Breathing Buildings, a UK provider of controlled hybrid and natural ventilation systems, is marking its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of hybrid and low-energy ventilation development.
Founded in 2006 as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, the company was established following research into its E-stack mixing ventilation system, developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and funded by BP. The intellectual property was patented by the University of Cambridge, with Breathing Buildings securing exclusive rights.
Over the past 20 years, the company has received 47 industry awards and contributed to projects across the education, commercial, and public sectors. These include the James Dyson Building at the University of Cambridge, the East Anglian Air Ambulance headquarters, the Costa Coffee Eco Pod at Wrekin Business Park, and Bloomberg’s European headquarters in London.
Its systems have also been referenced within the Priority Schools Building Programme and BB101 guidance.
Investment in manufacturing and people
To support growth, Breathing Buildings has expanded its Dudley manufacturing facility, increasing production capacity and adding a new showroom space.
In addition, Huw Poppy has rejoined the business as Business Operations Director. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in low-energy ventilation and serves as Secretary of the CIBSE Natural Ventilation Group.
James Hammick has also returned as Specification Sales Manager, South East, with the company further expanding its design and sales teams.
Huw Poppy comments, “Breathing Buildings has grown from a research-led start-up into one of the most respected names in low-energy ventilation.
“Over the past 20 years, we’ve continued to invest in innovation, people, and manufacturing, while maintaining a strong technical focus.
“It’s an exciting time for the business as we continue to expand our capabilities and support customers in delivering high-performing, low-carbon buildings.”
The company’s portfolio includes its Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling range, which combines natural and mechanical ventilation, as well as the NVHRe system incorporating heat recovery.
It also offers an MVHRe commercial heat recovery range for spaces requiring fully mechanical ventilation.
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