Air Tightness Design Review Case Study

HRS's expertise helped a major high street retail chain implement an air tightness specification across all its new stores in a matter of months.

HRS worked with the client's Mechanical Engineers, Architects, Project Managers and external consultants and main contractors to ensure that new stores achieved an air leakage target of 10m³/h/m².

Note: An air leakage target of 10 is approximately 40% tighter and more difficult to reach than the new Part L air permeability target of 10m³/h/m².

Problem

The client required all its new stores to be more air tight to improve the comfort for customers within stores and reduce energy usage. How could this be attained with a massive new store roll out programme across the UK, when virtually no one understood (or had heard of) the concept of the term air tightness? The basic problem was first to educate everyone involved about air tightness issues and then implement it across all sites and offices.

Solution

HRS was appointed as a Nominated Air Tightness Consultant. Ed Westgate of HRS helped produce the client's Air Tightness Design Guide to set down the specification required. Then a series of air tightness seminars were presented to all in-house staff, external consultants and main contractors. At this pre-contract stage, all parties were at least aware of why and how air tightness targets could be achieved. The client then instigated initial design reviews for all new stores, prior to a start on-site, to set out the issues for each particular project with Ed Westgate of HRS. Elements of the design and specification were highlighted if there was a risk to the overall air tightness specification being exceeded and solutions put forward. These meetings enabled Project Teams to identify, co-ordinate and manage the installation of the air tightness works on-site. Ultimately, all new stores reached their air tightness specification first time.

Air Tightness Design Review Case StudyHRS Services Capabilities

Hands on experience of solving complex air leakage problems qualifies HRS to specify envelope seals at design stage that will have the necessary design life and be fit for purpose. Various factors have to be taken into account including requirements for thermal insulation, wind loading, adhesion, condensation risk, fixings and so on. The overall plan layout and operational characteristics of the building can also be looked at to ensure that the air tightness requirements can be met when the building is open and operational. Specific materials and components can be tested for air permeability in our specialist test rig facilities. If required, HRS has access to climate control rooms and other facilities at Sheffield University with advice from University staff. Backed by technical advice from relevant consultants and material suppliers, HRS can propose practical solutions based on proven materials and techniques. Drawing on our knowledge at the earliest stage is the most cost effective way to ensure that the project complies with Part L and that the air tightness works last for the design life.

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