The flexibility that operable walls offer can significantly lower operational costs. Due to operational changes and future patient profile, operable walls offer significant space adaptability. Allowing for changes to two spaces such as interlocking rooms, for example enabling residents and couples to share spaces with the flexibility that when the division of space is no longer required, it can be reconfigured accordingly.

Space is becoming more premium and the demand to do more for less increases space adaptability and effective space management is therefore critical.

The benefits of Hufcor operable walls include:

• Sound rated operable walls with effective noise control
• Mechanical seals with an upward and downward force
• A private space can be created immediately
• Movable, interlocking panels suspended from an overhead track system
• Access doors for easy entry and exit

Non-Combustible

For a non-homogeneous product, BCA Compliance allows:

• Group 1 classification – to be achieved by a product with combustible material layers, or
• Non-combustible status – when all layers are non-combustible

However, the BCA does not recognise a product that combines both of the above: a product that is substantially non-combustible and that has a Group 1 surface that, whilst combustible, has a caloric value below the threshold needed for it to effect “reaction to fire” (flashover) and “resistance to fire” (fire load) outcomes.

The European Construction Products Regulations provide a framework for assessing the fire performance of such a product. The AFTM SF Soffit tile achieves the highest possible Reaction to Fire classification of A1 Non-combustible. As an A1 Non-combustible product, the AFTM Soffit tile satisfies the following:

• Substantial component – the significant part of the non-homogeneous product has a mass/area ≥ 1kg/m² and a thickness ≥ 1mm,  is Non-combustible according to EN ISO 1182 and has a calorific value ≤ 2MJ/kg according to ISO 1716, and
• Non-substantial component – not a significant part of the non-homogeneous product has a mass/area ≤ 1kg/m² and a thickness ≤ 1mm, a calorific value ≤ 2MJ/m² according to ISO 1716 and achieves nominated parameters according to EN 13823, and
• The product as a whole – has a calorific value ≤ 2MJ/kg according to ISO 1716.

On the basis of the above, when the AFTM SF Soffit is installed into an otherwise non-combustible Building Assembly, it is reasonable to presume that the non-combustible status will not be compromised.

Fire Resisting Construction

Fire resisting construction is intrinsic to reducing risk, reducing loss and maintaining business continuity. In addition to the above, 16.0 Component Data verifies that SF Soffit stone wool will not auto-ignite, has a melting temperature above 1000°C and a very low added insulation fire load.

This means the AFTM SF Soffit will not contribute to fire growth (reaction to fire) and will not support fire growth (resistance to fire) when exposed to a fully developed fire because it contains insufficient fuel to support combustion at the high temperatures.

When the AFTM SF Soffit was installed with the direct fix adhesive and exposed to testing using the standard time temperature curve used in AS 1530.4 fire resistance tests, the outcomes summarised in Table 15 were achieved.

These outcomes show that insulation performance was sustained for 110-120 minutes when exposed to temperatures over 1000°C. These conditions are more severe than those used to determine a Group Number using AS ISO 9705 which only requires localised bottom corner of the room exposure to a burner for 10 minutes at 100kW and then 10 minutes at 300kW.

In addition, if the more severe hydrocarbon time-temperature curve is used to reflect potentially more severe fire load conditions resulting from new materials, furniture loads, open spaces and the like, research shows that fire resisting performance of stone wool is not diminished.

Therefore, whilst expert judgement is needed to verify site-specific FRL outcomes, the evidence above shows that the AFTM SF Soffit can contribute to Building Assembly FRL and there is potential for it to e used to optimise the concrete thickness needed for insulation performance.

Fire Sprinkler System Optimisation

In carpark applications, there is some evidence to suggest that sprinkler design presumptions did not account for the soffit fire load that have resulted from energy efficiency regulations.

If this is the case, it may be appropriate to take into account the added fire load, that the fire load is above the sprinkler line, and that historic test outcomes that showed car fires tended to remain isolated may not apply if the added soffit insulation is combustible and contributes to flame spread.

Smoke Volume and Toxicity

Performance Requirements CP4 requires that a material must limit the generation of smoke and heat, and any toxic gases likely to be produced.

Under the Euroclass classification, A1-Non-combustible products such as the AFTM SF Soffit are designated as having very low smoke volume and toxicity and are exempt from the assessment of smoke and flaming droplets.

All A2 and lower classification products are assessed for the volume of smoke release and the formation of burning particles and (molten) droplets that could harm (burns) and/or contribute to the spread of fire.

In recent years, there have been a number of studies detailing the influence that a schools building has on students, that is, the way in which the environment can enhance or interfere with the learning process. We see that, among other things, excessively noisy conditions can impact a student’s health, the way they think and their overall academic performance.

Whether employing the conventional teaching methods or a more dynamic and collaborative method, having the right noise levels in the classroom is important. ‘Noise’ influences a teacher’s ability to impart knowledge and a students ability to learn. A study that investigated the impacts of classroom noise pollution on academic achievement found that noise in the classroom above 41 dB began negatively affecting test results. For example, a research team in France found that for every 10 dB increase in noise pollution, 8-9 year-old students performed 5.5 points lower on their national standardised test.

To improve the noisy conditions of the classroom, we have to design learning environments with products that help to absorb and control the sound.

As we now know flexible and efficient space utilisation is becoming a must. Intelligent solutions are needed that facilitate multifunctional room configuration combined with openness and – when required – transparency as well. Operable wall systems give the benefits of natural light along with sound insulated spaces.

Movable, interlocking panels suspended from an overhead track system should be;

• Sound rated panels for effective noise control
• Available in paired (folding) and individual (omni-directional) configurations
• Can include access doors for easy entry and exit
• Blend with a room’s aesthetics, similar to a permanent wall when extended.
• Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including:
  • Vinyl, fabric, veneer, whiteboard

• Combination of either, glass (for visual interconnectivity) or non-transparent substrates for privacy
• Sliding top mounted glass framed doors.

Gender is no longer immutable. The defintion of male and female is becoming increasingly flexible. A study from  the WIlliams Institue in the USA reported that of surveyed transgender and gender-diverse participants, 70% of respondents had been verbally harassed, questioned or ridiculed for using a bathroom in Washington DC, while 9% had been physically assaulted. While not yet legislated, many schools and architects have initiated reform. While the transgender movement may be currently illuminating the issue, washroom design appears to be heading for rapid change. What was once an afterthought now requires more consideration at all levels as awareness increases.

Natural ventilation is an essential part of a successful green building. Products in the Arens Green range are designed to be highly efficient, low emission solutions that will keep your building free of problems caused by temperature, humidity and airborne pollutants.

The Ventilation Control Systems in the green range use the principles of natural or passive ventilation to create airflow by automatically adjusting window openings, through the use of remote window controls whilst accounting for environmental factors such as temperature, rain and wind.

The Green Range lets you close the windows when it is cold, open the windows when it warms up, link the window operation to a temperature, rain or wind sensors or control the windows through a BMS.

Arens Automated Ventilation Controls are designed to be incorporated into any existing or planned project in order to help increase airflow and comfort levels, and reduce the concentration of common pollutants.

Many of the techniques we have developed are incorporated into today’s leading construction design processes, including the ‘night purge’ system that is often employed in schools. Through the manipulation of low voltage chain or linear actuators, the Arens system purges classrooms of heat build-up and allows replacement by cooler air at night. This creates more comfortable temperatures, a better working environment, and can drastically reduce energy consumption and associated costs.

For more information…

Building fires today develop 5-10 times faster than 50 years ago due primarily to our increased use of plastics and other synthetic materials. Fire-resilient stone wool insulation can slow the spread of fire, which can make the difference between a fire in a building and a building on fire.

Rockwool insulation is a key component in fire-resilient buildings as stone wool fibres are inherently non-combustible and can resist temperatures up to 1,000º C.  This is crucial to containing a fire locally. With minimal organic content, ROCKWOOL insulation will not produce any significant toxic smoke.

Furthermore, ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation can be used in multiple interior partition wall assemblies, both in steel or wood stud wall cavities. Its higher density and a non-directional fibre orientation, significantly reduces the passage of sound, enhancing both comfort and privacy. While the inherent fire resistance of stone brings passive fire protection to interior walls.

Properties:

• Easily cut
• Non-combustible with a melting point of approximately 1177°C (2150°F)
• Excellent sound absorbency
• Fire-resistant due to its high melting temperature
• Does not rot or promote the growth of fungi or mildew
• Low moisture sorption
• Water and moisture resistant; does not absorb moisture to maintain insulating value

MORNING BATHROOM ROUTINE HACKS

DESIGNED FOR EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT IN AN EXTERNAL GLAZED BI-FOLD DOOR, OFFERING ARCHITECTS AND THEIR CLIENTS NEW DESIGN SCOPE WITH THE ASSURANCE OF HUFCOR EXPERTISE.

Hufcor’s new Series Max Glazed Bi-fold door system will change the way you look at and specify externally glazed bi-fold doors.

In designing this new system, Hufcor have used their commercial know-how to provide a robust, functional yet elegant glazed bi-fold door system that aesthetically looks the part in both high-end residential or commercial projects.

With WERS and AS2047-2014 Certification and the flexibility to use glass types ranging from 6mm Single Glazing to 32mm Double Glazing, you can be confident that the Hufcor Series Max system will meet all the design requirements for your next project.

For further information please contact your nearest Hufcor Sales Office.

Façade and Garage Doors

Symonite offers a contemporary colour palette. Choose from the expansive neutrals range and perhaps add a striking feature using a choice of primary pop colours. Keeping on trend, Symonite also comes in popular market colours to ensure a match with other aspects of your building. This allows Symonite to compliment other elements, such as roofing, brickwork or rendering. For a stylish bespoke look Symonite can be anodised to the colour of your choice using any third party colour palette.

For the ultimate façade system that delivers form and function combine Symonite and Smartfix. This uncompromised solution provides an exceptionally high level of detail with huge design versatility whilst removing the need for silicone joints and significantly reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

Symonite using Smartfix offers architects and designers an array of creative potential and for their client Symonite offers a high performing façade solution which integrates stunningly with your surrounding habitat.

Symonite HD comes with a Group 3 fire rating when tested to AS3837
Symonite FR Ultra is Deemed Non-Combustible (BCA/C1.9)