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Six reasons you should be using MVHR systems

Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager, offers six reasons to use MVHR systems.

Valued at $106.69 million in 2022, the Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) UK market is predicted to reach $235.34 million by 2030.  This extraordinary growth is being driven by increased awareness about the benefits of MVHR, as well as the adoption of these systems to comply with the latest uplift to Building Regulations. 

MVHR systems take a whole house approach to ventilation, combing supply and extract ventilation in one system.  They extract the stale air from wet rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, utility spaces) within a property via ducting, transferring the heat from that air to the fresh air being drawn into the building via a heat exchanger.  Domus Ventilation’s HRXE MVHR range recovers heat with up to 95% efficiency, making it highly effective.  The filtered, pre-warmed air is then distributed around the home.

If you’re yet to be sold on MVHR systems, then consider these key benefits

  • Health

In the UK, we spend 80-90% of our time indoors.  The air that we breath indoors is therefore just as – if not more – important than the air we breathe outdoors.  Sources of indoor air pollution are widespread, from cooking, cleaning products and furniture to external emissions entering our homes.  In the winter months you also have condensation and mould to contend with.  

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness, cognitive impairment and certain cancers. England’s Chief Medical Officers Annual Report 2022 Air Pollution stated: “The role of ventilation is central to reducing unavoidable indoor air pollution.”  MVHR systems are the most effective ventilation method for our homes as they both extract stale air and supply filtered ‘fresh’ air to key rooms, such as bedrooms.

  • Comfort 

Breathing in poor quality air is not only unhealthy, it’s unpleasant.  As stale air is usually the result of a buildup of chemicals (especially VOCs) and humidity, our homes feel ‘stuffy’ and can have an unpleasant smell. MVHR systems are continuously on, removing that stale, humid air and its undesirable odours.  Furthermore, during colder months they take the chill out of the supply air by passing it through a heat exchanger where the outgoing air’s energy is extracted and transferred.  In the summer months, an automatic 100% thermal bypass allows in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it.  

  • Energy efficiency

By reusing the outgoing air’s heat to temper the incoming air, MVHR systems help reduce the home’s heating load.  The Centre for Sustainable Energy estimates heating costs can be reduced by around 25%.  Whilst MVHR running costs are dependent on the property size, building fabric, occupant lifestyle etc., they are inexpensive to run.  To ensure maximum energy efficiency is gained from an MVHR system though, it’s important to correctly size the unit, use good quality ducting (Domus Ventilation ducting has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance), and correctly install and commission the units.

  • Structural integrity

If not dealt with, trapped condensation can lead to timber decay and can have a detrimental effect on insulation.  More often though, it leads to mould growth on surfaces of walls and furniture.  Removing large areas of mould is not easy and can be costly, especially when redecorating is required and furniture has to be replaced.  What’s more, as the source of the mould hasn’t been addressed, it’s very likely it will return.  MVHR systems remove humidity, reducing levels of condensation and preventing mould from forming.

  • Building Regulations

Changes to Building Regulations ‘Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings’ (ADF1) came into effect on 15th June 2022.  Across all sizes of properties, minimum ventilation rates were increased.  In the case of larger properties with five bedrooms, the minimum ventilation rate went from 29 to 43l/s.  To achieve these new ventilation rates, mechanical ventilation systems such as MVHRs are the most proficient option.

  • Value-add 

The public are more aware than ever before of the importance of good air quality.  Stories of extreme overheating in properties located in urban heat islands are also making national news.  For housebuilders, an MVHR system can therefore be an attractive proposition to home buyers, providing them with good indoor air quality, added comfort and energy efficiency.

These six points all provide a powerful argument for including MVHR systems into your new residential developments. So, if you haven’t really considered MVHR systems previously, isn’t it time to think again?

Domus Ventilation is a manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality. 

www.domusventilation.co.uk 

vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk 

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Simplifying hospital projects with Eurobrick

In busy hospital environments, expansion projects and building works must be planned in meticulous detail to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations. Fast-track building methods are frequently used and, during this process, selecting an appropriate rainscreen cladding system is very important to ensure the successful function of the building and the design aesthetic. 

Leading specialist Eurobrick Systems has been distributing its proprietary brick and stone slip cladding for over 30 years and has supplied many hospital expansion projects where budgets, space and time are limited. 

THE RIGHT FIT
Eurobrick is an obvious choice for these types of projects, offering different systems to suit different applications, all of which are tried and tested and can be specified with confidence. This is backed up by Eurobrick’s team of experienced estimators who take the time to ensure the most suitable system is chosen to fit the specific requirements of the job. Eurobrick offers technical advice at every stage of the specification process, from estimating, and ordering to installation and any ongoing support.  

FLEXIBLE
Supply schedules can be tailored to meet contractors’ work programmes and can take into account on-site conditions such as storage limitations. This was particularly important at Leicester Royal Infirmary for example, where a restrictive site situated at a busy roadside with a limited storage area, meant the P-Clad rainscreen system materials for a two-storey extension to the Congenital Heart Centre, needed to be delivered in phases, as and when required. Eurobrick worked closely with the contractor, Industrial Contracting Services to achieve this.

SPEEDY SOLUTIONS

Eurobrick’s cladding systems are lightweight and fast to install making them a good option for contractors’ working to meet challenging deadlines. Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital had this experience, where a new state-of-the-art 4300m² ward development was delivered in a compressed timeframe of just 1 year (instead of the expected 3 years) using factory-built modular construction. As Eurobrick can be off the critical path, the systems could be installed on-site without affecting the activities of other trades. These brick slip systems are also suitable for off-site installation and are robust enough to be transported to site and craned into position. 

ON OR OFF-SITE

Versatile, yet simple, Eurobrick is suitable for modular and new build projects offering a fast track to a real brick finish that is low maintenance and will weather like traditional brickwork. The award-winning new Wellbeing Hub at University Hospital Southampton is a 20 modular bay building which was finished on-site using Eurobrick’s X-Clad EWI system with extruded brick slips from their Britannia colour range.

Hospital projects can present a plethora of challenges to the NHS, its architects and contractors, who need creative solutions that keep projects on time and on budget. Reliability, versatility, robustness and speed are key considerations in the decision-making process.

If you would like to discuss a project with Eurobrick you can take a look at their website at www.eurobrick.co.uk, call 0117 971 7117 or email info@eurobrick.co.uk. 

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Gilberts goes to court to prove (ventilation) performance

The UK’s leading independent air movement specialist Gilberts Blackpool has gone to court to prove its performance- the moot court at the University of Central Lancaster (UCLAN).

The UK’s legal market is growing- up 8% according to latest data- prompting a corresponding growth in demand for law degree courses. As a result, UCLAN needed to expand its moot court facilities, where students simulate legal proceedings ready for “real world’ experience, with all associated building works including an acoustic ceiling to minimise distracting sound and enable focus on the legal arguments.

Building services engineers Bay Building Services Ltd delivered the in-court ventilation to a concept produced by building services design consultancy Beech Jackson. 

Bay Building Services Ltd chose Gilberts’ Series MN multi-nozzle and Series GA spiral swirl diffusers ducted from an air ram unit and linked to a building management system to achieve the high induction, high air change levels needed to maintain the internal ambient temperature. To match the brief of keeping any distraction to the minimum, the Series MN diffusers were powder coated in white, and the Series GA in black, to blend into the acoustic ceiling.

Gilberts’ Series K fixed blade extract grilles in grey linked to a bespoke WHF high performance louvre with the blades set upwards ensure efficient extraction of the used air with 35Dba noise attenuation.

Matt Feather, Director @ Bay Building Services Ltd explained, “The design and build project was complex: what began as a small refurbishment turned into a much bigger scheme to meet UCLAN’s requirements. We know from experience that Gilberts will always deliver the quality of product at a competitive price, and have the capability to flex with a changing brief.”

All Gilberts’ products- standard lines and bespoke solutions- are designed and developed in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in the company’s state of the art 140,000 ft2 facility in Blackpool.

https://gilbertsblackpool.com

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Portakabin stands strong amid RAAC crisis in UK schools

Last summer, the acronym RAAC was launched into the spotlight overnight.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete suddenly appeared on every news channel and at the top of the agenda of every staff meeting, days or hours before the start of the new school term in September 2023. Most commonly found on ceilings, wall panels and floors, RAAC was a remanent of brutalist industrialism from the 60s and 70s; buildings were being built quickly and contractors had to choose materials that were readily available and cost effective.

Accompanying the media attention was an obvious and urgent need for an emergency response to ensure pupils remained in face-to-face learning. Schools and Trusts had learned the harsh reality and impact of remote learning following the pandemic and were keen to ensure the quality of teaching was not disrupted.

The Portakabin team reacted with its characteristic tenacity, contacting Trusts, Councils and the Department for Education to ensure schools had access to expert advice as quickly as possible.

With schools across the country, who had been preparing to welcome pupils back in September 2023, suddenly learning they had to close upon the discovery of RAAC in the structure of their buildings, speed and quality were at the forefront of requirements.

Andy Perry, Headteacher, Myton School “About a third of our school, had confirmed RAAC. We were told to close on 1 September. A day before term started, we immediately lost a third of our teaching space including our library, canteen, music and drama. We could only fit in five of our seven year groups initially but thanks to our timetabler we managed to get six out of seven year groups in, but that still meant some of our children were learning remotely at the start of term.”

Fortunately, the team at Portakabin already had relationships with many of the schools impacted so were able to mobilise teams quickly around its sites across the UK.

Maria Perez Garcia, Regional Project Manager, Portakabin: “When the enquiry came in, the first thing we did was get the right people at the initial site visit. We sat down with the school and the DfE to understand what requirements they had. We then had an in depth walkaround the site to see what we were working with so we could react as quickly as possible and provide the best possible emergency solution.”

While the DfE supported schools and helped them confirm the scale of their RAAC problem, Portakabin was able to assess what was required, when and how, leaving the DfE to set out a long term plan to remove RAAC permanently from buildings which were affected.

Adam Ealden, Head of Maths, Myton School, “We learned through Covid that when students are at home, they don’t learn as well and some students don’t learn at all. They fall behind and their learning suffers. We couldn’t afford for that to happen again, we needed them back in and we needed them back in quick.”

At any one time, Portakabin was managing up to 30 contractors on the Myton School site to ensure the tight programme was met. Myton School was featured heavily in BBC reporting of the RAAC crisis, and all eyes were on Portakabin to deliver in time. Phase 1 of the project involved the team working in three separate areas of the school to deliver 31 individual buildings, which required detailed organisation with the school to avoid lesson changeovers as well as school start and finish times.

Jane Burrows, Finance Director, Myton School: “Portakabin worked swiftly and effectively with Myton School to deliver emergency classroom accommodation and welfare units in a very short period of time. Due to the accelerated nature of the solution from Portakabin, Myton School was able to minimise disruption to learning with all students back in classrooms by the end of October 2023.”

What the RAAC crisis started to uncover was a tragically aging estate, a School Rebuilding Programme well behind schedule and the gradual decline of quality teaching spaces.

Nick Griffin, Managing Director at Portakabin comments: “Out of over 20,000 schools and colleges in England alone, over 200 had confirmed RAAC by the end of the autumn term, which is around 1%. Over 100 of these schools will in time need one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished where work to remove RAAC is more extensive and complex. This is incredibly important to protect education for our young people.

“Our prerogative during the initial crisis was to deliver quickly, with as little impact as possible to day-to-day learning. Our teams operate with a level of care, quality and professionalism which comes from working with educational providers day in, day out. Of all the schools we were working with last year, over 33% were specifically impacted by RAAC so our project delivery teams around the country were able to continually evolve the service and speed of our response.

“We were delighted to join the team at Myton School last month to handover Phase 2 of their buildings, a modular village which provided specialist classrooms and learning environments meaning the school can continue to deliver the same opportunities to its students, regardless of the impact of the RAAC crisis.”

While a long-term solution to the RAAC crisis is devised, Portakabin continues to offer solutions when and where they are needed most, providing a variety of buildings, both temporary and permanent.

Partnering with Portakabin (youtube.com)

Responding to the RAAC Crisis (youtube.com)

Delivering Exceptional Learning Environments (youtube.com)

Challenging Projects (youtube.com)

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Q&A with Michael Simpson, Technical Advisor at SFS

SFS Group Fastening Technology’s Construction Division is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of carbon and stainless-steel fastening solutions for roofing, cladding and façade systems. Additionally, SFS manufactures an award-winning fall protection range, innovative rainscreen subframe systems and high-quality hinges for windows and doors.  The reputation of this established company, which has been in the UK for over 120 years, rests on value added propositions along with company-wide technical expertise.

Here, Michael Simpson, technical advisor at SFS, talks about his role in helping clients find solutions to their construction challenges.

How long have you worked at SFS? 

I have worked for SFS since January 2024. 

What were your previous roles?

I have 28 years’ experience in the cladding industry. I’ve done pretty much everything from installing a wide range of rainscreen cladding systems, overcoming technical issues, negotiating with clients and specifiers all whilst managing several projects and training and supervising numerous installation teams. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I just love cladding and love working with people to get the job done! I now have direct contact with customers and enjoy talking them through all aspects of their projects and helping them find solutions to the most challenging jobs.

What has been the most exciting project you have worked on with SFS?

I was involved with installation trials and photoshoots for a new product launch recently which involved me demonstrating the new system in front of the camera. That was a real buzz!

What new ideas and strategies are you working on at the moment?

I’ve got so many ideas and suggestions based on my wealth of knowledge; I am currently deeply engaged in testing some of the upcoming new SFS ConnectSuite of free online tools. Strategically, I view my work as a way to secure the future of my customers by offering excellent, yet practical advice based on my experience.

Describe how you provide technical support to customers?

Our priorities include providing our customers with the technical support they need by making recommendations based on our SFS NVELOPE subframe and fixing systems. This uses fantastic tools such as Project Builder. I like to think my installation know-how learned over many years, adds another level of expertise to our service as I have first-hand knowledge which enables me to visualise what a customer describes to really understand the detail and requirements.

When SFS introduces a new product, do you undertake training to get to know the product and its application to help you assist customers?

Yes, I’ve already supported the launch of our SFS NVELOPE NVS RP system. I really enjoyed this. I’m always interested in seeing new SFS products so I can gain the best understanding of how it works so I can help our customers to get the best solution for their projects. 

How does the technical department fit in with other departments at SFS UK?

I’m part of our SFS Technical Team headed up by our UK Technical Manager, Gordon Hines.  We support all technical enquiries for our building envelope product lines, including rainscreen, roofing & cladding and fall protection. We are always on hand to support our sales team so they can offer their customers a knowledgeable service.

Which other departments do you provide support and advice to?

Any department that requires our expertise. This could be supporting our marketing or customer experience team as an example, with any technical advice or updates as necessary 

For further information, call 0330 0555888 or visit https://uk.sfs.com/

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AIM FIRE STOP BLOCKS NOW TESTED FOR WIDER APPLICATION

AIM – Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing Fire Stop Blocks are now backed by test evidence covering a wider range of applications.  Tested to the principles of BS EN 1366-4:2021, AIM’s Fire Stop Blocks also have IFC Certification Ltd third-party certification.  

Made from high density stonewool, AIM Fire Stop Blocks are incorporated into multi storey buildings during construction to seal apertures.  They are used where the underside of a profiled metal sheet, typically a composite deck, needs to be filled to prevent the passage of smoke and fire to maintain fire compartment lines and to reduce the transmission of sound.

“At AIM we continuously strive to improve our product certification.  We now have test evidence covering a much wider range than previously – we think the widest of all fire stop block manufacturers,” explains Ian Exall, AIM’s Commercial Director.

“Our Fire Stop Block range is comprehensive.  Additionally, our CNC machine can manufacture Fire Stop Blocks to pretty much any profile,” he adds.  

Available in lengths up to 1200mm or in shorter pre-cut blocks, AIM’s Fire Stop Blocks are designed to fill the flutes of trapezoidal formwork.  With its CNC wire saw capability AIM manufactures Fire Stop Blocks to almost any profile or customer’s dimensions.  The CNC cut provides ultimate accuracy especially for profiles with rounded shoulders.  

For maximum protection, Fire Stop Blocks should be sourced at a length to match the width of the wall or partition.  The compression fit means mastics and sealants are not required for most applications and the Fire Stop Blocks are easy to install without tools.  If the head of a masonry wall is rough, then a metal ‘slip plate’ can be used to provide a smooth surface for the Fire Stop Block to slide across.  

Ablative/pre-painted Fire Stop Blocks are also available if required, these should be sealed around their perimeter using AIM Acrylic Intumescent Mastic.

AIM’s 100mm Fire Stop Blocks provide a one-hour integrity and insulation fire rating whilst the 125mm solution provides a two-hour integrity and insulation fire rating.  The ratings are supported by testing to BS EN 1366-4:2021, which provide a specific methodology for ‘testing fire stops installed into permanent trapezoidal formwork’.  Tata Steel’s C19, CF80 and CF225 profiles were used in the testing programme – direct field of application that covers most profiled metal decking available in the current market.  

Ablative Fire Stop Blocks, sealed with AIM Intumescent Mastic, have also been tested for applications where air tightness and general aesthetics are more important.

The tested profiles are now supported by third party certification from UKAS accredited IFC Certification Ltd, a process involving independent auditors which ensures the product that had been fire tested is the product that is sold to market and the finished product is manufactured to consistently high standards.  Regular audits ensure the standards of production are maintained.

A new AIM Fire Stop Block technical datasheet, which explains the application, scope of test evidence and fixing instructions, is available to download at: https://www.aimlimited.co.uk/solutions/fire-stop-blocks-2/   

AIM’s specification team is on hand to advise specifiers, fire consultants/engineers, metal deck system holders and installers, including cladding and bricklaying contractors, dryliners and fire protection contractors.

Part of the Performance Technology Group, UK-based Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing has over 30 years-experience in the design, testing and manufacturing of high-quality fire, thermal and acoustic barriers.  The company produces a wide variety of bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products.  

www.aimlimited.co.uk

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