Overheating Calculations
Technical overheating risk assessments to ensure Part O compliance, thermal comfort, and climate-resilient building design.
Request a QuoteUnderstanding Overheating Risk
As buildings become more airtight and energy efficient, managing internal heat is increasingly important. Overheating calculations identify potential risks early, helping designers create comfortable spaces without relying on mechanical cooling.
Our Assessment Process
1. Design Review
Analysis of layouts, glazing, orientation, and ventilation strategies.
2. Thermal Modelling
Simulation of internal temperatures using Part O or dynamic modelling methods.
3. Risk Evaluation
Identification of rooms and periods vulnerable to overheating.
4. Mitigation Strategy
Clear, practical design recommendations to achieve compliance.
Key Factors Assessed
- Internal Heat Gains – Occupants, appliances, and lighting.
- Solar Gains – Glazing size, orientation, and shading.
- Ventilation – Natural and mechanical airflow strategies.
- Thermal Mass – Ability of materials to absorb and release heat.
- External Conditions – Local climate and urban heat effects.
Regulatory Compliance
We assess developments against Approved Document Part O and provide documentation suitable for planning submissions and building control approval.
Assessment Methods
Both simplified compliance checks and detailed dynamic thermal modelling are available depending on project complexity.
Solar Control
External shading, brise-soleil, and solar control glazing.
Ventilation
Cross-ventilation, night cooling, and purge strategies.
Passive Design
Optimised layouts, thermal mass, and fabric-first measures.
Future Proofing
Design responses aligned with future climate scenarios.
Need an Overheating Assessment?
Get a Free QuoteWhy Are Overheating Calculations Important?
- Health & Comfort: Prevents heat stress, especially for vulnerable individuals.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets local and national guidelines (e.g., Part O of UK Building Regulations).
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces reliance on active cooling, lowering energy demand.
- Climate Resilience: Ensures buildings can withstand future climate conditions.
Key Factors in Overheating Calculations:
- Internal Heat Gains – Assesses heat from occupants, appliances, and lighting.
- Solar Gains – Evaluates sunlight exposure through glazing and building orientation.
- Ventilation & Airflow – Considers natural and mechanical ventilation effectiveness.
- Thermal Mass – Measures the building’s ability to absorb and release heat.
- External Factors – Considers urban heat island effects and local climate data.
Overheating Assessment Methods:
- Dynamic Thermal Modelling – Uses software to simulate heat performance.
- Simplified Compliance Checks – Follows prescriptive methods in Building Regulations (AD-Part O).
To mitigate overheating, strategies like external shading, high-performance glazing, night-time ventilation, and passive cooling techniques are often recommended.
Do you need an Overheating Assessment for your project? Get in touch for a personalized quote.