'Zero Carbon' Private House, Sussex
Independent by reputation.
Experts often disagree but when the views of two recognised
consultancies on different sides of a planning application clashed
it was essential that independent thinking was brought to bear.
Planning policy tests are often subjective and none more so than
PPS7 for isolated rural dwellings where a large luxury house needed
to demonstrate its ground-breaking and innovative sustainability
credentials. Faced with an impasse the project team
approached Inbuilt for an independent review.
Independent in approach.
Standing between experts arguing about a subjective requirement
is a daunting prospect for some but an exciting prospect for
Inbuilt. We knew our work could be challenged and picked over so
technical and environmental rigor was imperative.
Faced with this Inbuilt laid down a clear test for the project
and a clear approach. Opinions differ even within a company so not
one but three experts assessed the scheme. We found areas where we
agreed in favour of the scheme - including some that had not
previously been recognised. Identifying weaknesses does not move
the industry on. Identifying remedies does and where we found
weaknesses we worked to propose solutions that were achievable.
Inbuilt does not believe in blanket solutions and context is key.
Controversial aspects of the scheme were weighed carefully in the
light of the unique nature of the project before our support was
given.
The result was an honest insight on the project's environmental
status and allowed the client to move forward.
Independent but involved.
Independence does not mean isolated. It does not mean 'being
different' for the sake of it. It means engaging with industry,
clients, suppliers, and our competitors. It means makings
sure of our facts, making sure of our expertise and also our
limitations. This ethos brought the insight and honesty to this
project providing the project team with an understanding of what
they needed to do to deliver sustainability on the ground.
"It became clear that we
needed an independent sustainability consultant with the authority
and expertise to review the issues that had become
contentious. I had no hesitation in approaching Inbuilt for
this service. They quickly familiarized themselves with the
design and were soon in a position to offer a way forward with each
of the points that were at issue. Subsequently they worked
very well with the rest of the team to develop the design, ironing
out the points of weakness and building upon its strengths.
"
Hugh Petter RIBA
Robert Adam Architects