Approach – ORA Architects

Holistic Approach

We offer a comprehensive suite of services, ensuring every project is thoughtfully crafted from concept to completion:

Building Information Modelling (BIM): Enhancing collaboration and efficiency through advanced digital representations.

Passivhaus Design: Creating energy-efficient buildings that prioritise sustainability and comfort.

Visualisation: Bringing designs to life with detailed and immersive visual representations.

Principal Designer Services: Ensuring safety and regulatory compliance throughout the design and construction process.

Architectural Design Services: Crafting innovative and functional spaces tailored to our clients’ needs.

3D Printing: Utilising advanced 3D printing technology for precise and efficient model creation, enhancing the design and construction process.

Drone Surveys: Providing precise and comprehensive site assessments through drone technology.

Masterplanning and Urban Design: Developing comprehensive plans for large-scale developments and urban areas, ensuring cohesive and sustainable growth.

Our Responsibilities

Passivhaus

Expertise in Passivhaus Design

At ORA, we pride ourselves on our expertise in Passivhaus design, creating buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also environmentally sustainable. Our commitment to the Passivhaus standard ensures that our projects deliver exceptional thermal comfort, minimal energy consumption, and a reduced carbon footprint.

What is Passivhaus?

Passivhaus, or Passive House, is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces its ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. Key principles of Passivhaus design include:

High levels of insulation
Airtight construction
High-performance windows
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
Thermal Bridge Free Design

Importance to the Environment

Passivhaus buildings significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change. By minimising the need for heating and cooling, these buildings lower energy costs and promote a healthier living environment.

Our Passivhaus Experience

1. Passivhaus Certified Dwellinghouse at Pittenweem

This project showcases our ability to integrate Passivhaus principles into residential design, ensuring high energy efficiency and comfort for the occupants.

2. Passivhaus Certified Dwellinghouse in Dunfermline

Another example of our expertise, this dwellinghouse meets the stringent Passivhaus standards, providing a sustainable and cost-effective living solution.

3. Award-Winning Passivhaus at Gauldry

Comprising 30 affordable homes for Kingdom Housing Association, this project not only meets Passivhaus standards but has also been recognised for its innovative design and contribution to sustainable living.

At ORA, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable architecture through our expertise in Passivhaus design, ensuring that our buildings are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Conservation

ORA: Expertise in Traditionally Built Buildings

At ORA, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience working with traditionally built buildings across Scotland and England. Our portfolio includes a wide range of projects involving Grade A-C and Grade 2* listed buildings, showcasing our commitment to preserving the architectural heritage of these regions.

Our Experience:

Historic Restoration Projects: Over the years, we have successfully completed numerous restoration projects on some of the most iconic historic buildings. Our work on Grade A and Grade 2* listed buildings has been recognised for its attention to detail and adherence to historical accuracy.
Complex Structural Repairs: We have tackled complex structural issues in older buildings, employing both traditional techniques and modern engineering solutions to ensure the longevity and safety of these structures. Our team has extensive experience in dealing with the unique challenges posed by the materials and construction methods used in historic buildings.
Collaborations with Heritage Organisations: We have collaborated with various heritage organisations and local authorities to ensure that our restoration and conservation efforts meet the highest standards. Our work is often guided by the principles set out by Historic Environment Scotland, Historic England and other organisations such as the Georgian Group.
Diverse Portfolio: Our portfolio includes a variety of building types, from simple urban townhouses to public buildings. Each project is approached with the same level of care and dedication, regardless of its size or complexity.
Award-Winning Projects: Our commitment to excellence has been recognised with awards in the field of historic building conservation such as the Surrey Heritage Awards and RICS Conservation Awards. These accolades are a testament to our team’s skill and dedication to preserving our architectural heritage.

BIM

Experience the Future of Architecture with ORA

At ORA, we leverage the power of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to deliver exceptional value to our clients. BIM revolutionises the way we design, construct, and manage buildings, offering numerous benefits:

Enhanced Collaboration: BIM fosters seamless communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page from the initial concept to project completion.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency: By creating detailed 3D models, BIM minimises errors and discrepancies, leading to more accurate project estimates and timelines. This efficiency translates to cost savings and timely project delivery.
Informed Decision-Making: With BIM, clients have access to comprehensive project data, enabling informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. This transparency ensures that clients are always aware of progress and potential challenges.
Sustainable Design: BIM allows for the integration of sustainable design practices, helping us create environmentally friendly buildings that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Lifecycle Management: Beyond construction, BIM provides valuable insights for the ongoing maintenance and management of buildings, ensuring long-term value and performance.
Cost Savings: BIM significantly reduces costs by identifying potential issues early in the design process, minimising rework and delays. The precise planning and resource management enabled by BIM lead to more efficient use of materials and labour, ultimately saving money for our clients.

Discover how ORA can transform your vision into reality with the innovative capabilities of BIM. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can bring your project to life.

Visualisation

Bringing Designs to Life with Cutting-Edge Visualisation

At ORA, our team excels in transforming architectural visions into vivid, immersive experiences. With years of industry experience, we integrate Building Information Modelling (BIM) with the latest visualisation software to create stunning imagery that breathes life into every project.

Benefits of Our Visualisation Expertise:

Enhanced Understanding: Our detailed visualisations allow all stakeholders, from clients to contractors, to fully grasp the design, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Improved Communication: High-quality imagery facilitates clearer communication of design intent, making it easier to convey complex ideas and receive valuable feedback.
Increased Efficiency: By visualising potential issues early in the design process, we help prevent costly mistakes and delays, streamlining project timelines.
Better Decision-Making: Our immersive visualisations provide a realistic preview of the final outcome, aiding in more informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Client Satisfaction: Stunning, lifelike visuals enhance client presentations, helping to secure approvals and build confidence in the project’s success.

Experience the future of design visualisation with us, where every detail is brought to life with precision and clarity.

Supplementary Expertise

Our comprehensive suite of supplementary expertise and advanced tools ensures that your project is executed with precision, efficiency, and innovation. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and specialised services, we provide a holistic approach that significantly enhances project outcomes.

Drones: From the outset and throughout the project, our use of drones allows for accurate visual surveys, real-time monitoring, and detailed aerial inspections. This not only improves safety but also ensures timely and informed decision-making.

3D Printed Models: Utilising 3D printed models, we offer tangible, scaled representations of the project. This aids in visualising complex designs, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and identifying potential issues early in the process.

Thermal Modelling: Our thermal modelling capabilities enable us to assess and optimise the thermal performance of buildings. This ensures energy efficiency and comfort, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing operational costs.

Energy Calculations (Section 6, Scottish Building Standards): We conduct thorough energy calculations in compliance with Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards. This guarantees that your project meets all regulatory requirements, promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Principal Designer (CDM Regulations): As the Principal Designer under the current CDM regulations, we manage health and safety risks from the design phase through to project completion. This ensures a safe working environment and compliance with legal obligations.

By offering these integrated services, we deliver a holistic solution that not only meets but exceeds client expectations. Our approach enhances project efficiency, reduces risks, and ensures sustainable and compliant outcomes, ultimately adding significant value to your investment.

Awards

Accreditations

Royal Incorporation of Architects Practice Membership – Membership no 422
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations – Commercial Membership since April 2007
The Green Register – Approved Member
Constructionline – Membership no 101900
Certified European Passive House Designers – since 2010
Investors In People – achieved 1996
IS0 14001 – achieved Dec 2013
IS0 9001 – achieved Dec 2013
ISO 45001 (previously OHSAS 18001 – achieved Dec 2013)

Health + Safety

At ORA we place a high priority in health and safety, not only in the workplace but also in our approach to design. To demonstrate our commitment and our high standards we are accredited with ISO 45001.

OHSAS 45001:

Is an internationally recognised health and safety standard
Ensures we operate an effective occupational health and safety management system that promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing a framework that allows your organisation to identify and control its health and safety risks, reduce the potential for accidents, aid legislative compliance and improve overall performance
Enables us to show compliance with important parts of health and safety law (the core criteria described in the CDM Regulations)
Means our health and safety policy and our organisation are audited regularly