Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Enhancing Sound Insulation

Enhancing Sound Insulation Of Double Leaf Walls With New Stud Types

A novel analytical model reveals the superior acoustic advantages of acoustical and steel studs over traditional wooden configurations.

A new analytical model has unveiled significant insights on the sound insulation performance of lightweight double leaf walls, particularly emphasizing the role of various stud types. This research draws attention to the challenges inherent in predicting sound transmission loss (STL) due to complex structural configurations, providing architects with valuable tools for optimizing acoustic environments.

Double leaf wall structures are prevalent in the construction of modern buildings, such as hotels, open offices, and residential complexes. While their lightweight nature and ease of assembly make them appealing, their sound insulation capabilities have often fallen short of required standards. This study, led by researchers from China, introduces innovative methodologies for evaluating and enhancing the acoustic performance of these walls.

One of the principal findings of this research is the sound bridge effect, which occurs when varying stud types introduce mechanical connections between wall leaves, thereby enabling vibration energy transfer. The analysis demonstrates how traditional wooden studs contribute more significantly to this effect compared to lighter steel studs. Notably, the researchers advocate for using acoustical studs equipped with rubber sound isolation inserts to achieve superior sound insulation performance.

The innovative analytical model allows for rapid predictions of STL for commonly used double leaf wall configurations, including those incorporating wooden, steel, and acoustical studs. This model enhances practicality for architects and builders by streamlining sound insulation evaluations and facilitating informed design choices. Previous methods primarily focused on rigid configurations, lacking comprehensive comparisons across stud types, particularly newer, more flexible configurations.

The research systematically evaluates various double leaf walls’ airborne sound transmission characteristics, offering empirical data derived from rigorous analytical methods. Key findings indicate substantial differences between configurations, highlighting the effectiveness of acoustical studs over wooden and standard steel variants. Specifically, it was found, “We propose using acoustical studs with rubber sound isolation inserts, which achieves high-level sound insulation performance,” showcasing how optimized stud designs can significantly improve acoustic separation between wall leaves.

Parametric studies within the research focused on variables such as stud spacing and wall dimensions, determining their effect on STL within specific frequency ranges. It was observed, for example, reduced stud spacing led to improved stiffness and overall insulation, making smaller stud arrangements preferable for enhancing soundproofing without compromising structural integrity.

This research particularly addresses previous shortcomings faced by builders when selecting stud types for double leaf walls—enabling them to combine optimal sound performance with the lightweight benefits required for modern construction techniques. “Traditional wooden studs contribute more to the sound bridge effect compared to steel studs of the same structure,” adds clarity to choosing materials based on performance metrics.

Given the notable benefits stemming from this study, these findings bear significant relevance for the construction industry—especially as demands for more efficient, soundproof environments grow. Builders and architects can leverage this work to implement sound-efficient designs more effectively, ensuring both compliance with sound standards and satisfaction among building occupants.

Future research will likely explore environmentally friendly materials and the integration of advanced technologies to optimize wall configurations, with aspirations to contribute toward carbon neutrality goals within the sector. By refining lightweight wall design practices, this study paves the way for innovative approaches to meeting rising acoustic and structural demands.

Source: The Pinnacle Gazette

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Breathing Buildings’ NVHRe Wins at Energy Saving Awards

 

Breathing Buildings, a leading provider of controlled natural and hybrid ventilation systems, has scooped the Commercial Ventilation Product of the Year Award at this year’s prestigious Energy Saving Awards. The company won the award for its new NVHRe, Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe), which is its latest addition to its award-winning range of Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling (NVHR®) systems. This is the second award Breathing Buildings has won for this innovative product, it also won ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the HVR Awards 2024 in September. Breathing Buildings was presented the accolade at a glittering awards ceremony at The De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London on 6th December 2024.

 

The Energy Saving Awards, organised by leading publications Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News (PHAM News) and Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI), is an event celebrating the very best professionals, products and projects across the Plumbing, HVAC and Energy Management sectors. The awards have been created to acknowledge the important work that has been achieved by manufacturers, installers, contractors, suppliers and organisations to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high and after a rigorous judging process Breathing Buildings won the award for its innovative NVHRe, which raises the bar on energy-efficient ventilation.

 

Marking the next step in hybrid ventilation technology, the key difference between Breathing Buildings’ original NVHR® range and the new innovative Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe), is the addition of a low resistance heat exchanger cell within the unit. This allows the unit to benefit from both heat recycling and heat recovery, reclaiming even more heat than previous models, saving more energy, providing great occupant comfort, and allowing users to include it within the building energy assessments (SBEM).

Alexis Roberts, Brand Manager at Breathing Buildings said:

“We are delighted Breathing Buildings’ NVHRe won the ‘Commercial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the prestigious Energy Saving Awards 2024 and has been recognised by the industry. Our NVHRe takes all the benefits of energy-efficient hybrid ventilation one step further by providing natural ventilation with heat recycling and heat recovery. Providing an industry-leading ventilation product for commercial and public buildings, such as offices and schools.  The Breathing Buildings NVHRe, boasts the lowest energy consumption and delivers 46% heat recovery efficiency with extremely low SFP levels to help building owners achieve their sustainability targets on the journey to Net-Zero Carbon. Breathing Buildings has completed the CIBSE TM65 methodology, these documents are readily available to help specifiers compare the NVHRe to other products in the market, enabling them to select the most efficient, sustainable products.”

Offering the lowest energy consumption for a hybrid heat recovery ventilation unit in the industry, the NVHRe combines 46% heat recovery efficiency with low Specific Fan Power (SFP) of 0.075 W/l/s to help maximise a building’s energy savings. In addition, the NVHRe has several different operating modes to minimise energy use, enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) and improve occupant comfort. An intelligent hybrid system, the unit automatically decides when and if mechanical operation is required, ensuring it only operates when absolutely necessary.

 

Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, the NVHRe is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. The inclusion of the low resistant aluminium cross plate heat exchanger to the unit lowers energy costs by reducing the reliance on space heating to maintain thermal comfort in a room. It operates during colder external temperatures, typically below 7ºC when mixing recycled air alone is not enough to maintain the desired temperature for occupants.

 

The range also includes units that can be the primary source of heat; eliminating the need for other heating sources such as radiators, as well as a system that can offer further cooling. The British designed and manufactured units come in three models with product variations to suit every need with the standard NVHRe 1100 an NVHRe+ 1100 which includes a heating coil and is ideal for buildings in cooler areas; and an NVHRe C+ 1100 which features a heating and cooling coil for year-round comfort and full temperature control.

 

The NVHRe hybrid ventilation system’s ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural and hybrid ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains, with the addition of heat recovery to deliver superb thermal comfort and IAQ. Hybrid ventilation focuses on the vital balance of IAQ, thermal comfort, and efficiency by choosing the most appropriate mode of ventilation based on the internal and external conditions, allowing the NVHRe to be in the most energy-efficient mode possible at all stages.

 

Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer, with the addition of heat recovery to bolster winter thermal comfort, minimising the need for a primary source of heating for the space, such as radiators or air conditioning units, this reduces energy costs. Supplied with an external temperature sensor, and an internal temperature and CO2 sensor, as well as an intelligent controller the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing.

 

NVHRe optimises IAQ, comfort and efficiency by automatically switching between natural, hybrid and mechanical ventilation, maximising benefits. The unit has four modes: Summer Natural Mode, Summer Mechanical Mode, Winter Mode: Mixing and Winter Mode: Mixing with Heat Recovery. The Summer Natural Mode enables the unit to maximise the benefits of passive ventilation by opening the high-quality motorised damper and ventilating with zero cost. The Summer Mechanical Mode enables the hybrid technology to maximise ventilation by working in conjunction with other openings and providing cooler air. In Winter the Mixing Mode and Mixing with Heat Recovery strategies offer huge heating-bill savings as they recycle and recover heat while providing ventilation to ensure excellent IAQ and thermal comfort that enhance occupant comfort, health and productivity.

 

In addition, the NVHRe features a dedicated control panel seamlessly built into the side of the unit for easy access on-site, this is pre-configured. A micro-SD card is included free of charge, this collects operational data for up to 15 years. The data can easily be exported for analysis enabling the building owner to ensure the units are running efficiently.

 

Manufactured using high-quality components, the unit is easy to install and maintain. All core components are easily accessible by removing the panel beneath the unit. Each component can be serviced in-situ to ensure it operates efficiently and for as long as possible enhancing the overall longevity of the unit, rather than needing to replace a whole unit. In addition to incorporating the most energy efficient components and ensuring they are easily maintained. Breathing Buildings has given careful thought to the entire lifespan of the NVHRe, ensuring that all key components are recyclable at the end-of-use.

 

Breathing Buildings’ multi-award-winning natural ventilation with heat recycling (NVHR®) range has won a raft of awards. The company’s NVHRe won the ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024. Meanwhile, its NVHR® range won the Energy Efficient Product of the Year Award at the prestigious Energy Awards, and also won three awards for providing ventilation to the East Anglian Air Ambulance project with the Breathing Buildings’ NVHR® range.

CLICK HERE

For further information on the Energy Saving Awards

 

For further information on NVHR®, NVHRe and E-stack ventilation,

as well as other products and services offered by Breathing Buildings

CLICK HERE

of call us on 01223 450 060

 

 

 

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GF BUILDING FLOW SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES NEW CPD ON MLC PIPEWORK

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The new CIBSE accredited CPD from GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) offers valuable insight into the many benefits of multi-layered composite (MLC) pipework, with a particular focus on its hygienic and sustainability credentials. The hour long, face-to-face session for building service engineers will look at the relevant legislation, best practice installation methods and dispel common myths surrounding MLC to support well informed specification decisions. 

 

The comprehensive CPD entitled: ‘The popularity and multiple benefits of MLC pipe systems,’ covers the size of the pipe market, legislation and megatrends. Following a review of the material’s features and benefits, the CPD goes on to look at hygienic considerations and how to prevent legionella, installation methods, project examples, as well as detailed technical aspects of MLC pipe systems including jointing technology and temperature ranges.

 

Rob Oakley, Business Development Manager at GF Building Flow Solutions said:

“MLC pipework has several advantages when compared to other materials. Our CPD aims to deepen the attendees’ knowledge of these systems and really showcase how they can deliver reliable, hygienic and sustainable solutions.”

PLEASE CLICK HERE 

To register interest and book onto GF Building Flow Solutions’ new CPD

 

or CLICK HERE to email Robert or call him on +44 (0) 7825 682930

 

 

GF Building Flow Solutions, a division of GF, is a leading global provider of sustainable and innovative solutions, making water flow in buildings. The division, stemming from the 2023 acquisition of Uponor by GF, provides safe solutions for hot and cold water supply and control, noise-reducing wastewater systems, as well as energy-efficient heating and cooling. Its focus is to enable its customers in the residential and commercial space to be more productive and sustainable, while ensuring comfort, health and efficiency. GF Building Flow Solutions has sales companies in 30 countries and production sites in 13 locations across Europe and the Americas. 

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Companies Suspected of Colluding to Rig Bids

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has reason to suspect that several companies providing roofing and construction services – including building contractors and technical advisors – illegally colluded to rig bids to secure contracts funded through the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). The CMA has particular concerns in relation to roofing contracts.

CIF money is awarded annually by the Department for Education (DfE) and can involve significant sums of money. Funds are primarily awarded to schools with buildings in poor condition, to ensure educational buildings are safe and remain in good working order – this includes funding projects that address health and safety issues and building compliance.

Juliette Enser, Executive Director of Competition Enforcement, at the CMA said:

This fund is incredibly important and ensures that essential building improvements can be made to schools throughout England, meaning students are learning in safe and suitable environments.

While no assumptions should be made that competition law has been broken at this early stage, we will be investigating this issue thoroughly. We will now be making enquiries and assessing the evidence to see whether or not bid rigging has taken place – and what further action may be needed.

The investigation, launched this week, has commenced with unannounced inspections by the CMA at several business premises. The purpose of the inspections is to gather any relevant evidence, including physical or digital documents, to assist the CMA in its enquiries. The CMA has also worked closely with the DfE throughout its investigation.

If the CMA provisionally decides that the companies have broken competition law, after assessing the evidence gathered, it will issue what is known as a statement of objections. This details the CMA’s concerns and businesses have an opportunity to respond. However, not all cases proceed to a statement of objections, and, at this stage, no assumptions should be made that the law has been broken.

Public procurement represents around a third of public expenditure and evidence from around the world suggests it is highly vulnerable to anti-competitive behaviour. The CMA provides advice to government and public authorities across the UK on the design of competitive procurement processes. In addition, last year the CMA issued fines totalling almost £60 million to firms involved in rigging both public and private sector bids.

The CMA’s investigation comes in advance of the new debarment regime, which is expected to come into force in February 2025. This means that any businesses which break competition law could also be banned from bidding on public contracts in the future – in addition to the risk of financial penalties and potential director disqualification, which are available under the current regime.

Further details about the CMA’s procedures in competition cases are available in its CMA8 guidance, and any updates to this investigation will be made on the CMA’s dedicated case page: Suspected anti-competitive conduct in relation to the supply of roofing and other construction services.

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Championing Innovation in the Building Sector

Place North West will continue to support the specialist contractor as it continues to grow and affect positive change within the construction sector.

Mansell Building Solutions will join forces with Place North West throughout 2025 to champion innovation in the sector and highlight the role specialist contractors can play in helping the government achieve its ambitious 1.5m homes target by the end of the parliament.

Angela Mansell, managing director of the business and an outspoken advocate for modernisation and adaptation within the industry, said partnering with Place aligns with the company’s ambitions.

“Place is at the epicentre of the North West’s property market and, as a specialist contractor operating across the same geography, it makes perfect sense for us to be partners.

“So much of the news reported and events hosted by Place are about our clients, supply chain partners, and projects we’re involved in and so we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship throughout 2025.”

In previous years, Mansell and Place have gathered professionals from across the property industry for frank and honest discussions about how the industry needs to change.

In the summer, a roundtable discussion in Manchester asked how development can move away from old ways of thinking and embrace modern methods of construction to tackle the housing crisis.

In 2025, the two companies will partner again to drive Mansell’s message home.

“Working with Mansell Building Solutions these past two years has been a pleasure,” said Dino Moutsopoulos, managing partner at Place North.

“Angela and her team know what they want and are keen champions of change. Their continued and increasing investment in Place North West, as well as Place North at MIPIM, are signs of ambition for the future with 2025 shaping up to be an exciting one for the firm.

“We look forward to supporting the team and raising the profile of the business to new partners and clients next year.”

Source: North West Place

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A New School, after the Old, New School was Demolished

It is hoped the new building could be ready to welcome pupils from September 2026 [Preston Hedges Trust]

 

An artist’s impression of a new school building has been revealed, after the original structure was ordered to be demolished two years after its opening.

Buckton Fields Primary School in Boughton, near Northampton, opened in 2021 but was forced to close in August 2023 amid structural safety concerns.

Pupils were relocated six miles (9.6km) away at Pineham Barns school for six months, while temporary classrooms were built on another part of the site.

The Preston Hedges Trust, which runs the school, said it hoped to complete the new permanent building in time for September 2026, subject to planning permission.

 

 

Buckton Fields was one of three UK schools that were closed by the Department for Education (DfE).

They shared the same building contractor, Caledonian Modular, which fell into administration in March 2022.

 

 

Despite the challenges it had faced, the school was handed a “remarkable” positive Ofsted report earlier this year.

Principal Hannah Rogers said:

“The new building will include a state-of-the-art innovation centre, a 4G sports pitch, a larger hall… and a host of sustainable features such as solar panels and a green roof.”

Paul Watson, the chief executive of Preston Hedges Trust, said:

“Buckton Fields has shown itself throughout this challenging situation to be a unique school set in a very special community.

“We are really looking forward to continuing our work with the local community to get their input in the current plans, and look forward to developing a school building Buckton Fields can be truly proud of.”

Source: AOL

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Reducing Carbon in Steel Construction

 

 

 

With increasing pressure from central government and local authorities to minimise the carbon emissions and environmental impact of construction projects, voestalpine Metsec has introduced a reduced carbon steel option for its renowned light gauge steel construction solutions, including the pre-panellised loadbearing solution, Metframe, SFS, Purlins and its range of internal non-loadbearing stud, track and MF ceilings.

 

Branded Metsec Decarb, the steel is produced in new, state of the art electric arc furnaces and is a true move towards a reduced carbon future for the construction industry, containing less than half the amount of carbon dioxide per tonne for the same quality of steel.

 

Andy Hackett, General Manager of voestalpine Metsec’s Dry Lining Division, states,

“Together with our commitment to Net Zero Carbon operations by 2035, Metsec Decarb underlines our commitment to providing specifiers, developers and clients with a very real opportunity to reduce a project’s carbon footprint and enhance its sustainability credentials.

“Metsec Decarb is a bona fide lower embodied carbon steel. It does not rely on greenwashing, carbon offsetting, allocation of green energy or mass balance approach to achieve this, providing real peace of mind for the designer.”

 

voestalpine Metsec construction systems and products are backed by comprehensive verified manufacturer statements and Environmental Product Declarations, which can be included in the final project’s carbon assessments.

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE METSEC WEBSITE

 

 

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Nuaire launches new CIBSE approved Passivhaus CPD

 

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has released a new CIBSE approved CPD: An Introduction to Passivhaus.  The CPD, which is aimed at the commercial market, focuses on the principles that define a Passivhaus and its ventilation criteria; the benefits of Passivhaus, especially in relation to net zero; along with a comprehensive understanding of the Passivhaus certification process.  The CPD can be delivered in-person or online by Nuaire ventilation experts who have completed certified Passivhaus Tradesperson Training.

 

With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing. Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.

 

For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery is typically required.  Nuaire provides Passivhaus certified Boxer Packages Solutions (BPS) air handling units and XBOXER XBC+ Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units.  These products have been rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria.

CLICK HERE to find out more about Nuaire’s Passivhaus certified products

 

To register your interest for the new ‘An Introduction to Passivhaus’ CPD, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

 

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New Homes for Coventry in Spring 2027

WORK is underway at a new development at Pickford Gate in Coventry and is set to be completed in Spring 2027.

Citizen is working with Countryside Partnerships, part of Vistry Group, who are building the homes as part of 247 homes on the site overall.

The site is on Coventry’s Eastern Green, near the A45 will see 107 built for outright sale and 140 affordable homes built.

The development will be made up of 19 affordable rent, 61 social rent and 60 shared ownership homes.

Built using modern methods of construction to reduce carbon footprint of the properties the homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames.

Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills.

Executive director of Development at Citizen, Nick Byrne, said:

“It’s great to see work is well underway at Pickford Gate and that we have started on the first phase at the site.

“More than 50 percent of the homes at the site are affordable which will help with the housing need in the area.

“At Citizen we will build the homes to meet the needs of our region and our work at Pickford Gate is part of this.

“This site is being constructed using timber frames which are a modern method of construction. Timber frames are a natural and renewable material and as the timber frames are created off-site, it means that build time on site is reduced.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the site progress over the next year and look forward to welcoming our customers into the homes when they are finished.”

The development is going to be made up of two, three and four bedroom homes.

James Warrington, divisional chair for South Midlands and the North at Vistry added:

“We are thrilled to be working with Citizen on this development which will help meet the housing needs in Coventry with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods.

“We’re excited to be a part of the area’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will drive regeneration and create a thriving and sustainable community.”

Source: Coventry Observer

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Construction Must Not Rely on Overseas Workers

Britain cannot rely on overseas construction workers to deliver the Government’s target of building 1.5 million homes, the housing minister has said.  While acknowledging that foreign workers would “play a role” in construction, Matthew Pennycook said on Friday that vacancies in the industry would have to be filled by “people that live in this country”.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK needs an extra 250,000 construction workers by 2028 in order to meet demand.

At the same time, businesses are struggling to recruit after 120,000 foreign workers went home during the pandemic and immigration restrictions saw the proportion of migrants in the sector fall slightly to just under 10%.

In March 2023, the previous government expanded the shortage occupation list to include more construction jobs, but Mr Pennycook said this had not “made a huge difference”.

He told Times Radio on Friday that the struggle to recruit foreign construction workers “speaks to some of the foundational importance of migration as part of the plan for change”.

The minister said: “We’ve got to do more to upskill our own workforce, to ensure that those training places, those apprenticeships and ultimately those jobs are coming from people that live in this country to fill those vacancies.  “You can’t rely wholly on an overseas workforce.”

 

His comments follow the Prime Minister’s inclusion of a housebuilding target as one of his six “milestones” that he wants his government to be judged on.

That target – described by Mr Pennycook as “stretching but achievable” – involves building 300,000 homes per year, something that has not been done since the 1970s.

But with the CITB estimating the construction industry needs to recruit 50,300 workers a year over the next five years, the housebuilding target could come into conflict with the Government’s aim of reducing migration.  Mr Pennycook stressed the need to train British workers, pointing to the investment of £140 million in 32 home building skills hubs.

He added: “This has got to be a cross-government effort on the skills agenda, and construction skills in particular, because it involves a series of challenges around training, around local labour markets.”

Source: Shropshire Star

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