Method

REALISTIC
Set acceptable – and not unnecessarily high – demands. Clarify the level of quality required before the design is made. Always make demands that are in accordance with the requested level of quality. In short: what is needed, what is “extra”, and what will it cost?

INTEGRATION
Integrate architectural and technical facilities. Integration is a primary condition for a “good” and energy efficient building with low consumption- and exploitation costs. Synchronise architecture, building physics and fitting techniques. Limit the need for energy and – at the same time – make sure that the energy required is generated and transported as efficiently as possible.

SIMPLICITY
“It is in moderation that the true master is shown”. Installations are a resource to achieve the desired comfort and operating conditions – no more and no less. The fewer systems are needed for this, the better. As such, always consider the option of solving an issue without any installations. If they are required, make them as simple as possible.

CREATIVTY
Be creative and think along. A good design is only achieved when all parties involved are willing to look beyond their own horizons and restrictions. Be creative and don’t be afraid to contribute to other specialisations. Ensure an intensive, open cooperation between all parties.

CONSISTENCY
Develop a design consistently. An installation is like a chain – as strong as its weakest link. A “strong” (expensive) chain can become weak because of the presence of a single “weak” (cheap) link. As such, always draw up an installation design with qualitatively equal components.

COST-AWARE
Give insight into the costs and benefits. Smart investments in the construction can mean significantly lower exploitation and maintenance costs: systems that use less energy and are easier to maintain. Always give insight into the effect of these investments and their pay-back time at the earliest possible convenience.

ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE
It is a cliché, perhaps, but that does not make it any less true. Try to limit the use of (fossil) fuels as much as possible and use environmentally friendly materials and resources. A “good” building is more than functionality and technology, after all.

FUTURE ORIENTED
Keep the future and any potential developments that may come along with it in mind at all times. No one can predict the future. Make sure your budget is flexible for both the installations and building itself: a building in which installations can be easily adjusted and expanded.