6 Pages
1619 Words
Introduction To Construction Technology And Services
Part 1 – Services
Heating
The sustainable domestic dwelling has been compiled with UK building regulations designing a modern aspect. Therefore, the focus has been on integrating services and finishes that are energy-efficient, and sustainable (Hafez et al., 2023). The key services have also been including a high-efficiency heating system and it has also been utilizing heat pumps or biomass boilers.
Ventilation
A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system has also been promoting optimal indoor air quality (Coggins et al., 2022). Therefore, water-efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems have also been paired with smart home systems for efficient electrical usage. Renewable energy sources can also be incorporated to further reduce the dwelling's carbon footprint such as solar panels.
Water
The building should be well insulated using high-performance materials to minimize thermal bridges and heat loss. Furthermore, it is also to be stated that Part of the UK building regulations are also related to this. Low-flow water fixtures, efficient appliances and greywater recycling systems have been aligning with Part G standards. The Building Regulations 2010 in England under the powers of the Building Act 1984 has also been playing a crucial role in the construction and modification of buildings (Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk, 2020). The regulation has been ensuring the health and safety of individuals in and around buildings. It is also possible through setting standards for design and construction that prevent building failures. Therefore, it has also been reducing the risk of injury in and around buildings. It has also been ensuring safe access and egress in cases of emergencies.
Electrical
On the other hand, high-efficiency appliances have been implying that the house has also been using as little electricity as possible without sacrificing functionality. These components have also been integrated by smart home systems and it has also been offering real-time energy control and monitoring. Moreover, it has made it possible for the entire house to consume energy in an adaptable and efficient manner. Even when the homeowners are not there, these technologies may modify the settings for maximum energy savings, enabling the house to be both intelligent and responsive to energy requirements (Coggins et al., 2022). Reducing reliance on outside power sources and lowering the carbon footprint of the house can be achieved by integrating renewable energy sources. It has also been including tiny wind turbines or solar photovoltaic panels. The capacity of solar panels to convert sunshine into electricity has made them popular. Small wind turbines have also been focusing on areas with sufficient wind resources and it has also been contributing to the home's energy mix.
Insulation and Building Materials
Finishes include recyclable or sustainable materials for floors and cabinets, low-VOC paints and energy-efficient windows. It has also been has improved the aesthetics and environmental efficiency of a property. When selecting insulation and building materials, it is imperative to consider many elements such as thermal performance, environmental impact, durability and compatibility with other building components (Coggins et al., 2022). Selecting the right materials for a home has also been improving its comfort, durability and energy efficiency. A home can balance comfort, environmental friendliness and efficiency.
Conclusion
The "English Building Regulations of 2010" are crucial for ensuring the durability, effectiveness and security. The difficulties they face in common are structural integrity, fire safety, energy conservation, water efficiency, and accessibility. It is also important to mention that they have been providing a comprehensive set of guidelines and standards that govern the planning, development and alteration. Following these laws have also been allowed construction practices to increase resource efficiency while also increasing public health and safety. Further evidence of the regulations' commitment to the long-term sustainability of the built environment as well as the immediate welfare of people can be found in its implementation. It has also made them an essential component of responsible and ethical design and construction in England.
Part 2 – Finishes
Walls
In the selection of finishes for a modern domestic dwelling, it is imperative to prioritize aesthetic and functional considerations and it is also needed to comply with safety and regulatory standards, particularly concerning fire safety in tall buildings. According to regulation 7(2) of the Building Regulations and Approved Document B Volume 2, Part B4, there are strict restrictions on the use of combustible materials in the external walls of buildings over 18 meters in height (Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk, 2020). It is also identified that when selecting finishes for such structures, one must opt for non-combustible materials to ensure the safety of the building's occupants and align with legal requirements.
Roofs
Green roofs, or living roofs have also been consisting of a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproofing system (Green Roofs, 2014). Green roofs are part of sustainable building practices and it has also been contributing to thermal regulation and energy efficiency.
Metal roofs are durable and they can be very energy efficient when treated with reflective coatings. Long-term durability with little maintenance has been provided by materials including copper, steel, and aluminium. In addition to being fire resistant, they can be made to resemble conventional roof designs. It has also been in line with the rules pertaining to tall buildings. Compared to conventional solar panels, solar tiles or shingles have a more attractive appearance. In addition, they are integrated into the roof and produce electricity from sunshine. By lowering dependency on outside power sources, this option improves the home's sustainability and energy efficiency.
Floors
The unique requirements of each area, the overall design aesthetic, and the material's sustainability and energy efficiency should all be taken into account when choosing flooring materials. To improve the comfort and energy efficiency of the house, underfloor heating systems can also be taken into consideration in combination with specific floor treatments (James, 2023). The appearance, feel, and environmental effect of a home may be greatly influenced by the flooring selection, making it an essential component of comfortable and sustainable home design.
Ceilings
Modern residential ceiling finish selection requires striking a balance between utility, style, and energy efficiency. The most popular option is traditional paint-finished plaster or plasterboard. It has been providing a silky canvas with customisable colours and textures to match any type of interior design. Acoustic tiles or panels can be used to improve the acoustics, particularly in spaces like home cinemas or studios, by absorbing sound and reducing echoes (James, 2023). As a result, it has continued to enhance the room's comfort and overall sound quality. A room can be made cosier and more rustic by incorporating exposed wooden beams or panels, which also offer the advantage of natural beauty and sustainable sourcing. Suspended ceilings can be used with creative lighting schemes or acoustic treatments, and they are a useful way to hide piping, ducting, and wiring.
Trimmings
Modern trim alternatives could be made of metal, PVC, or polyurethane in addition to wood. As a result, it has also provided longevity and resistance to corrosion and moisture, both of which are crucial qualities in spaces like kitchens and baths. It is also to be stated that materials can be shaped into a broad range of profiles to accommodate different design styles. It has also been focusing from contemporary and minimalist to elaborate and classic. Additionally, trims can be chosen to improve energy efficiency and window and door casings are essential for enhancing insulation and keeping out drafts.
Important considerations include the colour and quality of the trims and they are also enhancing the colour of the walls, the flooring and other design components. For a seamless impression in minimalist or contemporary designs, trims can be painted the same colour as the walls. The size and scale of the trimmings need to be also match the dimensions of the room and the height of the ceiling. It has also been focusing on the different perspectives as they enhance the overall harmony and feeling of space in the room.
References
- Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk (2020). The Merged Approved Documents The Building Regulations 2010. [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6408a125d3bf7f25fa417ab7/The_Merged_Approved_Documents_Mar23.pdf.
- Coggins, A.M., Wemken, N., Mishra, A.K., Sharkey, M., Horgan, L., Cowie, H., Bourdin, E. and McIntyre, B. (2022). Indoor air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation in deep energy retrofitted Irish dwellings. Building and Environment, [online] 219, p.109236. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109236.
- Green Roofs (2014). Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. [online] Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Available at: https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs [Accessed 29 Dec. 2023].
- Hafez, F.S., Sa'di, B., Safa-Gamal, M., Taufiq-Yap, Y.H., Alrifaey, M., Seyedmahmoudian, M., Stojcevski, A., Horan, B. and Mekhilef, S. (2023). Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Buildings: a Systematic Review with Taxonomy, Challenges, Motivations, Methodological Aspects, Recommendations, and Pathways for Future Research. Energy Strategy Reviews, [online] 45(101013), p.101013. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2022.101013.
- James, C. (2023). Underfloor Heating vs Radiators: Making the Right Choice for Your Home. [online] Wunda. Available at: https://www.wundagroup.com/journal/2023/06/21/underfloor-heating-vs-radiators/ [Accessed 28 Dec. 2023].
