How Benfield ATT help you create The Low
Energy Buildings you’ve always wanted…
Intrigued by the claims of this ‘full ser-
vice’ company we decided to investigate
their approach a little more.
Value Engineering: First, we wanted to know what was meant
by ‘Value Engineering’ (VE). Professor Dr. Michael Benfield, their
CEO, explained: “By focusing on the various ‘functions’ of a cli-
ent’s building and its components, we aim to identify and remove
unnecessary costs while at the same time maintaining - even
enhancing - its performance.”
Comprehensive Knowledge: This approach blends their extensive
and rather unique knowledge of all forms of timber structure,
building science, regulations, and state of the art products with factory Insulated Panels, SIP’s, Green Oak, Post & Beam, Glulam
individual client’s design concepts. “For us, value engineering and Hybrid structures all orientated to achieve what was Code for
starts with environmental planning and regulatory impositions Sustainable Homes levels 4, 5, 6 and Passivhaus Standards.
as part of our analytical and technical design processes.” he ex-
plained. “These feed our drive for, and commitment to, sustain- Specialist Builders’ Merchants: Potentially, the procurement of
able development through into waste reduction, recycling and design specific components can create unforeseen difficulties, for
lean manufacture. It embraces a ‘Pride in the Job’ and a ‘Right example locating the source of supplies, avoiding delays in deliv-
First Time’ mentality that is applied to all our Design & Build ery lead times, quality assurance, and securing ‘best value’ prod-
(D&B) operations.” ucts and terms. Here Benfield ATT’s long established connections,
access and volume buying capabilities as manufacturers and
Focus on End User: Paying attention to end user demands is selective builder’s merchants, enables them to secure and supply
central to Benfield ATT’s approach (the ATT stands for Advanced such requirements in the most timely and competitive manner as
Timber Technologies, by the way). They believe it enables them part of their value engineered, design & build methodology.
to deliver highly effective, quality buildings for projects large &
small. This includes providing solutions for difficult to develop Catalysts for Quality: “We believe that our approach to helping
sites, like soft ground, steeply sloping land and potential flood you create the ‘Low Energy Buildings you’ve always dreamed of
plain areas. …’ is distinctly different” says Benfield. “We welcome collabora-
tion with other construction professionals in our drive to achieve
Product Selection: Self-evidently, to value engineer design & this.” In doing so, his company aims to help enhance the profes-
build solutions, the selection of the most appropriate products sional construction team of architects, other designers, engineers,
needs the services and methods used to be an integral part of quantity surveyors, contractors, house-builders, developers, et
the process. Working closely with architects, building designers, al, facilitating the delivery of the high quality buildings they and
engineers and quantity surveyors, Benfield ATT helps select and their clients both need and want. And, if end user clients like
specify those which are most functionally appropriate and cost ef- self-builders and home improvers lack any of these skills, to be
fective. In turn this encourages the delivery of high quality prod- the catalyst drawing in those that are most appropriate for each
ucts to be protected, and results in saving time for on-site build individual project. To compliment this they offer a selective part
operations. All of this, they claim, reduces costs, enhances client’s or full project management service.
projects and helps to make them one of the most competitive full
Professional Partnerships: While they are happy to engage in ‘one
service timber engineering design and build firms in the UK.
off’ projects, Benfield ATT see the greatest benefits to industry
Fabric First: In the current business climate it is perhaps not and end user occupiers as coming from the establishment of long
surprising to find Efficiency, Performance & Cost Effectiveness term ‘partnering’ style arrangements with other construction
to be included in their key current considerations. This is most professionals. This can include Joint Venture arrangements for
clearly evidenced in their ‘Fabric First” approach to designing specific developments, which may be of interest to land owners
really effective building envelopes. “There is a crucial need to and those who wish to fund, say, housing schemes, but lack the
deliver highly energy efficient structures with optimum levels technical knowledge and industry experience necessary to make
of insulation, minimal thermal transmission and appropriate them successful. In such cases they believe that their comprehen-
airtightness for floors, walls, roofs, windows and doors.” explains sive team approach can be highly valuable.
Prof Benfield. Unsurprising, therefore, that in their drive toward
Zero Carbon and minimal heating requirements, they offer
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