The technology largely exists to enable this extraordinary transformation, but the knowledge, skills and practices required to deliver homes reliably and at volume, may not. With this in mind, this web-based toolkit, commissioned from Studio Partington, looks at key issues such as householder comfort, usability and resilience to climate change.
It sets out in three clear sections – heating, ventilation and design considerations – the different unintended consequences that might arise from energy saving measures in new homes and suggests how these might be overcome.
This resource will continue to evolve and become a forum for knowledge and a stimulus for thinking about the home in use and about design for future occupiers. It will be a resource for designers, builders, suppliers and home managers, sign-posting other guides and learning. We would like it to prompt discussion, identify the scale of the challenge and, hopefully, be a reminder of lessons from the recent past.
It recommends an approach to acoustic assessments for new residential development that take due regard of the interdependence of provisions for acoustics, ventilation, and overheating. Application of the AVO Guide is intended to demonstrate good acoustic design as described in the ProPG: Planning & Noise, May 2017 when considering internal noise level guidelines.
GHA held a policy workshop entitled ‘Tomorrow’s Housing: Are Current Regulations Fit for Purpose?’ on Thursday 24th January 2019 at Winckworth Sherwood, London. The event included three roundtable workshop discussions facilitated by the GHA and a number of expert speakers.
The purpose of the discussions was to:
Highlight the shortcomings of the current Building Regulations on; energy, ventilation, overheating, indoor air quality, comfort, and in-use performance.
Suggest improvements and changes to regulations/policies in anticipation of forthcoming Government reviews in 2019.
Produce a concise set of notes on the three themes that will inform an industry wide position paper that can be adopted by the GHA membership and presented to industry and Government
This report presents the findings from the site visits anonymously. It is intended for organisations with an interest in quality assuring the delivery of ventilation systems, including government policymakers, developers and their advisers.
This good practice guide aims to improve the standard of building services in new homes. The information is aimed at SME builders and their advisors, but there will be parts relevant to other building professionals.
The scope is limited to focus on the major problems around design and installation of services that affect the comfort, indoor air quality and energy performance of new homes. The guide highlights “problems to avoid” showing common issues that contribute to the gap between intended and actual performance.
The “What to do” guidance provides useful solutions and tips for a successful design and installation. This guidance will aid the site and wider project team in the effective delivery of building services that perform as intended.
This report presents results and recommendations following research into examples of good practice in ventilation and indoor air quality for new homes. The aim is to inform and support the work of teams involved in procuring, designing and building low energy homes, by providing clear information highlighting good practice in ventilation and indoor air quality.