A quote from one of the first conferences to shine a spotlight on the environmental issues surrounding building and architecture in the western world introduces the "1" theme relatively subtly. This was the"Only ONE earth conference 1972"

The picture shows a termite hill and the copy chases that theme, after a quote from Chris Fawcett: "A building is a string of events belonging together."

To the people of tropical countries the termite is a hated pest. For environmental engineers, they are a peerless source of inspiration.

Termite nests are constructed so that form follows function absolutely. Built-in control mechanisms maintain temperatures at the heart of the nest (in tropical extremes) to within 2°C. Passive stack and wind-assisted ventilation, discriminating solar gain, thermal storage and evaporative cooling are all exploited.

In practical terms however, it is important to recognise the limitations of applying these “natural” methodologies. Not all problems can be solved using passive means.

Chimneys whose purpose is ventilation, exploiting both internal air movement and exterior winds have been used by North African and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries. Inlets are positioned to maximise the effect of the prevailing wind, and the thermal mass of the buildings moderates temperatures at night.

These devices have been employed for as long as man has been building buildings.Today our choices are greater and the variables very much more complex.

Achieving the right balance between comfort, energy efficiency, capital cost and running cost is essential to our approach.

Over recent years we have added research-based analysis using algorithms and computer predictive models to test options and solutions before applying them.

On a broader scale, Atelier Ten are involved in EEC-funded research into passive solar housing and also with the BRE/CIBSE, developing new standards for natural ventilation of buildings.

Atelier Ten is an EDAS registered consultancy.

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