OptiVent is a natural ventilation steady-state calculation tool designed for early building design stages. Initially developed by UK architects and environmental design consultants, it evaluates the feasibility of natural ventilation systems and helps inform strategic design decisions. The tool expands the range of generic airflow strategies that can be explicitly analyzed during the conceptual phase, ensuring effective ventilation and comfort.
By inputting project-specific data, such as location, airflow, building geometry, solar gain, and internal conditions, OptiVent calculates key performance indicators, including air flow rates, the cooling effect of air movement, and the adaptive comfort band. The results are presented numerically and visually, with diagrams compiled into a PDF report.
OptiVent provides architects and engineers with a practical, easy-to-use solution for assessing natural ventilation strategies, optimizing building performance, and aligning designs with environmental and occupant comfort goals. It supports sustainable and efficient early-stage planning for a wide range of building projects.