Research + foresight

We undertake pioneering government and industry-backed research and are constantly looking ahead to harness emerging technologies to create better buildings and places
 

Pillars of innovation

Find out about three core areas of innovation we focus on to drive better outcomes for people and the planet
 
BIM

BIM

Net Zero Carbon

Net Zero Carbon

MMC

MMC

Our research projects

Creating buildings that are ten or twenty years ahead of their time and perform better than their contemporaries is a way of getting our clients ahead of the curve. But it’s also about having a positive influence and shaping the wider market, responsibly.

We're unashamed early adopters of innovation, but we’re not slaves to novelty. We work from a position of knowledge and insight that comes from sustaining a continuous programme of research.

Explore our current and past research projects below.

Research + foresight

Pioneering design for Later Living

We're working with the Royal College of Art to radically rethink the UK's approach to Later Living, combining expertise in housing, wellness and technology to help the industry adapt to the changing needs of a population that is living longer.

7D BIM: data-driven decisions to reduce whole life cost and carbon

An innovative way of predicting whole life cost over a 30-year period from the earliest stages of design.

Research + foresight
Research + foresight

Passivhaus: world-leading sustainable standard

Our research into the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world.

Indoor Air Quality in New London Homes

Why are new homes failing to achieve basic levels of air quality?

Research + foresight
Research + foresight

Optima Homes: sustainable, affordable, flatpack homes

A joint venture to design and engineer a modern way of making and delivering homes for the 21st century.

Murray Grove: the first fully modular apartment building of its kind

The first project of its kind to use innovative steel-framed modular construction to improve quality and radically reduce time on site.

Research + foresight

Living Steel: recycled and reusable housing

Our winning design for this international competition for sustainable living maximises recycled materials and reusable components.

Research + foresight
Research + foresight

Living Bridge: award-winning inhabited bridge design

MIPIM Future Project award-winning inhabited bridge.

Nano House: low carbon and earthquake resistant

Introducing our low carbon affordable earthquake-resistant housing prototype.

Research + foresight
Research + foresight

Floating Homes: building in flood-risk areas

Designing for a changing climate and the challenges of potential flooding in our towns and cities.

Nurture Future: learning environments for the future

A building system that rethinks the way we design and construct learning environments for young people.

Research + foresight