The development of an effective brief is central to Soft Landings. It ensures a full understanding of the benefits of the process and an active contribution from all involved. We include learning from previous projects, from both a design and operational perspective, as a focal point for the Project team. Crucially, we ensure that the views of building users and managers are heard and included in the briefing. Case study visits can also be useful.

Building on our extensive experience, we help set challenging but realistic and measurable performance targets. The design is then monitored against these targets, tracking energy use estimates and key assumptions as the project develops.

As part of our commitment to deliver high performance buildings, we facilitate design reviews that focus on the practical implications of design proposals. This ensures the design team considers the management and maintenance of the building after completion, and assists the client’s planning. Involving the building managers at this stage is essential to delivering a building that operates successfully.

We have also developed a tool for identifying risks to the building’s operational performance, and agreeing mitigating actions for each stage of the project’s development.

To ensure there is continuity of intent through the procurement process, we advise and coordinate the incorporation of Soft Landings requirements into tender documentation.

Rather than simply ‘leave you with the keys’, we know the importance of preparing for handover. By involving building managers in the commissioning, they will be familiar with the building’s operation and maintenance as soon as handover occurs, making them better prepared to run their building smoothly.

This enhances the building users’ experience from the outset.

We are able to create engaging and graphical user guides which help to illustratively explain how the building works. These sit alongside the more technical Operation and Maintenance manual.

Building occupants and managers are often left to their own devices following completion, once designers and contractors leave. Obvious defects are picked up and the systems adjusted to provide reasonably comfortable conditions, but many frustrations may remain and the building may not be running efficiently. By continuing to provide support after a building is completed, we ensure it works well for its owners and occupiers.

We make regular visits to observe the building in use, review the operation of the systems and assist in fine tuning. This improves comfort and reduces running costs. Operators and occupants are supported as they familiarise themselves with the building, helping to identify emerging issues and agree solutions.

Aftercare is available as part of a Soft Landings project or as a stand-alone service.