|
Living Ark Failure Shows the Importance of Proper Planning |
|
|
In December 2010, a new type of classroom was opened at a primary school in Muswell Hill North London.
The so-called "Living Ark" classroom was hailed as a green revolution in the ongoing search for more classroom buildings, however as the experience of a tough winter has shown, if you fail to research and plan your Eco-Friendly building properly then an embarrassing failure is just around the corner! |
|
The Living Ark project has now become quite a famous failure because of the buildings inability to be used during the winter months and because of its much hyped green credentials; including soil roof, solar panels and sheeps wool insulation which did not deliver on expectations.
At Rural Log Cabins we have extensive experience in planning and delivering on buildings with high levels of sustainable materials and low to zero carbon ratings, we specialise in zero carbon buildings! |
 |
|
|
Although the objectives of the Living Ark project were noble, it seems that certain key pre-erection checks were not carried out because :
1. The building is basically unusable in winter due to lack of heating
2. The installed Solar Panels (Photovoltaics) do not produce enough voltage to achieve the stated aims.
There are three obvious possible causes :-
1. Incomplete research in the design phase, insulation & photovoltaic performance is a well documented area.
2. SAP testing which would've have highlighted insufficient heating..
3. Undue pressure to keep down construction costs - simply not paying the right price for a job done properly. |
|
|
In planning a building that is intending to use Eco-Technologies, it is absolutely vital to make sure that these products can perform as advertised. Many are marketed as the pinnacle of current green thinking only to be found wanting when it comes to real-world applications.
Perhaps the most vital piece of planning to do for a potential project is an SAP test. These calculations allow a comparison of the energy running costs of a building. By using computerised calculations based on known facts about a project it is possible to build an accurate mathematical model of how a projected building will use (and lose) energy and heat.
If designed properly then a building will achieve a SAP rating that allows it to pass or even surpass the Building Regulations with regards to Conservation of Fuel & Power and to achieve a rating similar to that of a Fridge, Freezer or Washing Machine.
|
|
|
The SAP calculations require over 100 detailed pieces of information about a project, including :-
| |
• |
The type of dwelling |
| |
• |
Thickness & materials used in Floors, Walls & the Roof |
| |
• |
Openings (windows, doors, rooflights) |
| |
• |
Ventilation |
| |
• |
Main and secondary space heating |
| |
• |
Hot water generation |
| |
• |
Use of renewable technologies such as Photovoltaics and solar water heating |
| |
• |
Lighting |
|
Sample SAP Calculation
PDF (130k)
|
|
|
|
A SAP assessor will calculate from drawings and a specification of the proposal, numerical information such as the total floor area of the building; the floor area of the lounge or living room; the areas of the heat loss floors, heat loss walls and heat loss roofs; dimensions of any external windows and doors; the heights of each storey. These figures are expressed as 'U' values - measures of the rate at which heat passes through the fabric of the building. The higher the 'U' value the greater the rate of heat loss. It is possible to modify a design to achieve a better rating.
|
|
We cannot stress strongly enough that relevant construction experience coupled with thorough planning and preparation are vital when it comes to constructing modern buildings. Taking the extra time to employ experienced professionals who will research the technologies and calculate their performance will ensure that a project succeeds.
It is unclear if the school involved can afford to correct the project but proper planning, research and preparation would certainly have stopped the project from becoming a news story for all of the wrong reasons!
If you plan properly and take the correct advice you can have an Environmentally Friendly building utilising the latest green technologies, operating as intended. If you require any further information or advice, please get in touch with us using the details on the Contact Us page of this website.
|
|
|
|
|
