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Overheating Assessments for Residential and Commercial Developments
At the design stage of the project, it is important to ensure that not only is the building insulated well but that it also does not overheat across the year. Overheating assessments design around non-compliance overheating issues, as part of planning permission or as part of an energy statement.
Approved Document O, also known as Part O, TM59, TM52 and Guide A
When designing a project, it is important to ensure overheating is not an issue across the whole year, this enables building occupants a good level of thermal comfort, it also limits the need for additional cooling where required. As buildings become more insulated then the danger of high temperatures in buildings increases during the summer months, without overheating design the risk is not a comfortable environment to live or work. Completing an Overheating analysis at building design stage can help avoid this.
The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has produced guidance on overheating in documents titled TM52, TM59 and Guide A. These guidelines set out the criteria to ensure that overheating within a building does not occur. The different guidance covers commercial and residential and if the building is cooled, naturally ventilated and mechanically ventilated to be certain the correct criteria is set for the building type and design.
Approved Document O of the Building Regulations was published to assess overheating risk in UK residential new-build during summer months. Part O overheating analysis has two options for compliance:
Part O Overheating Assessments are best carried out at an early design stage to ensure that the development meets compliance to Part O.
Our Overheating Assessor input into the architectural design stage, so as to enable correct design, minimising the risk of your project suffering from overheating. Our assessors utilise thermal modelling techniques and take into consideration schedules, equipment, employees and solar gains. Design input enables either passive ventilation or mechanical ventilation strategy so as to reduce the risk of overheating.
Increasingly, UK Councils are applying such requirements to Planning Consent, requiring assessments to support discharge of planning conditions.
Our Overheating Assessors can produce assessments for a range of residential or commercial buildings. We are best placed to offer guidance and advice. If desired we can deal directly with your Building Control Officer ensuring the correct information, we provide:
We offer a professional service to undertake overheating analysis and would be more than happy to assist you with your requirements, feel free to get in touch with one of our consultants and we will be able to advice further.
