At Scene Architects, our expertise in Architecture, Urban Design, and Interior Design is driven by an adventurous outlook and a commitment to creative design, innovation, and sustainability. With a dedicated team of Chartered Architects, our ambition is to push the boundaries of what’s possible, maintaining the highest standards of quality while maintaining a holistic picture of sustainability on each project. In response to evolving industry demands and our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, we are excited to introduce new services that align with these values. 

Driven by People 

Our work is built on the creativity and individual skills of our exceptional team, each with specialist knowledge. We are continually evolving, collaborating across our studios to develop our imagination and deliver forward-thinking solutions. We work closely with clients, consultants, contractors, stakeholders, and end users to create distinct built environments that  support future communities. 

Addressing Sustainability in the Built Environment 

With around 40% of UK carbon emissions linked to the built environment, the construction industry plays a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. The UK is committed to achieving NetZero carbon targets by 2050, making it imperative for the construction sector to tackle carbon emissions to limit global warming. At Scene Architects, we are dedicated to ensuring our projects incorporate innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit not only the building users but also the wider environment. 

Shifting Paradigms in the Construction Industry 

As we approach 2030, several significant shifts are shaping the construction industry: 

• Decarbonisation Schemes: Driven by the cost of living and energy consumption, there is a growing emphasis on decarbonisation schemes and retrofit/refurbishment projects. 

• Planning Requirements: Most local authorities are recogniszing the need to decarbonise towards 2030 targets, setting evidence requirements within Supplementary Planning Documents and enforcing these through planning processes. 

• Biodiversity Net Gain: A requirement for a 10% biodiversity net gain across most projects nationally is becoming a standard practice. 

• Whole Life-Cycle Assessment (WLCA): The RICS version 2 WLCA standard, effective from July 2024, will standardise assessments of a building’s carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle.Required on all projects that are targeting NetZero credentials, including LETI in London.  

• Building Regulations ‘Part Z’: Drafted UK carbon legislation will require all construction projects to demonstrate efforts towards Net Zero 2030 targets, in alignment with the Paris Agreement (COP21), through Approved Document Part Z to be introduced within Building Regulations. Part Z will introduce two new requirements: 
  • Part Z1: Whole-life carbon emissions must be assessed and reported for buildings and any other parts of a project where Building Regulations apply. This will include all projects with a gross internal area of more than 1,000m² or those that create more than 10 dwellings. 
  • Part Z2: Reasonable provision shall be made for the minimisation of carbon emissions. This requirement will apply to all buildings. 

Our Enhanced Capabilities 

With these evolving industry requirements, Scene Architects is expanding our service offerings to include specialised sustainability services: 

• Lifecycle Carbon Assessments (LCA): As trained and certified professionals, we conduct comprehensive carbon assessments throughout all project stages. Our expertise supports planning applications and validation of Net Zero carbon targets on new build projects using OneClickLCA software, assessing against RIBA and LETI metrics. 

• Ska Rating Assessor: Our Ska Rating services offer a holistic sustainability assessment that focuses on refurbishments and retrofit projects. SKA Rating is a second-generation sustainability assessment methodology, reviewing a range of categories across a building project, to improve environment, economy and wellbeing.  

• Sustainability Consulting: Our role as Sustainability Consultants involves advising both internal and external design teams on optimised carbon design principles for new builds and retrofit projects. We advise on specifications and on design principals, including a fabric first approach and thermal efficiency, leveraging our architectural background to work effectively with Clients, design teams and contractors. 

Integrated and Flexible Services 

Benefits to Clients 

Our expanded sustainability services offer a range of advantages to clients across various sectors, including schools, universities, care homes, large housing developments, commercial developments, and public procurement schemes. Key benefits include: 

• Reduced energy costs and carbon footprint 

• Clear methodology for achieving NetZero credentials and/or sustainability assessment requirements 

• Alignment with planning requirements and national carbon commitments 

• Potential access to additional funding associated with NetZero credentials, particularly for public procurement projects 

These benefits ensure that all projects can achieve greater sustainability outcomes, adding long-term value and aligning with both regulatory and societal expectations. 

 Meet Eleanor Lee 

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’re thrilled to introduce Eleanor Lee, our new Architectural Designer and Sustainability Consultant. Eleanor brings over five years of industry experience across various sectors, including education, residential, care, leisure, and master planning. Her qualifications include: 

• Trained SKA Assessor 
• Certified in Life Cycle (Carbon) Assessments 
• Currently completing Part 3 studies at the University of Cambridge, to become a Chartered Architect 

Eleanor is a passionate advocate for sustainability in the construction industry. She is eager to champion sustainable practices at Scene Architects and looks forward to collaborating with clients to create impactful, eco-friendly projects.  

Case Studies and Practical Applications 

Eleanor , our new Architectural Designer and Sustainability Consultant, has extensive experience applying these capabilities in real-world projects. For instance: 

• University and School Projects: Eleanor has successfully developed sustainability strategies for educational institutions, focusing on energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and meeting stringent sustainability criteria. 

• The Confluence Building: A university STEM building refurbishment that achieved SKA Rating Silver, demonstrating how targeted sustainability measures can enhance the performance and credentials of existing buildings. 

• The Skylight Centre: A primary support facility for Special Educational Needs, which aims to be Net Zero 2030 and has been positively received by the council at pre-application. 

• Residential Refurbishments: Working alongside local authorities, Eleanor has also been involved with decarbonisation projects to improve the energy performance of residential buildings, introducing more efficient heating and ventilation systems, alongside fabric first approach to refurbishing homes.  

For more information or to discuss how our services can benefit your project, please contact us. 

Scene Architects had the pleasure of participating in the Skills Festival at Anglia Ruskin University Writtle in Chelmsford. Partnering with Superstructures in the “Step Up” zone, we showcased innovative and sustainable building practices, highlighting the critical connection between design and structural engineering.

Our Partnership and Interactive Offerings

Teaming up with Superstructures allowed us to provide delegates with diverse insights and experiences. Scene Architects presented an engaging VR walk-through of one of our projects, illustrating the synergy between architectural design and structural engineering. Despite having only one VR headset, the offering was well-received, and the excitement among delegates was palpable.

Engaging with the Festival Community

Throughout the event, we took the opportunity to explore other stands and engage with fellow delegates. This interaction was invaluable, sparking creative ideas and providing inspiration for future events. Observing what other companies brought to the table helped us understand the broader landscape of sustainable practices in the industry.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Engaging with the younger generation at the Skills Festival was particularly rewarding for several reasons:

🌟 Inspiration and Empowerment: Introducing children and young adults to the world of architecture and engineering ignites their imagination and creativity. It empowers them to envision a future where they can play a vital role in building a more sustainable world.

🌱 Future Innovators: Today’s youth are tomorrow’s innovators. By exposing them to eco-friendly building practices and sustainable design strategies early on, we are nurturing a more environmentally conscious generation, ready to tackle future challenges.

🛠️ Hands-On Learning: Interactive experiences, like the VR walk-throughs, provide a hands-on approach to learning. This not only makes the learning process fun and engaging but also helps in better retention of knowledge and concepts.

🎓 Building Interest in STEM: Our participation in events like the Skills Festival is instrumental in fostering interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This is crucial as we need more skilled professionals in these areas to drive innovation and sustainable development.

🌍 Shaping a Sustainable Future: Sharing our knowledge and experiences with the younger generation is incredibly fulfilling. Their enthusiasm and curiosity remind us that we are positively impacting their educational journey and, ultimately, the planet. Our participation in such events is vital for contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for the younger generation.

👏 Community and Connection: Events like the Skills Festival strengthen our connection with the community. They provide a platform to share our passion and commitment to sustainable building with others, fostering a collective effort towards a common goal. This sense of community is what makes these events truly special and impactful.

Looking Ahead

Kudos to Scene Architects and Superstructures for their dedication to inspiring the next generation and promoting sustainable building practices. Let’s continue to encourage and mentor young minds, guiding them to build a greener and brighter future.

#InspiringFuture #STEMEducation #SustainableFuture #Architecture #Engineering

MIPIM, the International Market of Real Estate Professionals, once again proved its significance as a global urban festival, bringing together investors, politicians, and industry leaders from over 90 countries in Cannes, France. Amidst geopolitical, environmental, and socio-economic uncertainty, the event showcased a multitude of opportunities and solutions for the challenges facing the built environment.

Our team’s experience at MIPIM was nothing short of enlightening. Engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds and expertise levels, ranging from experienced veterans to emerging talents, provided us with a holistic view of the real estate landscape.

Networking events and social gatherings provided valuable opportunities for connecting with industry peers. Engaging in casual conversations over drinks allowed us to share insights and ideas, paving the way for potential future collaborations and partnerships.

MIPIM also shed light on emerging trends and focal points within the real estate sector. Discussions revolved around key themes such as life sciences, housing, and renewable energy, underscoring the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The event’s focus on sustainability was particularly noteworthy, with discussions centred on urgent climate action and the built environment’s pivotal role in the green transition. Political leaders emphasised the importance of collective efforts in tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development, setting the tone for proactive initiatives within the real estate industry.

As we reflect on our time at MIPIM, we are invigorated by the wealth of insights gained and the connections forged. The event served as a catalyst for inspiration and collaboration, fuelling our enthusiasm for future endeavours in the dynamic realm of real estate.

Overall, MIPIM 2024 was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the global real estate community, showcasing its ability to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities for growth and innovation. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate applying the knowledge and connections garnered at MIPIM to drive positive change and shape the future of the built environment.

MIPIM returns to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on March 10-14, 2025, and we are already counting down the days until we can once again immerse ourselves in this unparalleled gathering of industry visionaries and innovators.

We’re thrilled to announce that we at Scene Architects are gearing up for an exciting challenge with a charitable twist. We’re diving headfirst into the upcoming CRASH Dragon Boat race, set to take place on Thursday, 23rd May 2024, at the Surrey Docks Fitness & Water Sports Centre, located on Rope Street in London.

As a team, we’re thrilled to be paddling our way towards making a positive impact in support of CRASH, an incredible charity dedicated to assisting homelessness and hospice projects across the UK.

Join us as we take on the exhilarating waters of the Dragon Boat race, showcasing our commitment to giving back to our community. Spectators are warmly invited to join us at the event, cheering us on and experiencing the excitement firsthand.

Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference in our mission to support CRASH’s vital work. By donating securely through the provided link or sharing our initiative with your network, you actively participate in this noble cause alongside us.

As the race day approaches, the anticipation builds. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey, uniting in the spirit of generosity and compassion. Together, let’s make waves of change and demonstrate the power of community support.

Join us and countless others as we embark on this extraordinary adventure. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference—one stroke at a time.

How You Can Help:

• Click here to donate securely: www.justgiving.com/page/scene-architects-1711022009691
• Share this post with your friends, family, and colleagues to spread the word.
• Join us on race day to cheer us on and enjoy the excitement firsthand!

Let’s come together and make waves of change!