The design brief for Trumpington Community College was for open teaching spaces overlooking a large, airy atrium. The challenge for Max Fordham’s acoustic engineers was ensuring teachers were not disturbed by noise from neighbouring spaces. Andy Pearson reports
Author: Alex Smith
Measuring beyond energy in a school POE
Evidence gathered from a school campus in London shows the lessons that can be learned from a holistic approach to building design and operation, which improves energy performance while ensuring indoor environment quality. By lead author Nishesh Jain, Dr Esfand Burman and Dr Craig Robertson
Materials for potable water
Careful specification of the materials for drinking water applications will ensure the quality of the supply within a building is maintained. Here, Scott James, Director at Viega discusses the factors that engineers and installers need to consider
Key changes in the updated Heat Networks Code of Practice
A major update to the Heat Networks Code of Practice includes key performance outputs that allow clients to check their networks are performing as designed. Here, the authors highlight the major revisions
Hays Salary Survey 2019: Bridge over troubled water
Uncertainty over Brexit has not dented the confidence of the building services sector. Above-average pay rises and a continuing skills shortage mean adventurous engineers still have many opportunities to explore. David Blackman reports
SAP 10: Other factors to consider
Lower carbon factors for grid electricity, in draft SAP 10, will profoundly affect how designers provide heat and power to buildings. Remeha’s general manager, Mike Hefford, puts the case for monthly intensity calculations
Ten classic problems with occupant survey research
Findings from occupant surveys may not be as robust as researchers claim. Roderic Bunn highlights potential flaws in health, comfort and productivity studies
Refrigerant choice
Despite the F-Gas phasedown that is taking place over the next 12 years, there is still a wide range of refrigerants available. Martin Passingham, product manager for DX at Daikin UK looks at the current landscape and the factors that inform the selection of refrigerants
The pressing issue of pipe selection
Developments in multilayer pipe means that it is now increasingly used for applications such as heating systems and drinking water pipework. Here, Scott James, Director at Viega discusses the growth in popularity of multilayer pipe and what engineers need to consider when selecting a system.
Pipework commissioning considerations to prevent corrosion and contamination
The quality of the pipework testing and commissioning process is vital to protect the system and prevent costly and time-consuming remedial work after the fit out is complete. Viega director Scott James looks at the issues to consider and explains why the choice of connection method is so important