Building physics
Building physics is no longer limited to determining how thick an insulating layer must be or checking the rate of condensation. At DGMR, building physics is an area which focuses on people’s approval. A satisfactory ambient climate at a reasonable price is our building physics experts’ starting point.
Direct sunlight
Buildings where people live or work must have access to natural light. Legislation on construction, and health and safety at work specifies minimum standards for natural light. We can run unbiased computer-aided simulations in such instances to see whether the minimum prescribed amount of daylight is achieved. In this regard, it is the quality of the light rather than the quantity which is paramount.
Shade
Shade has direct consequences for the energy consumption in a building. It also has implications for comfort in the summer months, brightness in terms of office work and the overall architectural image presented by the building. External screens or blinds are often standard, but solutions with specific systems, façade profiling, interior slats and sun-reflecting glass also often provide a solution. Using our specific knowledge and experience in the application of this innovative technology, you know you can rely on DGMR.
Thermal bridges
Where there needs to be a walkway between, for example, a car-park and an office, or in galleries, lanterns or conservatories, thermal bridges sometimes need to be fitted. We can determine the temperature factor with a 3D temperature-calculation model and we can find a suitable solution to prevent condensation and excessive energy loss.
Relative humidity
Damp in buildings (caused by leakage, salt attack, rising damp and/or condensation) can damage building materials. In addition, mould and mites can create an unhealthy ambient environment. We can make a diagnosis based on the latest measuring technology – infra-red cameras, accurate measurement of damp/salt – and make all necessary inspections if there is a too high moisture content in a building. DGMR, in its capacity as an independent consultant, can also offer clearly thought-out construction-based solutions and drying techniques. Thanks to our independence we are not bound to any particular product, material or supplier.
Thermal comfort
Good conditions in which to work make a positive contribution to overall performance. Thermal comfort at work is thus highly important. Excessively high or low temperatures, draughts, cold feet etc. may generate complaints. The design of the building and its climate-control features must therefore be in perfect harmony to achieve the optimum ambient climate. Façade design often leads the way in this respect. As early as the design phase, we can predict the expected thermal comfort factor and explain what that means for you using our CFD air dynamics software. That is how DGMR gets the best out of your ambient climate.
Ventilation
Sufficient provision of fresh air in buildings is essential for a healthy ambient climate. In dwellings, and often in offices or schools, we see a supply of air which leaves a lot to be desired. It might be, for example, because ventilation is being used incorrectly or because the design is faulty. DGMR has the expertise to be able to design the optimum ventilation system in tune with the use to which your building is put and the wishes of its users. We have recommended natural ventilation systems, mechanical or hybrid systems for many customers. In addition, DGMR has at its disposal the facilities to determine the efficiency of ventilation systems using measurements of airflows or concentrations of CO2.
HVAC integration
In order to serve the goal of cost efficiency, the solution, once chosen, should ideally solve more than one problem. In the capacity of consultant, we are the link between designers and building services engineers, in that we provide solutions in which technology is integrated with the building as far as possible. We have wide-ranging know-how and experience in the field of building services, which means that we can give concrete advice in any given project in relation to integrated, innovative solutions and concepts. Systems such as concrete-core activation, hybrid ventilation and dynamic heat accumulation are examples of this.
Energy efficiency
By combining the right amount of structural and building-services related solutions, we can make significant improvements in the areas of ambient climate and energy consumption. In our capacity as building consultants we draw up the pre-conditions to which the building-services consultant and architect, for example, must adhere in their designs. It is important to calculate the building’s energy efficiency at an early stage, so that relevant measures can be taken.