An architect’s Guide to Passive Airflow Strategies
Architects focus on three key areas of design: sustainability, occupant wellbeing and compliance with building regulations. Natural ventilation is becoming a critical strategy in reducing energy while improving indoor air quality. Given the current high energy costs, this is more important than ever, especially in social housing and public sector settings.
At its core, natural ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air from indoor spaces without mechanical systems. Natual ventilation uses wind pressure, thermal buoyancy (stack effect) and intelligent building design.
It’s not just a case of opening some windows though. When properly designed and integrated into the building’s fabric, it offers long term energy savings, contributes to thermal comfort and enhances occupant experience.
Why architects should prioritise Natural Ventilation
Natual ventilation supports some of the most important architectural goals:
- Reduced energy consumption – no fans means lower energy use, helping to meet Part L and Net Zero objectives
- Enhanced indoor air quality – Continuous supply of outdoor air dilutes stale indoor air and pollutants. (Part F ventilation).
- Passive design Compatibility – natural ventilation integrates with passive solar, daylighting and thermal mass strategies
- User well being – Studies show improved concentration, health and mental well being is linked to fresh air
How it works
There are two main natural ventilation systems:
- Wind driven ventilation – relies on pressure differentials around the building envelope. Openings like windows, louvres and vents placed on opposing facades create cross-ventilation.
2. Stack Ventilation – warm air rises and exits at high level outlets, drawing cooler air through lower level inlets. We have used this to great effect in school atriums and stairwells. Read our blog here.
Designing for Natural Ventilation – what to consider
Architects play a vital role in ensuring natural ventilation is functional and effective, but they also have a keen eye on aesthetics. Key considerations:
- Orientation – know which way the wind blows! Understanding prevailing winds, urban contect and exposure to the sun is vital.
- Internal layout – Open plan spaces and clever positioning of openings allow air to move freely across the building.
- Thermal mass – pairing ventilation with exposed concrete or masonry can help to control temperatures passively.
- Automation and control – modern natural ventilation systems can be sensor driven, responding to CO2 levels, temperature and humidity which reduces the need for user intervention.
- Good looks. Louvres can make a design statement as well as being functional.
Natural ventilation in the UK climate
The UK climate is ideal for natural ventilation, especially with the increasing need to mitigate overheating in homes and workplaces. Our products are specifically engineered to handle the variability of British weather whilst being fully compliant with current building regulations.
By integrating high performance, natural ventilation solutions at the start of the design process, architects can enhance the building’s performance, reduce mechanical dependence (save running costs) and improve occupant wellbeing.
“The time to talk to us is as early as possible in the design stage to embed natural ventilation from the start of the project,” James Cartland, Director.
