detail giving a ? value of 0.16 W/ mK ( the default value stated in BRE IP 1/ 06 for a ground floor). The detail was then enhanced by looking at measures such as increasing the depth of the insulation in the cavity, using thermal blockwork on the inner leaf to ground floor level and introducing a drylining system. When recalculated, the ? value was shown to be 0.035 W/ mK which equates to a substantial improvement. Figure 2 illustrates the heat loss through the enhanced detail. If you compare the details you will notice that the enhanced detail has a higher internal surface temperature represented by the " warmer" colours. All other details for non- repeating thermal bridges can be modelled in a similar way, and as you can imagine there is considerable potential for improvement. As Architectural Technology professionals we should lead the way in improving the building fabric of our designs. Tackling this elemental aspect has to be an essential first step in the energy efficient design process before other renewable technologies are even considered. This has to go hand in hand with ensuring that contractors are aware of the dwelling specific details and understand the principles behind the designs. Although the topic of thermal bridging is not fully understood by everyone within the industry, with the new Part L due to come into force later this year it is an area that we all need to begin thinking about. I hope that this article has enabled people to further understand the potential dwelling specific detailing has in reducing heat loss in building elements. If anyone has any questions or would like to discuss further the possibilities of implementing thermal modelling on future projects please feel free to contact me using the following details. David Comiskey MCIAT Lecturer in Architectural Technology and Management, Room 06C39E, School of Architecture and Design, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 0QB Phone: + 44 ( 0) 28 9036 6476 Email: da. comiskey@ ulster. ac. uk EFFICIENCY 16 ATJULY- AUGUST2010 Innovative detailing and use of thermal modelling can lead to a dramatic reduction in the total heat loss Left: A typical wall/ floor junction where innovative detailing can improve thermal performance. As Architectural Technology professionals we should lead the way in improving the building fabric of our designs

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