The latest version of Technical Guidance Document F 2009 relating to Ventilation was published during the week. The document comes into effect in October year, although if one has applied for planning permission before 30th September 2010 and has the building substantially complete (meaning external walls complete) one can use the 2002 TGD F. The document is more informative to previous documents and provides better guidance in my opinion.
Many will question why bother making a dwelling air-tight when one is required to provide addtional backround ventilation where MVHR is not used. Definately something for another days debate.
Friday 26 February 2010
Thursday 25 February 2010
New Housing
Nomination
Yes I've been nominated for the Irish Blog awards in the "Best Specialist Blog" category. Thanks to those who nominated my blog.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Work Update
Since Christmas, I've been quiet busy- surprisingly as normally the month of January and February are the quietest.
I've been working on preparing contract documents for a small extension to a nursing home, which is about to start on site shortly. The contact documents would have been complete ages ago, except the client requested a lift be provided for the existing first floor accommodation. It took 4 design proposals and costed works before the client finally was satisfied, but we are there now. We are using the RIAI's Building Contract SF-88 as the Building contract, as this is a simple contact and the scope of works are straight forward. The contact documentation should be going out the the contractor today to be signed. Its the first project we have starting on site since the middle of last year.
We have a second project also moving on site in the comming weeks too. This time an extension to a dwelling, which we tendered in October last year. The clients too some time to consider their investement in the project after it was tendered, but now its full steam ahead.
Outside of preparing contract documentation, I've spend some time preparing documentation for building insurance claims as a result of burst pipe caused by the recent cold spell, not work usually associated with Architectural Technology Professionals.
I've spent a lot of time working on two major projects, which if either gets the go ahead would mean there would be sufficient work for the next 10-12 months.If both go ahead well then I will be really busy... but I won't be complaining.
I've been working on preparing contract documents for a small extension to a nursing home, which is about to start on site shortly. The contact documents would have been complete ages ago, except the client requested a lift be provided for the existing first floor accommodation. It took 4 design proposals and costed works before the client finally was satisfied, but we are there now. We are using the RIAI's Building Contract SF-88 as the Building contract, as this is a simple contact and the scope of works are straight forward. The contact documentation should be going out the the contractor today to be signed. Its the first project we have starting on site since the middle of last year.
We have a second project also moving on site in the comming weeks too. This time an extension to a dwelling, which we tendered in October last year. The clients too some time to consider their investement in the project after it was tendered, but now its full steam ahead.
Outside of preparing contract documentation, I've spend some time preparing documentation for building insurance claims as a result of burst pipe caused by the recent cold spell, not work usually associated with Architectural Technology Professionals.
I've spent a lot of time working on two major projects, which if either gets the go ahead would mean there would be sufficient work for the next 10-12 months.If both go ahead well then I will be really busy... but I won't be complaining.
Monday 22 February 2010
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
As a member of CIAT, I am required to undertake and record a minimum of 35 hours of CPD each year. This year I have had no problem fulfilling my CPD hours; having already attended a number of structured or organised CPD Events; 26.5 hours to be exact so far over 3 events.
Accounting for the other time, can be quiet difficult, in that I spend hours researching things, from reviewing amendments to building regulations, watching U-Tube tutorials to reading books and even trade literature, yet seldom record this time. For example I spent 30 minutes yesterday studying “Standard Letters in Architectural Practice” yet I will most likely forget to note it in my CPD Record, or as I did last week, I spend 1 hour studying two reports on Multi-Foil insulation, yet that too will most properly go unaccounted for. Then there’s all the time associated with my Committee work on the CIAT Centre Committee, which can be counted too.
It’s properly safe to say that I would spend close to 100 hours in the typical year on CPD, yet I don’t account for it all, as often the time taken may be quiet short in researching something.
Why bother with CPD at all, well because nearly everyday, something new comes on stream or something changes, which effects the profession. As a professional having the most up to date knowledge is important, to ensure one executes one’s duties competently. Another reason is to broaden, one’s knowledge base, particularly within the current economic climate, where for many the day to day work type has changed.
Accounting for the other time, can be quiet difficult, in that I spend hours researching things, from reviewing amendments to building regulations, watching U-Tube tutorials to reading books and even trade literature, yet seldom record this time. For example I spent 30 minutes yesterday studying “Standard Letters in Architectural Practice” yet I will most likely forget to note it in my CPD Record, or as I did last week, I spend 1 hour studying two reports on Multi-Foil insulation, yet that too will most properly go unaccounted for. Then there’s all the time associated with my Committee work on the CIAT Centre Committee, which can be counted too.
It’s properly safe to say that I would spend close to 100 hours in the typical year on CPD, yet I don’t account for it all, as often the time taken may be quiet short in researching something.
Why bother with CPD at all, well because nearly everyday, something new comes on stream or something changes, which effects the profession. As a professional having the most up to date knowledge is important, to ensure one executes one’s duties competently. Another reason is to broaden, one’s knowledge base, particularly within the current economic climate, where for many the day to day work type has changed.
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