Achieving Performance Through Airtightness

Unlock the Secrets to an Exceptional Home Performance: Director of Borland Architecture Roger Borland Reveals the Key Role of Airtightness in Enhancing Well-being and Health

Introduction:

Step into the enchanting realm of architectural design, where every minute detail holds profound significance, and each decision possesses the remarkable ability to revolutionise our way of life. Today, we embark on an exploration of the captivating domain of airtightness in building construction, an essential element in crafting high-performance, energy-efficient structures that cultivate a healthy living environment. As an authority in the field of building science and the design of Passive Houses, we delve deep into the far-reaching impact of airtightness on building performance, occupant health, and acoustic comfort.

The human body is exquisitely attuned to seek comfort in its surroundings and we possess minimal tolerance for temperature fluctuations, drafts, and noise disturbances. When these thresholds are exceeded, we find ourselves compelled to make adjustments—such as heating or cooling our environment, segregating spaces, or modifying our attire. It is imperative that our homes are optimised to deliver unparalleled comfort without the need to constrantly adjust our environment so we can rest and be well. Achieving this goal requires a comprehensive understanding of these tolerance levels, enabling us to design buildings that maintain an ideal indoor environment despite external conditions. Moreover, our homes can and should achieve this while embracing superlative energy efficiency, reducing their reliance on costly energy resources and mitigating their ecological impact.

A splendid illustration by Saint-Gobain, masterfully crafted by Elisa Géhin, perfectly encapsulates the delicate equilibrium we must strive for an equilibrium that harmonises comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Building Performance and Energy Efficiency:

Airtightness measures the effectiveness of a building envelope in preventing undesired air leakage. By ensuring a high level of airtightness, architects and designers can fashion structures that minimise heat loss and gain, leading to substantial energy savings. A tightly sealed building envelope serves as a thermal barrier, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling systems, which, in turn, curbs energy consumption and lessens environmental impact.

To fully appreciate the significance of airtightness in building performance, let us envisage a structure where drafts are eradicated, and temperature fluctuations are minimised. Such buildings establish a comfortable indoor environment year-round, amplifying the well-being of its occupants. With diminished energy demands, these structures contribute to a sustainable future while simultaneously reducing utility costs for their inhabitants.

Occupant Health and Indoor Air Quality:

Airtightness not only influences building performance but also plays a pivotal role in upholding optimal indoor air quality. A tightly sealed building envelope acts as a shield against outdoor pollutants, allergens, and even noise infiltration. It thwarts the ingress of dust, pollen, and other contaminants, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

By diminishing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, airtight buildings aid in minimising the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other health issues. Improved indoor air quality directly contributes to the overall well-being and productivity of the occupants. The air within these structures remains fresh, clean, and devoid of harmful substances, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who reside within.

image courtest of Ionmax.com.au

Acoustic Comfort:

In addition to the thermal and health benefits, airtightness also lends itself to acoustic comfort within buildings. Unwanted noise from the surrounding environment can significantly disrupt concentration, sleep, and overall well-being. An airtight building envelope acts as a sound barrier, reducing noise infiltration and creating a peaceful and serene indoor environment.

By minimising sound transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings, airtight buildings bestow upon occupants a tranquil and undisturbed living or working environment. This aspect assumes particular importance in urban areas where noise pollution poses an ongoing challenge. Thus, airtightness plays an indispensable role in cultivating a sense of tranquillity and augmenting the overall user experience.

Ventilation:

Of course, in an airtight building, the necessity for fresh air remains paramount to sustain a safe and healthy habitation. Introducing this air naturally becomes unfeasible due to the absence of leaks in the building envelope. As high-performance building designers, we utilise Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems (HRV or MHRV) to address this crucial aspect. These systems not only deliver precisely the right amount of filtered fresh air to every living space but also serve as replacements for exhaust fans. The remarkable efficiency of these systems lies in their ability to recycle up to 90% of the energy contained in the outgoing air, ensuring optimal efficiency while maintaining a continuous flow of fresh air throughout the building. With the integration of HRV technology, we strike a delicate balance between airtightness and ventilation, guaranteeing that occupants experience a living environment that is not only energy-efficient and airtight but also sustains a constant supply of fresh, clean air.

Conclusion:

Airtightness in building construction is not merely about sealing gaps and cracks; it entails creating a harmonious environment that fosters both building performance and occupant well-being. By prioritising airtightness, architects and designers can fashion structures that are energy-efficient, provide excellent indoor air quality, and ensure acoustic comfort. These buildings stand as beacons of sustainable design, offering homes which seamlessly aligns with the needs of its occupants. Let us embrace the power of airtightness and construct spaces that genuinely make a difference in our lives.

Borland Architecture are a Passive House Certified Designer. This gives us a unique set of skills and expertise to design your house with accreditation to these high standards. We believe you deserve a home that performs as well as it looks and Passive House is one of the only routes to achieve this balance.

If like us, you too believe that quality should go beyond how good a home looks, get in touch to discuss how we can assist.