50 BUILDING FABRIC; GROUNDWORKS; HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES


and long term moisture issues. This can negatively impact indoor air quality, occupant wellbeing and building durability, while also increasing future maintenance requirements. For housebuilders and developers focused on achieving net zero targets, this presents an increasing challenge. mproving building effi ciency is no longer solely about specifying more insulation or incorporating renewable technologies, there is increasing recognition that the continuity of the insulation layer is equally important.


Addressing thermal bridging effectively requires consideration at the earliest stages of the design process. Once structural connections and junction details have been established, opportunities to improve thermal continuity can become more limited and potentially more costly to resolve in retrofi t proects  fabricfi rst approach is increasingly viewed as one of the most effective strategies for improving long-term building performance which prioritises the thermal qualities of the building envelope itself, rather than relying solely on mechanical systems or renewable technologies to offset ineffi ciencies his includes improving airtightness, insulation continuity and junction detailing to minimise uncontrolled heat transfer.


However, thermal performance should not be considered in isolation. Structural reuirements, compressive strength, fi re ratings and long-term durability must also be considered when selecting materials for structural junctions. It’s also important to note that different applications may require different solutions depending on loading conditions, environmental exposure and overall building design. A building may achieve strong theoretical calculations, but if thermal bridging is not adequately addressed during specifi cation and construction, operational outcomes may fall short of expectations. As regulations surrounding operational energy use continue to evolve, the gap between designed and actual building effi ciency is also receiving increased scrutiny.


This is particularly relevant as developers seek compliance with updated Building Regulations and sustainability frameworks designed to reduce carbon emissions across the built environment. In most cases, improving junction detailing and reducing thermal bridging can contribute to lower energy consumption without requiring major design changes elsewhere in the project. The issue is becoming increasingly important in smart building design with intelligent building systems


Delivering confi dence in every SuDS project


As surface water management becomes an increasingly important consideration across commercial and infrastructure developments, Klargester continues to support specifi ers with a complete portfolio of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) solutions. Our Klargester AquaCore


range combines attenuation, water and oil separators and pumping stations to help manage runoff , improve water quality and reduce fl ood risk. Backed by technical advice, tailored design support, free site visits and nationwide service, Klargester provides a fully integrated approach to SuDS design and specifi cation, helping customers deliver compliant, eff ective and future-ready drainage solutions from concept through to installation.


01296 633 033 www.klargester.co.uk


intending to optimise energy use through responsive controls, occupancy monitoring and automated environmental management. However, these systems can only operate effectively if the building fabric itself performs effi ciently here uncontrolled heat loss persists, heating and cooling systems may work harder to maintain stable internal conditions, reducing the effectiveness of otherwise advanced technologies. For developers balancing sustainability targets with long term operational costs, this highlights the importance of viewing building performance holistically. Smart technologies, renewable systems and insulation strategies should not be considered independently from structural detailing and thermal continuity. Across the industry, there is growing awareness that achieving net zero will require greater collaboration between architects, engineers, developers and manufacturers from the earliest design stages. Companies which specialise in structural thermal break solutions are increasingly involved earlier in the design process, as project teams place greater emphasis on improving thermal continuity and long term operational performance.


Paul Beech is general manager at Armatherm ITP expands ground gas protection range


ITP has announced the launch of Powerbase Gas NF, a new non-foil gas barrier membrane developed to expand its range of ground gas protection solutions for brownfi eld and contaminated land applications. Powerbase Gas NF has been developed in line with current industry guidance and modern best practice by eliminating the aluminium foil


layers traditionally found in many gas membranes, which can be prone to corrosion. The membrane is product is compliant with BS 8485 and has been independently tested to ISO EN15105-1 permeation test methods for protection against methane, radon and CO2.


01347 825200 www.itpltd.com New products in Vectaire’s range


New products in Vectaire’s range are the Cool Breeze and Cool Breeze Plus. These units mitigate overheating in residential properties during the summer months by automatically sensing the room temperature and that of the incoming fresh air to determine when cooling is required. By removing the heat from the supply air and allowing the MVHR to distribute cooled air a comfortable indoor environment is ensured for people both day and night. They meet the standards used in CIBSE TM59 assessments and Approved Document O of the Building Regulations. They use R290, an eco friendly refrigerant over 225 times more environmentally friendly than R32.


Manufactured in the UK, they are for fl oor or wall mounting and integrate seamlessly with a Vectaire Maxi (or Maxi Plus) MVHR, off ering a compact and energy-effi cient approach to indoor temperature regulation without the need for an external condenser. They are also available in “AT” (internal acoustic attenuator) versions for extra low noise levels. A Cool Breeze system is suited for use in new-build and retrofi t applications where regulatory compliance and system effi ciency are critical.


01494 522333 www.vectaire.co.uk WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


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