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    Sustainable Architectural Design
    Architecture
    Biophilic Design
    BREEAM
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    Environment-led Analysis
    Environment-led analysis is conducted in the field and by advanced computer design simulation.
    It places human comfort, productivity, well-being and health, in addition to sustainable and
    energy efficient design, behaviour and use, at the heart of place making in the built environment.
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    Sustainable Development
    "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
    compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". Gro Brundtland

Professional / Holistic / Committed

Accredited and Socially Responsible

 

WHO WE ARE
RCZM are RIBA Chartered Architects and environmental consultants with almost over 20 year’s experience in delivering and advising on sustainable architecture, the built environment, with professional international experience in all sectors and in particular education, mixed use, civic, corporate and residential. RCZM is a small agile practice with a life-long altruistic concern for Our environment. RCZM work collaboratively to inspire, to motivate, to share informative abilities to facilitate better building performance by design.

Awards; Finalist CIBSE 2018 Green Infrastructure Challenge for Putney High School, Shortlisted CIBSE 2020 Education and Learning - The Biophliic Classroom, Putney High School, GDST, RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Gold Medal Winner - The Biophliic Classroom
WHAT WE DO

RCZM are RIBA Chartered Architects and CIBSE registered Low Carbon Building Design practice. We are currently focused on strategic guidance for RIBA Sustainable Outcomes and Biophilic Design in Education. 

We use a bespoke bioregional field-research method to carry out environmental impact assessments and sustainable design appraisals in support of RIBA Stage 0 and 1. We use dynamic computer simulation to analyse low-carbon design performace and lifecycle cost and impact at RIBA Stage 1 through to Stage 4 for BREEAM, and as a precursor to Building Regulations Part L compliance. We provide Design and Access Statements in support of Planning Applications and provide Building Control Application production information and co-ordination. We carry out Post-Occupancy Evaluations in support of RIBA Stage 7 to inform RIBA Stage 0.

WHY CHOOSE US

RCZM have been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society for our unique and indepth research into the importance of green infrastructure and biophilic design to support wellbeing.   

The built environment is a complex product: we see its occupants as user's; if the built environment not used with awareness then all the sustainable features may prove to be ineffective. RCZM adopt a holistic approach that inspires, informs and supports human needs, but not in isolation from the surrounding world. 

We support value in the sustainability of natural, human and social capital through design that places human health and well-being at its heart. We believe sustainable design should consider its financial cost and environmental impact for its entire life-cycle by addressing the triple bottom line of social, economic and environmental performance. 

We engage in collaborative design through BIM and added-value customer-service through Soft Landings. We are comitted to the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and aim to tread lightly on the earth.

RCZM are an ambitious small environmental practice

our approach

 

Biophilic Design - RHS 2021 Gold Medal Winner

The Benefits of Nature in Learning Environments

 

Design Approach
Our built environment is a multi-sensory experience, stimulated by people, the architectural atmosphere of light and space, the quality of indoor environments, learning and social interactions. Our creativity and productivity, arising from this experience, are dependent on good health and well-being.
Guidance on Green Infrastructure
RCZM are experienced in guidance on Green Infrastructure and its benefits to reduce the impact of climate change and enhancing the quality of our built environment to support health and wellbeing.
The Biophilc Classroom
Working with the Photographer Matt Cattell, our ongoing research at the school has shown that the subtle reintroduction of nature through both physical and visual mediums, can enhance the quality of learning environments to benefit health, productivity, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

The Biophilic Classroom Research Study

Putney High School

 

We live through our senses. What we see, touch, taste and smell affect our human physiologically and psychologically
Professor Derek Clements-Croome, University of Reading
The Biophilic project is part of our ‘Breathe’ campaign, which demonstrates how a few relatively simple steps, like bringing plants into the classroom, can have a significant impact on both wellbeing and the ability to learn.
Headmistress Suzie Longstaff, Putney High School
Not only have the plants measurably enriched the oxygen for staff and students, the plants have also had a significant effect on psychological wellbeing.
Headmistress Suzie Longstaff, Putney High School

OUR

Fully-inclusive SERVICES

 

For outstanding

breeam accreditation

 

OUR

PORTFOLIO

 

RIBA Plan of Works 2103

Services Guide

 


  • RIBA Stage 0-1
  • Contextual site analysis
  • Environmental accreditation
  • Feasibility studies
  • Biophilic design
  • Design compliance

  • RIBA Stage 1-2
  • Sustainable development strategy
  • Digital plan of works
  • Design performance analysis
  • Principles of construction
  • Energy strategy

  • RIBA Stage 2-4
  • Occupant comfort, health and well-being
  • Daylight and Energy
  • Natural Ventilation
  • Water and waste
  • Lifecycle analysis

  • RIBA Stage 6-7
  • Post-occupancy evaluation
  • Environmental data-logging
  • Building user surveys

What we consider

in how we deliver

 

Sustainable Development
 
The built environment has a direct impact on the natural environment, the economy and human health and wellbeing. We can activity improve buildings by achieving comfort through passive design strategies and promoting a holistic approach to environmental design using a strategy with the aim of grounding the three pillars of sustainable design and the impact of their intended outcomes.
Principles of Construction
 
Designing to minimise waste and maintenance are integral to whole life asset management. Our principles of construction are developed in accordance with the BRE Green Guide to Specification and a simple palette of materials are proposed which reflects local vernacular materials used in the surrounding built environment. RCZM recommend using responsibe ISO 14001 sources within 35 to 50 mile radius of the site.
Our Project Eco-system
 
RCZM use holistic development principles to ensure all elements of design are identified and considered through out the delivery and occupancy process. RCZM design for performance and compliance with the national and local policies, regulations and standards for quality of life, accessibility, community benefits and connectivity, along side Passive design, CO2 reduction and protection of natural resources for economic viability and whole life value.
BPE, BIM and POE
 
Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) is becoming progressively integrated into the full life cycle of a built projects. A less tangible yet decisive element of BPE is Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE), and its role and perceived value in this process. A qualitative review is undertaken to examine the increased prominence of the role of POE, its potential role within Building Information Modelling and Management (BIM) and the Building Energy Management System (BeMS).
Energy-use Behaviour
 
Behaviour in the home contributes to 50% of the energy consumption of the home. This study explored moderation of a persons energy-use and willingness to adopt sustainable energy consumption habits. The study builds on DEFRA's research that established behaviour change as necessary to achieve a sustainable society. The study proposes adapting the 'Behaviour Grid' for designers to motivate and raise a person's ability in support of willingness to undertake behaviour change.
Lifecycle Cost Analysis
 
BRE introduced BREEAM New Construction to align with legislation changes across the industry with a renewed focus on strengthening facilities management through lifecycle analysis.RCZM provide key indicators of asset management outcomes that anticipate capital and operational costs from RIBA Stage 1. Both this and the environmental impact of a development can be understood further at RIBA Stage 2 and 3 through the use of IES-VE building performance analysis software with the Integrated Material Profile and Costing Tool (IMPACT).
After Kyoto
 
The article, 'Whatever the politicians decide in Paris, industry's resolve must not falter’, written by by Clare, was first published in BD on the 3rd December 2015. Construction accounts for half of global energy and water consumption, but is also best placed to make the economic case for sound environmental practices.

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAYS

 

I just wanted to let you know that the house you have designed is a real triumph. (We) think it will make a fantastic family home and would like to thank you for your patience, advice, calmness and ability to produce such an innovative piece of architecture.
Mr and Mrs Robertson
Private Residence
The Architect has created a striking central building for the campus which perfectly emboidies our enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Dr John Guy OBE Retiring Principle
The 6th Form College Farnborough, Hampshire
The shape of this building (The 6th Form College Farnborough) is clear for all to see. It’s forward looking, it’s impressive and it has learning and enjoyment at its heart.
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(The 6th Form College Farnborough) does everything possible to aid the students here to flourish.
Student President
The 6th Form College Farnborough, Hampshire
Reading Blue Coat School was pleased to work with the work of the Architect and design team in creating its Campus Strategy and subsequently to obtain planning permission for the first three major buildings within it.
Simon Jackson BSc MBA
The Bursar, Reading Blue Coat School
The new (Ivy Theatre) has been imaginatively designed so that facilities work to ingenious effect within the shell of the form sports centre.
Professor Andrew Lavender
Head of the School of Arts, University of Surrey
Some buildings go and look good from the outside, but here you have one that, at first glance, hasn’t changed. However, when people walk into (the Ivy Theatre), I am confident they will be impressed.
Professor Stephen Baker
Director of Estates, University of Surrey
The (Deakin) Centre has a unique design. It contains state-of-the-art facilities and is a superb addition to the learning provision in the region.
Pam Byrd, Head of Cambridge Regional College Care, Health and Early Years Academy
Cambridge University Hospital Addenbrookes Campus
We all share the joint aim to create one of the best academic healthcare campuses in the world (The Deakin Centre)
Dame Mary Archer DBE
Vice-President of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
A huge amount of time and effort by all was invested into this (Laboratory Centre) and I have to say you must be proud to have Clare Bowman as part of your team , she showed enthusiasm, dedication, determination and skill in unravelling the complex nature of the laboratory function and processes into a structured and elegant design.
John Peel - Architect
Senior Project Manager Thames Water Engineering
(The LEED Gold Petronas Europe Research and Technology Centre) is beautiful and has been years in the making, so it’s great to get a feel for how this amazing facility is coming to life.
Lewis Hamiton
British Formula 1 Racing Car Driver

For further advice please get in touch

for a free 1 hour consultation

 

Postal Address

Your needs and future wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. If you want to get answers and information about any of our services, BIM Pre-qualification Questionnaire, or to discuss your project in more detail please get in touch.

12 Gracemere Crescent, Kempshott, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 5JN

07989 975355

clarebowman@rczm.co.uk
www.rczm.co.uk

We welcome feedback

If you have had a thought about our services and we have already helped resolve a problem, or this led you to a further question we can help answer, do let us know. We are always developing new, interesting and insightful services that analyse wellbeing and impact of design for the built environment, so if you are curious we would love to hear from you.

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