Building Regulations Compliance

Part M - Restroom Design Part K - Staircase Design

The restroom design adheres to Part M, by having a floor space wide enough for a full turning circle, whilst incorporating aids such as grabbing handles. Whilst the sink overlaps the turning circle, it is raised and allows for a wheelchair to roll underneath.

The staircase design follows the minimum dimensions stated in part K, of rise of 150 and a going of 250, the minimum stated for a general access utility stair. Furthermore, the stair railings are 1200mm high, which exceeds the 900 minimum.

Part L - Envelope U Value

Part B - Travel Distance

The U value of the envelope is 0.115 W/(m²/K), which far exceeds the maximum Passivhaus limit of 0.15. This creates an airtight building that is thermally efficient, but comes at the cost of wall and envelope thickness.

As stated in part B, the maximum travel distance if there is more than one direction of escape is 45m. In my ground floor, there are 3 directions of escape, and each are below the maximum travel distance of 45m.

As there is a 1200mm slope on the site, the use of a wheelchair platform lift aids in easy accessibility to the raised elements of the building. With internal dimensions of 1500x960 and a door opening of 900mm, allows for easy access for wheelchair users.

In Part K, the minimum railing for a roof balcony is 1100m. In my design I have incorporated a 1230mm railing. This ensures maximum safety while still providing optimal views of the surrounding environment.

The U value of the floor buildup is 0.090 W/(m²/K), which is extremely thermal efficient, and much below the passivhaus maximum of 0.15. This is due to both the underfloor insulation and the insulation between the floor joists, leading to a very thermally efficient floor.

Where there is only one direction of escape, Part B states the maximum travel distance is 18m. In my design, the furthest point is 12.5m. Furthermore, the maximum travel distance for a space in outdoor air is 60, and the furthest point on my roof garden is 13.4m.

The lift size in the building far exceeds the part M minimum requirements of 900x1250, and istead opts for 200x1600 with a door opening of 1100m, to allow for a full turning circle, and to accomodate wheelchair users and other users.

As there is a glass door behind the activity walls, there is a risk a stray ball could shatter the glass. This can adhere to part K by using shatter proof glass, which is more resistant to impact, and to provide softer balls that do not have the capacity to shatter glass.

Part L regulations, which focus on energy conservation in buildings, encourages the installation of solar panels as a sustainable solution to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, to meet minimum energy performance standards.

In Part B, it is stated that a minimum of 1000m width for a fire escape stair is required to ensure people can escape the building quickly and safely in the event of a fire. My staircase is slightly above the minimum at 1050mm, allowing for an uncongested escape route.