Project Overview:
The Oxford Humanities building, part of the prestigious University of Oxford, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The building, which houses lecture halls, offices, and communal spaces, was designed with sustainability and energy efficiency as key priorities. As part of the university’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, the project team sought innovative solutions to minimize thermal bridging and improve the building’s overall thermal performance. TekTherm™ AK300HT thermal breaks were selected as a cutting-edge solution to address these challenges.
Challenge:
The Oxford Humanities building features a complex architectural design with extensive glazing and steel connections, which posed a significant risk of thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when heat escapes through poorly insulated areas, such as where structural elements connect the interior and exterior of a building. This not only leads to energy inefficiency but can also cause condensation, mould growth, and discomfort for occupants. The project required a high-performance thermal break solution that could integrate seamlessly with the building’s structural design while meeting stringent thermal and mechanical performance standards.
Solution:
TekTherm™ AK300HT thermal breaks were chosen for their exceptional thermal insulation properties and structural integrity. The AK300HT is a high-temperature thermal break material designed to minimize heat transfer in structural connections, making it ideal for use in the steel connections of the Oxford Humanities building. Key features of the TekTherm™ AK300HT include:
- High Thermal Resistance: The material significantly reduces heat transfer, improving the building’s overall energy efficiency.
- Structural Strength: Despite its insulating properties, the AK300HT maintains the structural integrity of the connections, ensuring safety and durability.
- Fire Resistance: The material is rated for high-temperature environments, making it suitable for use in a public building with strict fire safety regulations.
- Ease of Installation: The thermal breaks were designed to integrate seamlessly with the building’s steel connections, minimizing disruption during construction.
Implementation:
The installation of TekTherm™ AK300HT thermal breaks was carried out during the construction phase of the Oxford Humanities building. The process involved:
- Design Collaboration: The project team worked closely with the manufacturer to customize the thermal breaks for the specific structural connections in the building.
- Precision Installation: The thermal breaks were installed at key junctions where steel beams and columns connected the interior and exterior of the building. The installation process was carefully monitored to ensure optimal performance.
- Quality Assurance: Post-installation thermal imaging and performance testing were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the thermal breaks in reducing heat transfer.
Results:
The installation of TekTherm™ AK300HT thermal breaks at the Oxford Humanities building delivered significant benefits:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: The thermal breaks reduced thermal bridging, leading to a 15% improvement in the building’s overall thermal performance.
- Enhanced Comfort: By minimizing heat loss, the building maintains a more consistent indoor temperature, improving comfort for occupants.
- Sustainability: The reduction in energy consumption contributes to the university’s sustainability goals, aligning with its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
- Durability: The structural integrity of the connections was maintained, ensuring the long-term safety and performance of the building.
Conclusion:
The successful integration of TekTherm™ AK300HT thermal breaks at the Oxford Humanities building demonstrates the importance of innovative materials in achieving sustainable and energy-efficient construction. By addressing the challenge of thermal bridging, the project team was able to enhance the building’s performance while supporting the University of Oxford’s broader environmental objectives. This case study serves as a model for future projects seeking to balance architectural excellence with sustainability and energy efficiency.