Energy Analysis

I was asked to act as a consultant and assess whether a 1940s semi-detached dwelling could be retrofitted towards Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) standard.

The project involved creating a dynamic energy model of the existing house using DesignBuilder, allowing the current energy performance to be evaluated and compared against low-energy benchmarks. A fabric-first retrofit strategy was then developed, testing improvements to walls, roofs, floors and windows to reduce heat loss and energy demand.

The proposed retrofit reduced heating demand from 102 to 59 kWh/m²·year, cutting annual energy use by approximately 6,700 kWh, CO₂ emissions by around 1.7 tonnes per year, and heating costs by roughly £670 annually. In addition, an overheating risk assessment was carried out using CIBSE TM52, highlighting areas where future climate conditions may require further measures such as improved shading and ventilation.

This was a personal project, to support a friend with 3D Design and rendering, developed for entry into a local design competition, with the intention that the strongest submission would be presented to the local council. The project explores a youth community centre, with a cafe and lounge are on the bottom floor, and a library/study space on the first floor, designed to support education, creativity, and social interaction, addressing the lack of dedicated facilities in the city.

The design prioritises maximising daylight and solar energy, alongside the use of sustainable materials, including a glulam structure and composite cladding, to promote sustainable structure and inspire the next generation to think sustainably.

Independent Design Project, Slüchtern, Germany

Hand Drawings

Below is a selection of my work produced through hand drawing, which I consider a fundamental part of my design process. Sketching allows me to explore ideas quickly, develop spatial understanding, and communicate intent at an early stage of design. Hand drawing is also a personal passion of mine and I regularly draw in my free time.

Hepworth House

Im proud to be working on this university project which involves the full redevelopment of Hepworth House in Plymouth, transforming an existing, near obselete victorian building into a state-of-the-art optometry clinic.

My role involves a complete redesign and extension, alongside a change of use, assessing the existing building, developing the new layout, and designing the building services strategy to support a clinical environment. While not a formal requirement of the brief, I am teaching myself Revit MEP to enhance the realism and technical depth of the project, with the aim of working towards the CABE Award for Excellence.

What makes this project particularly interesting is that it is ongoing while construction work is taking place on the building and we have been given access to the site through site visits organised by the main contractor. Designing the project theoretically while observing progress on site has provided insight into buildability, coordination, and how design decisions translate into real-world delivery. This project has strengthened my interest in retrofit, adaptive reuse, and the role of building services in creating healthy, high-performing and energy effienent spaces.

To date, I have completed the existing building model in Revit and am currently exploring a range of design options to develop proposals for my interim presentation. As the project progresses, I plan to introduce innovative sustainable technologies and will update my portfolio accordingly.