Our design philosophy is to provide cost effective, high performance, comfortable buildings through embedding sustainability within the project from the beginning and working closely with the design team to ensure a high quality outcome.

We like to be involved from the very beginning of a project to explore how the project could achieve and exceed its sustainability targets collaboratively with the:

• Client
• Design team
• Future occupants
• Future facilities managers

University of Melbourne Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning▲

At Umow Lai, we follow the energy hierarchy, focusing on low hanging fruit such as passive design and energy demand reduction through strategies such as:

• Insulation
• Glazing upgrades
• Building sealing
• Building massing

Image Credit: Albert, Righter and Tittman Architects ▲

We understand the National Construction Code (NCC) inside out and can juggle the project team’s requirements to deliver optimised outcomes with regards to:

• Capital and Operational Costs
• Aesthetics and Architectural Design
• Sustainable Performance
• Daylight

We can undertake both Section J Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) and performance based design alternative verification pathways using our JV3 and NatHERS energy modelling expertise.

We have significant expertise in providing happy and healthy spaces for occupants though the consideration of natural ventilation, HVAC selection and façade design. To dynamically and iteratively analyse occupant comfort we often undertake:

• Daylight modelling
• Thermal comfort analysis
• CFD studies

We are also advocates of the WELL Building Standard for projects seeking to achieve high performance levels and undergo detailed assessment of their indoor environment quality.

 Daylight Modelling ▲

We can provide various levels of water efficiency design consultancy advice, working closely with our Hydraulics engineers.

Our expertise includes:

• Water efficient fixtures
• Rainwater analysis
• STORM assessments
• Greywater systems
• Vacuum toilets

 Melbourne Water Headquarters, 990 La Trobe Street, Docklands ▲

Umow Lai has accredited PV designers and can work closely with our Electrical engineers to deliver zero carbon energy generation solutions.

We have significant experience with:

• Photovoltaic (PV) arrays
• Co/Tri-generation
• Biomass energy
• Solar thermal + geothermal

 The Pixel Building, Melbourne  ▲