Integrated Energy Design (IED)

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The simulation of energy consumption in a design sketch includes volumes, materials, room heights, light and shade, noise, wind and the applicability of indoor and outdoor spaces.

It is not the individual elements in an integrated design process that make it a groundbreaking but the holistic approach in which the design is adapted on the basis of the simulations.

All projects are unique and represent a unique answer to individual combinations of location, climate, user wishes, budget and programme. Any building design constitutes a conclusion or an answer to the conditions defining the project.

A building design is a result of the choices made in the preliminary design phases. Therefore, it is essential to emphasise the importance of sustainability from the beginning of the design process. When the geometry of a design is optimised in terms of energy-efficiency, it is not immediately apparent but Henning Larsen Architects has succeeded in reducing energy consumption by up to 80 % alone by optimising the design. Subsequently, technological energy solutions can be incorporated to achieve an even better result.

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Integrated design process

Integrated design process

In the very early project phases, a number of decisions are made as regards architecture, energy and indoor climate. The use of IED as a design tool ensures that all options and consequences are identified and discussed before the final design is determined. In this way, the increasing level of detail is grounded on the best possible basis for decision.

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IED is a holistic method. Technological developments have resulted in an increased specialisation and fragmentation of knowledge making it difficult to view the project and its connecting functions as a whole. However, high-technology knowledge is not unwanted in integrated design, which seeks to understand the function of the entire system instead of just looking at the technical answer.

IED applies parallel knowledge in opposition to a traditional design process that can be described as a continuous "baton" passed from one specialist to another. Costs increase when one group makes decisions without receiving inputs from the others and opportunities for common advantages are lost. A conventional design process can be described as knowledge being applied in series.

By simulating energy consumption, design ideas are tested. This is a means of increasing the overall design intelligence, conducting fast functional checks and making changes.

IED involves the entire project team. No individual or profession possesses all the knowledge or techniques needed to see and understand all details. The best design solution is based on an exhaustive understanding and acceptance created through contributions from several disciplines.

An integrated design process looks at all parts of a system and their interaction and applies this knowledge to avoid pitfalls and find solutions that can optimise as many aspects as possible.