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Wst 06 Functional adaptability

Number of credits available	Minimum standards
1	No

Aim

To recognise and encourage measures taken to accommodate future changes of use of the building over its lifespan.

Assessment criteria

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

One credit - Functional adaptability

A building-specific functional adaptation strategy study has been undertaken by the client and design team by Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2 or equivalent), which includes recommendations for measures to be incorporated to facilitate future adaptation.
Functional adaptation measures have been adopted in the design by Technical Design stage (RIBA Stage 4 or equivalent) in accordance with the functional adaptation strategy recommendations, where practical and cost effective. Omissions have been justified in writing to the assessor.

Checklists and tables

None

Compliance notes

Ref	Terms	Description
Shell and core
CN1	Applicable assessment criteria	Both options: All assessment criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
Simple buildings
CN2	Applicable assessment criteria	All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
General
CN3	Functional adaptation strategy study	This should consider: The potential for major refurbishment, including replacing the façade. Design aspects that facilitate the replacement of all major plant within the life of the building, e.g. panels in floors/walls that can be removed without affecting the structure, providing lifting beams and hoists. The degree of adaptability of the internal environment to accommodate changes in working practices. The degree of adaptability of the internal physical space and external shell to accommodate change in-use. The extent of accessibility to local services, such as local power, data infrastructure etc.
CN3.1	Functional adaptation implementation	The implementation will be specific to the building and scope of the project, but information should be made available to the assessor covering: The feasibility for multiple/alternative building uses and area functions, e.g. related to structural design of the building. Options for multiple building uses and area functions based on design details, e.g. modularity. Routes and methods for major plant replacement, e.g. networks and connections have flexibility and capacity for expansion. Accessibility for local plant and service distribution routes, e.g. detailed information on building conduits and connections infrastructure. The potential for the building to be extended, horizontally and/or vertically.

Methodology

None.

Evidence

Ref	Interim design stage	Final post construction stage
All	One or more of the appropriate evidence types listed in The BREEAM evidential requirements section can be used to demonstrate compliance with these criteria.
All	Functional adaptation strategy and implementation plan report.	As per interim design stage.

Additional information

Relevant definitions

Building functional adaptation: Work to an existing building that responds to a required change of use or requirements and goes beyond maintenance and repairs. These changes solve functional problems and could provide significant improvements. The functional adaptation works could include alterations, conversions and/or extensions.
Functional adaptability: The ability of a building to be adapted for a change in operational requirements within the same building type or for use as a different building type.

Other information

The Health Technical Memorandum 07-071Health Technical Memorandum 07-07: Sustainable health and social care buildings. Department of Health; 2013 includes guidance on future-proofing healthcare buildings.