their efficacy cou leibe proved to satisfy the regulation's performance objective. But the BC officer was insistent that fire safety is paramount so timber structural members and wall surfaces were painted with intumescent paint, which the architect felt was introducing a toxic material. BC also viewed historic buildings as being equally obliged to contribute to energy efficiency and reduction in CO 2 emissions. [There is the possibility of obtaining a determination of the appropriate regulation (that is, a relaxation) by offsetting lack of insulation in one part of the building by extra in another.] The solid stone external walls were originally lined with timber wainscot to dado height to feel warm to the touch. Historic Scotland at first refused permission for the boarding to be touched, but eventually agreed to allow all the external walls to be insulated with 150 mm mineral wool, re-fixing the timber wainscot and new plasterboard finish at high level. Rainwater is collected, cleansed by ultra-violet light filter, and used to flush the toilets: the storage tanks are intentionally visible from one of the staircases. Occupants can open the windows but, in order to reduce the likelihood of opening windows for fresh air while simultaneously increasing the temperature of the radiators, thereby wasting energy, offices are mechanically ventilated to provide fresh air at a comfortable level. Exhaust air passes over a heat exchanger to preheat the fresh air, and on the top floor the incoming air is gently sucked into the system from under the roof slates where it has been preheated by solar gain. The predicted energy consumption of the building is 60% of DETR Good Practice figures for offices but has not yet been confirmed. However, the building is found to overheat in summer, presumably clue to the internal insulation of the outer walls reducing the thermal mass available to act as a heat sink which would even out the diurnal temperature gains. The draught-stripping of the original sliding sash windows was orn itted from the building contract to make an initial saving. This has resulted in making the windows hard to open, and also means that the space between them and the secondary glazing is ventilated. It is intended to undertake this task as a maintenance item. However, this will create conditions where condensation may occur on the inner face of the outer panes of glass causing obscuring of the light and view, and running condensate and black mould on the paintwork. I would suggest a cautious approach: that just a sample of windows be draughtstripped to discover the effect. Even as Context65March2000 Servicesincorridor. a 'trickle ventilated' space, the outer windows are providing a sheltered environment for the inner secondary glazing, improving their efficiency over double glazing. Socialprogresswhichmeetstheneedsof everyone. Organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, Regeneration Through Heritage and English Heritage (eg HERS)all seek to demonstrate that conservation of the historic environment per se can be a catalyst for social and economic regeneration. The continuing social function of Norton Park School, a landmark building, is a significant factor in its contribution to the social regeneration of the area. The continuing social function of Norton Park Schoo( a landmark building) is a significant factor in its contribution to the social regeneration of the area. Norton Park provides a large proportion of barrier-free environment, achieved by locating tenants with mobility impairments on the top floor where the floor-to-floor room heights precluded the insertion of mezzanine floors, reached by stairs. This sort of solution has to be carefully handled to avoid creating a 'ghetto', so the social areas, which are accessible, are important to provide good opportunities for social mixing of all occupants. The vetting of contractors' and suppliers' employment record also contributed to this objective for social progress, raising awareness of the need for improvement amongst those contractors that did not qualify. The architect felt the pressure of invalidating his professional indemnity insurance in the face of specifying materials where the performance cannot be guaranteed and the inability to apply British Standards to recycled materials and products. The skills to judge materials as being 'fit for the purpose' do still exist and could be further improved and taught. Historically, these visual and hand assessment techniques were passed from generation to generation. The traditional apprenticeship gave the time for many situations to be encountered and learnt from, and the following period as a journeyman gave breadth of experience to fill in gaps in the education. Pride in their trade would encou rage masters to share knowledge with bona fide apprentices, to maintain standards and status. As discussed in the previous article on this subject, skilled work satisfies a human need for personal improvement, fulfilment and a sense of achievement; so an aspect of social progress which development in the historic environment can provide, lies in opportunities to develop and use traditional craft skills. Effectiveprotectionof theenvironment Apart from the 'Glulam' beams to support the mezzanines which the manufacturers would not supply untreated, toxic chemicals were not used unnecessarily. Introducing the mezzanine floors has increased occupancy rates which improves the energy efficiency of the available space. Triple glazing, high levels of insulation, and combining mechanical ventilation with heat recove1y and natural ventilation greatly reduce energy consumption. However, there is a significant problem of discomfo1t from overheating in the summer months by having altered the historic thermal performance of the masonry fabric to act as a heat sink. The natural lighting, a characteristic of Victorian schoolrooms, is significantly 35
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=