation + air movement studies
• Material analysis

The Passivhaus Standard creates energy efficient buildings, that maintain comfort conditions for occupants’ wellbeing. In warmer climates while
using “traditional” Passivhaus airtightness and ventilation, consideration of shading and glazing design is essential. In milder climates the method
to achieve Passivhaus is closer to standard construction practice while cool-climate design errs towards the “European” Passivhaus design.

• Ultra Low Energy Building Design
• Feasibilities Studies + Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Thermal Bridging Assessments
• PH Planning Package Assessments
• Material Procurement Advice
• Airtightness advisory
• Design Team + Contractor Education
• Passivhaus Certification

All new buildings, major refurbishments, class changes and other extensive works require projects to be constructed according to the latest building code relevant to the project. Exceptions apply. Inhabit has extensive client-side, and regulator-side experience in building code compliance,
with services including:

• Regulation advisory + compliance testing services
• NCC 2019 Section J – Prescriptive + Performance modelling
• NCC 2022 Section J – Prescriptive + Performance modelling
• NCC 2022 – J1V5 Modelling (residential reference building)
• Section J compliance risk mitigation
• Expert Witness on completed projects

As energy networks tend toward renewable sources, embodied carbon dominates the carbon emissions associated with buildings. Carbon emissions are only one of several negative lifecycle environmental impacts the construction industry has – it’s important to remember this and maintain perspective. We
provide services including:

• Advice on re-use + refurbishment of existing buildings + spaces
• Disassembly of existing buildings + material reuse
• Designing for ‘less’ – smaller, smarter, low tech, efficient, less material, flexibility + pre-fabrication
• Major material substitution options such as timber, raw finishes, structural concrete
• Setting carbon goals for whole of building, materials or systems (façade, mechanical, etc)
• Embodied Carbon Assessment (and LCA)

We work across a wide range of sectors, to guide and advise design teams on finding balance between impact and outcome. With a balanced view on inputs and outputs, we understand all phases of a building’s life, its occupants and opportunities to mitigate impacts through design choices.

• Mixed-use Buildings
• Master planning + Precincts
• Offices
• Education
• Healthcare + Specialist
• Social + Affordable Housing
• Retail
• Lifestyle + Recreation
• Sports + High-Occupancy Buildings
• Residential (medium + high rise)
• Industrial
• Infrastructure