About

Cayford has a range of services in addition to straight architecture.

As an accredited RIBA Client Adviser, Paul Cayford is an expert facilitator of construction projects, working with clients from the very beginning through all stages to help vision, brief and manifest excellence in the built environment.

With a deep understanding of sustainable buildings we have a range of services to help create outstanding environments on all levels.

Consultancy Specialisms

click on heading to see the process of each stage.

• Client Design Adviser

  As an accredited RIBA Client Adviser, Paul Cayford has a stellar track record of outstanding projects in this role.

  Currently on the RIBA Client Adviser’s steering group, Paul instigated and co-produced the RIBA Client Advisers Sustainability Briefing Requirements Handbook 2023 – this is an invaluable toolkit for ensuring sustainability is incorporated into the very early project briefing stages.  This is mainly aimed at large and complex projects, but may be used for projects of all scales.

  The clear distinction of the ‘hands-off role allows us to support the architect and design team to create better buildings.

• Energy Efficiency

  Having been into green and healthy buildings since the beginning of time, Cayford offers a pragmatic and professional energy consultancy service.  With budget in mind we can plan the most effective strategies for saving energy, (and money on energy bills), whilst improving occupants health and comfort.

  Philosophically aligned to a ‘Fabric First’ approach, we believe it is important to reduce the energy demand by improving the building (and not over-relying on technology).  An improved building will be resilient to all seasons and cope well with both hot and cold weather scenarios.  

  Our choice is to model the building with PHPP, and advise on the most appropriate energy saving and comfort inducing measures.  We are happy to support clients in pragmatic solutions, and a phased approach to energy efficiency.

• Retrofit Design & PAS Protocol

  PAS 2035 & 2030 protocol is about retrofitting the existing building stock to reduce the energy demand and to decarbonise the energy supply.

  The PAS protocol evolved after numerous failings with single measure public funded energy efficiency measures.  The protocol implements the understanding of Building Physics to avoid failures by only permitting multiple measures.  (For example, to add thermal insulation, you must also improve ventilation).

  The methodology is based on the SAP, EPC, and Building Regulations protocol (the energy savings you can make compared to a notional building), unlike the passivhaus approach where the specific building is calculated for its energy use.  

  The EPC software system is due to be revised, but meanwhile is the main engine of the UK real-estate industry.

• Passivhaus

  The Passivhaus process is based on a thorough understanding of building physics.  The methodology and standard has been operating for over 30 years – the main features being occupant comfort & health, air quality, quality of construction, and long life of buildings.  And of course significant energy reductions and considerably lower energy bills.

  The Passivhaus process consists of modelling the proposed building in the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP). The output is energy use per square metre, which allows for an industry-wide understanding of energy efficiency.  

  PHPP is an amazing design tool, which informs layout/ orientation/ materials, and allows for optioneering to optimise costs and the specification of materials.  The modelling software has proved to be particularly accurate, thereby minimising the ‘performance gap’.

  The certification process, whilst fairly complex, is almost a fail-safe way of guaranteeing build quality, as the process requires the recording of evidence and rigorous air-testing, which provide huge incentive for contractors to build well.

• AECB Certification Standards

  The AECB have created certification standards for newbuild and retrofit, which are more attainable and affordable than Passivhaus, and yet still make outstanding low-energy buildings.  The standards follow Passivhaus in the focus on energy use per square metre, and also use the PHPP for calculation.

  The AECB CarbonLite New Build Standard is for new buildings of all types.

  The AECB Carbonlite Retrofit Standard is for existing buildings and is less onerous than for new-build.  There is also a ‘step by step’ process when all measures cannot be done at once.

• Healthy Buildings

  There are many factors involved in creating a healthy environment, and many are simple to implement – it is a question of knowing what to do.  

  A feel-good factor arises with good air and light quality, colours, materials and layout.  

  One frequent problem is Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF), which can upset the subtle electrical energy systems of the body, and there are fixes available to be done with wiring and the selection of building materials.

  Cayford is able to give personalised consultations to optimise the feel-good factor.

  “Paul Cayford, … prescribed feng shui fixes for my apartment, I was reminded of a conversation we had about Paul coming to your offices, both to heal any remaining energy from the past, but also to streamline the flow in your existing setup….  I urge you to.  Note, when we implemented his suggestions in the loft, the aim being to get the place sold, exactly that happened, the NEXT DAY.” Shelley von Strunckel (astrologer)

   

• Principal Designer

  Principal Designer – When we are engaged as designer for a construction project, we usually take on the additional ‘Principal Designer’ role, which is required under the CDM 2015 Regulations.  We are accredited with APS in “The Principal Designer Role”.  For larger projects we will usually subcontract an additional CDM Health & Safety specialist to assist us.