Episode Details

Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology Podcast.

In this episode, Chris Halligan MCIAT and Alex Tilley Senior Building Performance Consultant at Nulla Carbo, discuss the importance of integrating sustainability into building design from the early stages. They share their experience working on a mixed-use development project in Holbeck, Leeds. They explore how sustainability was addressed using dynamic thermal modelling, natural ventilation, and passive cooling techniques. The episode highlights the need for an integrated design team to achieve truly sustainable buildings and discusses the challenges and solutions they encountered during the project.

Chris Halligan MCIAT is a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and current Chair of CIAT's Climate Society, with a career spanning over three decades. Chris has been involved with a wide range of architectural projects, this experience covers leading teams from inception to completion across a variety of sectors including residential, educational, commercial, leisure and institutional spheres. As well as being adept at the technical and functional resolution of buildings, Chris also specialises in Sustainable Design with a particular interest in the use and performance of building materials in respect to the environment. In this capacity he is an accomplished public speaker, presenter, guest lecturer, and advisor.

Alex Tilley is a Senior Building Performance Consultant at Nulla Carbo. with a focus on zero carbon road mapping and holistic sustainability. Alex has been in the construction industry for 4 years, keeping up with the rapid evolution of the industry as it looks to target ‘net zero’.

As an accredited domestic and non-domestic energy assessor, Alex can consult on and support with the development of ‘truly sustainable’ new and existing buildings, with decisions driven by data drawn from dynamic simulation modelling software, considering natural daylight, thermal comfort, operational energy and Part L compliance.

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Highlights

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Meet the Hosts: Chris Halligan and Alex Tilley

02:44 Project Overview: Holbeck Area Development

03:46 Challenges in Sustainable Design

07:06 Collaborative Solutions for Daylighting

11:21 Innovative Ventilation and Cooling Strategies

19:05 Financial and Environmental Impact

24:16 Conclusion

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Key Takeaways

Early Integration of Sustainability is Essential

Sustainability must be considered from the very beginning of a building project. Attempting to add sustainable features as an afterthought or as “bolt-on” systems is far less effective. The interview highlights that a truly sustainable outcome depends on involving an integrated design team at the earliest stages, ensuring that environmental performance is embedded in the building’s fabric and design strategy from inception.

Collaboration Between Disciplines Drives Better Solutions

The success of the Holbeck Project was largely due to the close collaboration between Architectural Technologists and building physicists. By combining practical experience with technical modelling, the team was able to develop and refine innovative solutions - such as optimised daylighting, natural ventilation, and the use of phase change materials - that would not have been possible in isolation. This iterative, evidence-based approach led to more effective and tailored outcomes.

Financial and Environmental Benefits Go Hand in Hand

The interview demonstrates that sustainable design is not just about environmental responsibility; it also makes financial sense. By presenting operational cost savings, payback periods, and maintenance considerations alongside environmental benef