Building Regulations Part O

Part O Overheating Assessment

Professional overheating risk assessments for new dwellings. Demonstrate Building Regulations Part O compliance using simplified or dynamic modelling methods.

From £150
Part O Compliant
Design Support

Part O Assessment Services

Simplified Method

Prescriptive compliance using glazing limits, shading requirements and ventilation provisions. Suitable for most standard dwelling designs.

Dynamic Thermal Modelling

Detailed hour-by-hour simulation for complex designs. Demonstrates compliance when simplified method limits are exceeded.

TM59 Assessments

CIBSE TM59 overheating assessments for planning requirements, particularly London developments and local authority conditions.

Design Stage Support

Early-stage advice on glazing ratios, orientation, shading strategies and ventilation to avoid overheating issues before plans are finalised.

Noise-Sensitive Sites

Special provisions for dwellings near roads, railways and airports where windows cannot be opened. Alternative ventilation strategies assessed.

Compliance Reports

Comprehensive reports for Building Control demonstrating Part O compliance, including all calculations and design recommendations.

Part O Risk Factors

Higher Risk

  • Location in London or South East
  • South or West facing bedrooms
  • Single aspect flats
  • Large glazing areas
  • No external shading
  • Limited ventilation openings

Mitigation Strategies

  • External shading (overhangs, brise soleil)
  • Reduced glazing ratios
  • Low g-value glazing
  • Cross-ventilation design
  • Purge ventilation provision
  • Thermal mass utilisation

Part O Overheating FAQs

What is Part O?

Part O is the section of the Building Regulations (England) addressing overheating risk in new residential buildings. Introduced in June 2022, it requires new dwellings to be designed to limit unwanted solar gains and provide adequate ventilation to remove excess heat, protecting occupants from the health risks of overheating.

When does Part O apply?

Part O applies to all new dwellings in England, including houses, flats, conversions to dwellings, and residential buildings. It came into force on 15 June 2022 for projects with Building Regulations applications submitted from that date. It does not apply to existing buildings unless they're being converted to dwellings.

What are the compliance methods?

Part O offers two compliance routes: the Simplified Method (prescriptive approach using glazing limits, shading and cross-ventilation rules) or Dynamic Thermal Modelling (detailed simulation demonstrating hours of overheating below threshold). Most projects use the simplified method; complex designs may need modelling.

What factors affect overheating risk?

Key factors include: location (London is highest risk), orientation (south and west facing worst), glazing ratio and g-value, external shading, thermal mass, ventilation strategy (cross-ventilation, purge ventilation), and whether the dwelling is a flat or house. All these are assessed in the Part O analysis.

What's the difference between Part O and TM59?

Part O is a Building Regulations requirement focusing on limiting overheating risk in new dwellings using simplified or modelling approaches. TM59 (CIBSE) is a more detailed overheating assessment methodology often required by planning authorities, particularly in London. We can provide both assessments.

Need a Part O Assessment?

Professional overheating risk assessments for Building Regulations compliance

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