Tue, 19 Dec 2023 04:29:05 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5993 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5993 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:01:00 +0100 delboy
If no heating system is provided, SAP assumes portable electric heaters. A pure passivhaus has no heating system beyond the MVHR, which is electrically driven and therefore equal to electric heaters in SAP's eyes.

It is nigh on impossible to get any useful Code level when electric heaters are used.

So if you build to passivhaus standard, if you want to get a Code level, do you have to find a friendly flexible SAP assessor who fiddles the calculation?

Or is there a legitimate way of making it work?

Does anyone know if new SAP2010 pays any regard to this issue?

Cheers]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5904 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5904 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:17:37 +0100 JDSE http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5952 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5952 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:02:31 +0100 RobinB
I think I've seen at least 3 types. 3 pin, 4 pin, funny pin. What suffix/affix am I looking for? Does "PL" mean anything? Has anyone seen a website that explains the options perhaps? Are they like BeatMax and VHS and one type will become the norm?

With the phasing out of incandescents is it still necessary to put these new fittings in a new build house?

If anyone can shed some light on this I'll be grateful.

R]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5927 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5927 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:48:12 +0100 cereeve
Post the 2nd world war new houses were being built. "Rules" were being used to define how much living space was required and therefore what size houses should be built. The "rules" were produced by a group or a couple of individuals. The rules were pushed aside from the '60's onwards and so rooms and houses were often built smaller. What is the name of the rules that were being used? I think it's something like "Barker-Mills" but, alas, both my memory and google has failed me....

Any help greatfully recieved.

Thanks,

Chris]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5899 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5899 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:50:20 +0100 chc
Our new shallow pitched roof is currently:

Ventilated ridge
Plastisol coated corrugated profile steel sheets with ventilated eaves
50 x 50mm protimised purlins @ 600mm centres
Tyvek Supro breather membrane
counter battens to provide drainage channel for condensation on the breather membrane
min 9mm OSB
47 x 195mm C24 rafters @ 600mm centres, & between them:
. 95mm air gap
. 100mm Celotex GA3100
35mm Celotex TB3035
12.5mm plasterboard

I understand that we need ventilation through the OSB for vapour to escape, and "holes" have been suggested. Any suggestions of where I might find reputable advice on size & placement to present to our BCO?

Huge thanks in advance!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4411 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4411 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:18:18 +0100 Energy Saver
Does anyone know when Scotland are due to adopt Part L (in particular air tightness)? Or where any suitable information can be found.

Many thanks in advance]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5561 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5561 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:38:32 +0100 Mike George
Thread linked from]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2401 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2401 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:41:10 +0100 timevans2000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5775 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5775 Thu, 06 May 2010 22:35:29 +0100 Davipon http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5759 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5759 Tue, 04 May 2010 13:10:03 +0100 RobinB I've put some 150mm pipe into the poured concrete walls between bedrooms and sitting room. Idea is that warm air can travel from stove in sitting room to the adjacent unheated bedrooms (on a floor about 2m above the sitting room) . All habitable rooms have to be protected by 30 minute firedoors. Question is what grille or similar can I put over these pipes to provide a regulation-friendly seal in case of fire/smoke? Unfortunately I don't have the right words for this which is hindering my search.

By the way I had thought of inline fans too but I now think the MVHR set up, and the fact that heat rises, will draw the warm air in the right direction.

thanks
RobinB]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4085 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4085 Fri, 29 May 2009 14:08:12 +0100 DAI_EVANS Proposals for the next revision to Part L are currently sitting on ministers' desks awaiting the go-ahead for publication, with one proposal in particular expected to generate its own political heat. This is the removal of the 1000 m2 threshold for building extensions that requires consequential energy efficiency improvements to be made to the whole property.
Last time around, when it was proposed in 2002, ministers rejected the idea. Now the government's emissions targets are that much tougher – a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 from all homes, for instance – but so are the conditions faced by the construction industry.
Contractors groups are already warning that such an obligation would kill off domestic extension and improvement projects, which are bread-and-butter work for many small architecture practices, at a time when the industry is seeking government support to aid recovery. Climate change campaigners will counter that without such measures the government is left with no credible regulatory tool to force improvements on existing building stock.
The revisions are scheduled to be in force in England and Wales by April 2010, though those close to the process are already suggesting that introduction might be delayed until October 2010. The overall objective of the revisions is to achieve a further 25% reduction in emissions from new buildings in accordance with the government's road map for zero carbon homes by 2016 and zero carbon non-domestic buildings by 2019.
Many of the proposals before ministers emerged at CIBSE's national conference, where speakers included Paul DeCort, who is leading the Part L team at the DCLG.
One of the key themes will be improving compliance. One proposal is that design specifications must accompany all design stage submissions to building control officers so they can verify that actual construction will be in line with design. There will also be new requirements to provide details of commissioning plans for building services, again to ensure that performance lives up to design claims.
For non-domestic buildings, the 25% emissions reduction target is being aggregated across different building types, recognising that it is easier to achieve cost-effective reductions in some buildings than others. Notional building models will be used, with some building types expected to achieve emissions reductions greater than 25%.
New emission factors will also be introduced, recognising the climate change impact of different fuels. These are expected to be consulted on separately in the near future.
However, new caps are on the way for electric heating systems used in off-grid homes, which will have to meet the same permissible emissions rate that would apply if the building used LPG or oil.
Publication of the proposed revisions to Part L is expected shortly. In the meantime proposed changes to the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for new homes, to meet the forthcoming Part L revisions, have already been released for consultation by the BRE (see below).

Thermal mass comes of age in SAP 2009
Underpinning the forthcoming changes to Part L for dwellings will be a revised SAP 2009, just released for consultation and expected to be published towards the end of this year. Many of the changes have been introduced to deal more satisfactorily with the very low energy dwellings that will be designed as regulatory requirements are tightened further.
From the design point of view, one of the most notable changes is recognition of the role played by thermal mass in reducing heating demand in winter as well as its cooling effect in summer.
Cooling generally is treated differently in the 2009 edition, with the explicit inclusion of cooling calculations. And energy use calculations are now built up on the basis of monthly variations in the weather and its effects on solar gain and heating/cooling demands.
In line with the general thrust in the new Part L to recognise the different climate impacts of various fuel types, the new SAP introduces a comprehensive methodology to determine associated CO2 emissions, taking into account extraction, processing and delivery.
Other changes include different treatments for boilers in summer and winter, energy use by air conditioning systems, hot water use linked to occupancy levels, and heat loss through poorly-constructed party walls. View the SAP 2009 consultation documents at http://www.bre.co.uk/sap2009/page.jsp?id=1642]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3836 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3836 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:38:27 +0100 delboy
Does anyone understand the quagmire that is SUR1 in the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Apparently for the mandatory part of the Surface water runoff category of the Code, there is an order of priority of measures to comply if the volume of runoff post-construction exceeds that from pre-construction.

The order is:
1. Infiltration (basically soakaways) or rainwater harvesting
2. The 3 bullet points (ie attenuation or 2l/s/ha or the pre-dev site’s annual Qbar)
3. Sewers

So basically if you’re building on clay/soakaways aren’t possible for other reasons, you HAVE to use rainwater harvesting before moving onto the other options.

Aside from being expensive, RWH is dodgy for a number of reasons:
1. Carbon intensive in manufacture / maintenance / installation
2. There’s loads of water in some areas eg Wales / SW England (where I am) already
3. If the tank’s already full then it’s useless as a flood attenuation tool

So surely I’ve got this wrong.

Can anyone clarify?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5702 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5702 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:52:43 +0100 jon
http://www.bis.gov.uk/constructionigt

Proposition 15 & 16]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1783 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1783 Sat, 24 May 2008 22:43:30 +0100 jaimito01
We have a grade 2* listed gatehouse which was partially demolished by accident. We have applied for a new listed building consent and building control approval.

Unfortunately the Building Control Department had rejected our plans on the basis that there are several features in the part of the building that was not destroyed in the accident that are not compliant.

Firstly, the window areas in the bedrooms are insufficient for a habitable room, secondly that the ceiling heights on the ground floor are insufficient, thirdly that the insulation standards of the whole building are below the current requirements, fourthly that the floor structure between ground and first floor is inadequate and does not meet current loading parameters, and finally that the replacement staircase to the first floor, which was one of the features (of the listing) that was demolished, is too narrow, even though it is an exact replica of the one we are replacing.

Is the Building Control Department correct in each of these situations to demand? What are our options?

Thank you]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5634 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5634 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:46:44 +0100 RobinB http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5645 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5645 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 22:54:28 +0100 bot de paille
Ive had a good look round but cant find anything except from manufacturers, and Kingspan having a good moan about them with regards to their insulation products...http://www.insulation.kingspan.com/uk/euroclass.pdf]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5170 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5170 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:14:54 +0000 andykent
But what about non-domestic refurbs? Am I correct in understanding that the emission reductions will be the same in L2A as in L1 under 2010? And how will the pieces fit for 2013 and 2016?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5574 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5574 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:57:01 +0100 Justin
I believe I have the process sorted. I'm ready with steel straps, cavity closers, polysulphide sealant, foam packing rod.. But being thorough, it seemed sensible to also read "BS 8213-4:2007 Windows, doors and rooflights. Code of practice for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets"

.. But £142!!

It annoys me so much the price of out British Standards. Is anyone willing to donate a copy - or advise me that it's not so necessary provided I follow common sense and XYZ ?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5556 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5556 Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:10:49 +0000 Mike George
I am researching how low u-values need to be to achieve CSH levels. I realise that this part of the code is based on a percentage DER/TER improvement but does anyone have a feel for what this translates to in terms of fabric u-values.

I am after Code 4,5 and 6 u-values for walls and ceilings and suspended floors. Anyone help?

Many thanks in advance. Mike]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5473 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5473 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:45:29 +0000 daveh38 I am in the process of renovating and extending 3 of 100 year old farm workers cottages, which are now 1 cottage.The outer walls are 9" solid brick, which I have now dry lined with 25mm Kingspan and plasterboarded .I am just about to start insulating the loft conversion/roof space. The roofspars are now 170mm x 50mm at 400mm centres (approx). I was going to insert 100mm Kingspan (or similar) and under draw with another 25mm bonded on to 12.5mm plasterboard. It has been suggested that I use 2 x 50mm layers of Kingspan, so that any joints can be staggered to provide a better covering.Can anyone comment on this, or indeed suggest a better way of insulating.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5364 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5364 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:37:51 +0000 Mike George http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5325 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5325 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:47:29 +0000 hayleyken We're in the process of trying to do an eco-refurbish on an existing out-house/ garden room adjacent to our house. We had to go through planning as this plus kitchen extension over sq footage. The garden room has 2 existing stone walls - 1 to lane and 1 adjoining wall to neighbours garden. There is an existing concrete floor in the room. We want to use a timber frame and green roof which is fine but building control have said we need to dig up floor to ensure damp proof membrane throughout, he recommends knocking down stone walls which we don't want to do. If we keep the walls then he wants a bitumen or other impermeable membrane to ensure no condensation or rising damp issues occur. We would rather use natural finishes. Is there anyway to overcome this? Are there any natural finishes that building control would be happy with - we need examples as this guy seemed reluctant to budge! Any advice would be much appreciated.
thanks
Hayley]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4966 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4966 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:38:02 +0000 Justin
Part F says kitchen needs obligatory extraction of 30L/sec adjacent to a hob.

Part J (understandably) says avoid installing mechanical extract in the same room as open flued solid fuelled appliance (eg my small 4KW woodstove, which operates legally without the need for a permanently open airvent).

My kitchen and woodstove room (lounge) are open plan. My existing kitchen has no extract fan. This is perfectly fine for us, we don't ned one. (Restrained vegetarian cooking regime, nothing to fry, and occasionally we to open a window slightly!)

I am putting a new roof on the kitchen, and will be re-locating everything, including the Hob.

Does this classify as a installation under the rules of Part F which would require 30L/sec extract adjacent to the hob? - This may not live happily with my stove, and despite the fact that personally I'd be unlikey to use said extractor, part J would have me running HETAS tests on the woodstove with all windows closed and extractor on full blast. If stove flue convection were to fail (no open vent remember for the 4KW woodstove), then I'd (presumably) need to add a draughty permanently open vent just to offset the kitchen extractor which I'd never want to use!

So under what circumstances does a kitchen refit require the (seemingly obligatory) 30Litres/sec adjacent to a hob?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5187 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5187 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:49:05 +0000 tony http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3074 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3074 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:25:19 +0000 10100
Solar panels, PV or MVHR?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5120 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5120 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:45:00 +0000 m-greenacre
I am looking for architects/engineers to fill out a quick questionaire regarding possible barriers to the design of highly sustainable new buildings from the UK's current codes and regulations.

I would be very grateful if you could fill out the short questionaire below and return it as a comment to the discussion along with your job title. Any responses will be really helpful:


Please indicate which of the following points, in your opinion are:

A a significant hindrance to the design of successful sustainable new buildings
B a possible hindrance to the design of successful sustainable new buildings
C not a hindrance to the design of successful sustainable new buildings

Possible hindrances:

Contradictions between separate regulations, codes and assessment methods.

The prescriptive style of regulations, codes and assessment methods (most notably code for sustainable homes).

The stage of the design process at which buildings are first assessed (as a result of the way regulations, codes and assessment methods operate).

A lack of understanding of sustainable design and technologies at higher levels.

Statutory minimum standards not being exceeded (a lack of incentive).

Non-statutory assessment methods.

Confusion over a large number of regulations, codes and assessment methods.

Tendency to ‘Green wash’ buildings to meet regulations, codes and assessment methods.

The ability/tendency to compensate poor performance in certain areas with increased performance in others to achieve targets.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5041 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5041 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:37:09 +0000 storm permission for the slightly raised ridge height. He stated that it is doubtful that any official would even ever notice or even if they did, bother to make a fuss if they were to discover it.

He drew a basic revised drawing showing the new ridgeheight requirement for me to give to builders. He also stated that if the worst came to the worst, and someone did spot the revised ridgeheight that I could always file for retrospective planning and that therefore there was nothing to worry about.

Now several weeks later, He states that this work cannot go ahead without getting a S73. Which I am now told will cost well over £1000.00 and will mean that an architect will need to re -draw up the plans. Originally, this surveyor told me that the slight alterations I had wanted to the plans should cost no more than £150.00 to re - submit through planning ( if needed. ) and that he himself would draw up the revision. I am REALLY struggling with cash complications so my budget for the build is already restricted and a burden.

What should I do ? Do I go ahead regardless and ask the builders to make the spec to the ridge height higher than originally drawn up ,without planning consent ? or do I lose the opportunity for a useable loft room and have the build exactly as drawn up on the original plans, because of a mere technicality ?

The surveyor has already submitted the plans to the archtect who originally drew them up
and he earlier approached the planning office regards alteration works to another part of the property at a future date.
( IF, I can ever afford to have these extra works done ) so they now know about the proposed change.

I VERY MUCH need to know the amount of risk I would be taking if I go ahead with the higher ridge height as I am
deeply worried at the possibility that some official or other might, out of sheer spite, ( could not be for any other reason ) order the extension be demolished and rebuilt for the matter of a very slight variation in height which will make absolutely no difference to anyone other than myself. Any professional advice would be very much appreciated and is needed ASAP please !]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5014 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5014 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:58:52 +0000 Mike George
In 2006 Part L2b was born. In it is a requirement that consequential works be carried out when certain large buildings are renovated [based on floor area I think but can't remember off hand].

Basically, a full 10% of the contract sum must be spent on thermally upgrading fabric and/or systems of the existing buildings.

Anyone know what the take up is on this? Are such sums spent as they are supposed to be? Or is the requirement ignored?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4925 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4925 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:27:24 +0000 dandyclub
I wonder if you guys have any feelings on this and if you would be kind enough to share them with me and hopefully help me with areas of research.

So do you think that major developers speculative houses nowadays are built to bare minimum standards and cut costs wherevere possible with prefab parts and unskilled labour with little thought to how the house will be used or do you think that we have reached a peak (so far) in building standards with quality being assured, designed to last and suit the requirments of the occupants.

Do you think that victorian houses were thrown up with little regard to quality or safety (obviously energy wasnt considered) or that the cheapness and availability of quality materials coupled with highly skilled and motivated work force with cheap labour costs post 1900 meant that it was the pinacle of British housing quality and design.

Had we perfected the house at around 1900 after years of improvements. The modern day terrace often has a downstairs toilet, small kitchen and 1 comunal area for eating, entertaining, living etc. Whereas most terraces post 1900 had a separate diner and lounge - does this suit the needs of modern people better than its modern predecessor?

Do you find the original 'features' of victorian property charming or do you find them fussy and distracting. Do you find modern housing bland and souless?

do you prefer the areas that 1900 properties were widely constructed nicer and with better street plans or do you prefer the diversity of modern estates with various housing types and cul de sac's etc.

So are modern better or not? Have we achieved more than cavity walls, insulation and dpc's? Or is there much more than that? Why do some people prefer older terraces than new - despite no real difference in price.

Are our builders better now or were they much more skilled 100 years ago?


You thoughts greatefully received....]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4964 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4964 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:19:59 +0000 tony http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4881 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4881 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:24:52 +0000 John B
- New windows were fitted in 2006
- Guarantees etc are attached to the form
- Building Regs approval was not applied for

As the guarantees etc weren't attached to the copy sent to me, I asked my solicitor to confirm that I would get the paperwork. She has now said that the vendor doesn't have the documents, and it will take some time to get them from the installers. Last night I checked on the FENSA web site, where you can get copy certificates, and the house isn't listed there.

So it looks like the vendor has been telling porky pies, and the windows haven't been certified or got building regs approval, implying they're illegal. He's assured me that the other work he's done on the house didn't need planning permission or building regs, so I'm now dubious about this too. He's a plumber, so that kind of suggests he should know enough about the regulations to do things right, doesn't it :confused::devil:.

So I've asked for an indemnity insurance to cover any problems with planning permission and building regs. Am I doing the right thing, is there anything I should be aware of, or anything else I need to do?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2626 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2626 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:36:51 +0100 Sally M
How much would I be expected to pay for a contamination report needed for planning?
I have been quoted 5k....this seems astronomical to me!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4852 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4852 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:55:19 +0000 Justin
My Local Authority needs calcs for a steel column I'm proposing in my extension.

It will be approx 2.2M tall, 80x80mm square x 5mm wall. Axial loading (dead load + imposed load from snow) will be maximum of (from a rough calc) 2.5KN. I have no access to BS5950 without buying it, but Corus Steels seem to have all the tables where I can look up Axial load capacity and something called d/t ratio. I don't know where to work out buckling load, and I'm not quite sure what is meant by an axial load "capacity". I'm sure this need not be too complex.
-Any pointers?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4871 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4871 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:52 +0000 marsaday
i will be spanning the joists into the party wall and off a spine wall. Span is about 4m's. i have a chimney breast in the way and it is 135cm wide. Can i hang 3 joist hangers off here or do i double up the joists at both sides of the chimney breast and run joists between these 2 doubled up joists ? if i do this should the joists between the doubled up joists be also doubled up themselves?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4074 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4074 Tue, 26 May 2009 08:19:59 +0100 crt
Apart from being less than the building regs requirement, I'd always understood the rule here was as much as possible (we won't use the space for storage).

Can anyone confirm whether or not the architect's view is reasonable, and if not, point we towards some authoritative source to contradict him?

Many thanks.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4793 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4793 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:59:10 +0000 andykent
TVM]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4690 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4690 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:34:21 +0100 finny We have been improving our slate over slate house recently and have avoided building regs by doing all the work ourselves whilst living in it..
Next big job tho will be different.. We need to re-roof and want to grow the house into the loft with a couple of rooms, bathroom and open-plan living space..
The joist are full spec floor joists with floorboards throughout, there is an existing staircase in excellent condition which is enclosed with a poor quality hallway and door, the headroom of the staircase is fine but for a pinch point at the purlin, which I know would not comply with modern regs..
The big question is..
Do I need to involve regs with the fitting out of the new loft as it is already habitable space, albeit cold and draughty and used only as a playroom and seperate darkroom..
Obviously I will need to make the new roof comply, but I would be doing that anyway to make it safe and save chucking so much wood in the boiler! but can I finish the roof-including a rack of new veluxes, get it signed off, and then fit the loft space out later?

Sorry for the length of this post but better that than loads of post tennis?
Cheers,
any help most appreciated, visitors can be put up in comfort and hot tea on tap..
Finn]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4338 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4338 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:18:25 +0100 emmap
I am a regular viewer of this forum and know how useful the advice is - so am hoping someone may be able to help!

does anyone know of a (free) and useful day-lighting piece of software that can calculate the daylight factor for the CSH? I have been working it out by hand using the CSH technical guide - but notice that they mention software can be used - which is the best to get?

Thanks in advance

Emma]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3227 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3227 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:10:44 +0000 Aid1987
I am a building surveying student and thought it wise to join!

Was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any repercussions if a building (non-domestic) gets a bad rating on their EPC?

Thanks]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4520 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4520 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:45:02 +0100 wallybazoom http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4266 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4266 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:25:57 +0100 kgr@trimflex.co.uk Any contributions to this subject would be really welcome... the regulations, and the implementation of them, seem a bit woolly to me]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4294 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4294 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:59:43 +0100 tony
In my view the HIP should have contained an engineers report on this -- am i wrong?

What should he now do? (when he comes to sell it could stitch him up if he does nothing)]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4106 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4106 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:13:07 +0100 jon
However, with the expensive and perhaps hastily drafted requirements of the Code, combined with a long term recession, we seem to be entering a period in which it will be uneconomic to build new homes on any scale.

If this occurs, the CSH, in combination with an inflexible planning system, may delay the replacement of existing carbon hungry homes making the CSH a net carbon contributor.

Opinions?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4005 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4005 Tue, 12 May 2009 13:32:40 +0100 jemhayward http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2521 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2521 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:19:27 +0100 Matt
Walking around Sheffield city centre over the past few months I have become very aware of some of the new buildings (large offices and large high rise flats) building systems and standards. Yesterday I decided to do some proper looking/noseying(!) around. Now I have a 'basic' grasp of approved documents, and have copies of them. I also know how difficult it is for us at work to achieve L2 / CSH / AECB standards, and the efforts we go to to minimise U/Y/psi/solar gains and glazing losses....

So, taking one of the new office blocks as a case study:

1: This block has near floor to ceiling glazing, unbroken except at corners or service runs (maybe 2.5m in height, 30m wall with 2 breaks for service runs), absolutely no shading whatsoever, no tinted/solar film/reflective glass.

2: The 'wall' areas (0.75-1m in height) between the glazing is at floor level, and 50mm of rigid foam insulation is being badly (with gaps) installed directly on the concrete and steel frame between steel studs at 400mm centre/steel studs at base and head of the area/extra steelwork at vents/corners/service penetrations - this is then being clad in steel panels.

3: At various corners / floors / columns / service runs there is steel work that is directly fixed to the concrete or steel main structure, with no insulation between, and it is then clad in steel panels.

So:

1: we have non-shaded windows, that are outside the 32-50% external glazing area permitted. (i.e. massive overheating in summer, excessive heat loss in winter)

2: if I run a U value calc taking into account the level of thermal bridges from the steelwork, I get a U-Value of 0.9w/m2/k or worse...(in excess of the 0.35w/m2/k as 'standard' or 0.7w/m2/k 'maximum permitted' when trading-off elements. And poor workmanship meaning the building is not constructed as designed...

3: we have huge and obvious cold bridges visible, with no attempt made to minimise them.

So, my questions are:

Am I wrong - is there a way of 'off-setting'(!) these losses/gains somewhere else in approved documents?
How and should I complain to building control about non-compliance - and would they be able to provide evidence of compliance?
Is it worth the hassle and am I being a NIMBY!

Matt




for reference approved documents L2a:

1: [i]In the Secretary of State’s view
requirement L2 (d) will be met by the
appropriate combination of passive measures,
such as limiting the area of glazing which is not
shaded and providing external building fabric
that limits and delays heat penetration, with
active measures, such as night ventilation, so
that the effects of solar heat gains are kept
within limits that are reasonable in the
circumstances.[/i]

2: [i]Reasonable provision shall be made for the
conservation of fuel and power in buildings or parts
of buildings other than dwellings by –
(a) limiting the heat losses and gains
through the fabric of the building;[/i]

3: [i]Thermal bridging at junctions and around
openings
1.9 The building fabric should be constructed
so that there are no significant thermal bridges
or gaps in the insulation layer(s) within the
various elements of the fabric, at the joints
between elements, and at the edges of
elements such as those around window and
door openings.[/i]]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1136 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1136 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:51:41 +0000 Mike George http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3912 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3912 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:17:50 +0100 cdmviews6
I'm doing a study as part of a degree course on challenges & problems experienced by duty holders when they try to implement the requirements of the CDM regulations. The aim is to identify these challenges and to find solutions and ways to address them.

Could you please take a few minutes to complete a short questionnaire at:

http://www.cdmhealthandsafety.org.uk/

It's quite short and most of the questions are multiple choice.

Your help is appreciated. Thanks. Ben]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3877 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3877 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:37:20 +0100 tony
The BI said that the manufacturers require this to prevent decay????

Doubling the ammount of poly seems mad to me.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3883 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3883 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:48:57 +0100 phidias81 I'm wondering about building code all over the world, if there are national or local rules that foster to project in this way (e.g.common laundry compulsory, or no urbanistic volume for shared services, cohousing incentives, etc), or anyway if it is used in common practice to build shared facilities (e.g. condominium sauna in Finland).
Thanks for any suggestion!! Davide]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3789 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3789 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:17:25 +0000 r007567 I am currently a final year student at Northumbria University, studying Building Surveying and I am conducting a questionnaire to professionals of the built environment.
So, If I could possibly have 10/15 minutes of your time I would be very great full if you would complete this questionnaire, as it will be essential extra primary research and will add to my understanding of the topic.

(The general discussion of my dissertation is find out if historic buildings can be successfully be upgraded to meet current fire legislation or would this ultimately sacrifice the buildings fabric)

Name: Expertise:


Section 1 - Personal Experience and Knowledge

Q1. What is your profession and how long have you been working in the built environment?






Q2. What is your personal experience with regard to refurbishment of Listed Building?







Q3. How would you rate your knowledge of the materials and construction techniques employed in Listed Buildings in comparison to modern construction?


a)Excellent b)Good c)Fair d)Poor e)Very Poor



Section 2 - Understanding Building Conservation & Fire Safety

Q4. How would you define the term Building Conservation?







Q5. In preparing or reviewing a specification of works in recent projects, was there any building conservation issues you feel you may have addressed?

a)Yes b)No

If Yes could you provide an example/ examples of such?









Q6. Have you considered improving fire safety when specifying or reviewing materials in refurbishment projects?

a)Yes b)No

If Yes could you provide an example/ examples of such?












Q7. Can you provide an example of 3 main fire safety issues you have recently addressed during refurbishment works with conservation best practice in mind?

a)Yes b)No

If Yes could you provide an example/ examples of such














Q8. Would you place more emphasis on fire safety or building conservation with regard to listed period buildings?

Could you please explain your reasoning?









Section 3 - Building Regulations Part B


Q8. The special interest of a listed building would be compromised if its overall appearance were to be changed or significant features or qualities were to be lost as a result if full compliance with the Requirements of Part B were mandatory. Or could a balance be struck if full compliance was mandatory?

Do you agree or disagree with either?

Please explain your answer.












Q9. In your opinion, what are the main problems that currently exist in regards to refurbishment works and part B of listed buildings?








Q10. Have you ever advised a client on undertaking a fire risk assessment on their property or produced a professional survey in order to reduce the chance of any fatalities?

a) Yes b) No

If yes could you please tell me some more details regarding the job any why what were the main reasons you advised them to undertake a fire risk assessment.











Section 4 – Governing Bodies Initiatives



Q11. Do you believe the introduction of The Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order (RRO) for buildings cause any conflict between fire safety and building conservation issues of listed buildings?

Please answer Yes or No?

Could you explain your reasons?













Q12. Have you ever contacted the English Heritage or other bodies for any advice regarding fire safety issues or any other related issues?

Please answer Yes or No?

If yes could you please tell me some more details about it?























Section 5 - Professional Views

Q13. Do you think listed properties have the capacity to cope with demanding requirements for fire safety?

a) Yes b) No c)unsure

Could you explain your reasons?












Q14. In your opinion can a balance of building conservation and fire legislation be achieved when refurbishing properties of historic merit?

a) Yes b) No c)unsure

Could you expand on your answer and reasoning?

















Thank you for giving up your time to complete this questionnaire. The answers given will prove invaluable for the latter stages of my dissertation and all contributions are much appreciated.
If there are any critiques or other points you would like to highlight regarding the topic, please feel free to mention it on the following page of the questionnaire.
Thanks again!

Section 6 – Any Additional Information]]>