A new building which is set to become a museum at North End Shipyard that will tell the story of the Arctic Corsair has had its first air test to ensure it achieves the ambitious Passivhaus standards – a low energy efficiency standard.
Yorkshire Air Test Limited undertook the first air test on behalf of local contractor, Ashcourt Group, which consists of a pressurisation - sucking air into the building and depressurisation – sucking air out to check to see how air tight the building is.
The
building has been designed by architects, Purcell who specialise in heritage
and sustainable buildings, they have also been heavily involved in the design
of the Maritime Museum.
Each test took approximately 15-20 minutes, using a high-pressure fan and red and blue tubes. The red tube were placed outside and they measured the pressure outside and the blue tube measured the pressure inside.
It then calculated the cubic metres per square metre within the building and then measured the air outside to create an overall reading.
This is the first of a number of tests carried out throughout the buildings construction, to work towards meeting the Passivhaus standard. This test has been carried out ahead of first fix to measure the air tightness of the internal airtightness layer consisting of air tight membrane and sealing tape alongside triple glazed windows and doors.
There will be a further three to four tests carried out throughout the build process. One when the second fix and electrics and plumbing are installed and when building is finished for Passivhaus standards and finally one for building regulations. The ongoing testing monitors air tightness levels throughout the construction process, pinpointing any changes in levels and ensuring that any issues are picked up as part of the construction phase.
Achieving the Passivhaus standard is a sustainable target which seeks to provide a high level of comfort for building occupants whilst using very little energy for heating and cooling.
Based on the results of the first test, we are on track to meet the standards, having gained a result that is better than the Passivhaus standard demands.
