Barn Conversion, Stapleford Abbots, Essex.

 

Full Plans Building Regulations Application approved.

​

Following an initial planning approval for the conversion of the barbn via the Part Q Prior Approval Barn Conversion route, En-Plan: Planning & Architetcure were instructed to provide detailed building plans for a Building Regulations Application.  These were duly completed and submitted to Epping Forest Building Control in Essex who duly approved the plans.  Below we will detail some of the relevant elemst of teh scheme and what you need to ensure is completed in any barn conversion project you have.

​

Electrical works

All electrical works are required to meet the requirements of Part P (electrical safety) must be designed, installed, inspected and tested by a competent person registered under a competent person self certification scheme such as BRE certification Ltd, BSI, NICEIC Certification Services or Zurich Ltd. An appropriate BS7671 Electrical Installation Certificate is to be issued for the work by a person competent to do so. A copy of the certificate to be given to Building Control on completion of the work. Switches and sockets, including door bells, entry phones, light switches power sockets, tv aerials, and telephone jacks serving habitable rooms throughout the dwelling have their centre line 450mm and 1200mm above floor level. Consumer units are to be mounted so that switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level, this will also apply to the existing flat if teh consumer unit needs to be relocated.

​

Heating

Extend all heating and hot water services from existing and provide new TVRs to radiators. Heating system to be designed, installed, tested and fully certified by a GAS SAFE registered specialist. All work to be in accordance with the Local Water Authorities bye laws, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and IEE Regulations. Extend all heating and hot water services from the existing and provide new TVRs to radiators. Heating system to be designed, installed, tested and fully certified by a GAS SAFE registered specialist. All work to be in accordance with the Local Water Authorities bye laws, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and IEE Regulations. If there is found to be a requirement for a new boiler a new wall mounted pressurised boiler with a min SEDBUK rating of 90% will be provided. No combustible materials within 50mm of the flue. System to be fitted with thermostatic valves and all necessary zone controls and boiler control interlocks. The system will be installed by a "competent person" and a certificate issued that the installation complies with the requirements of Part L. All work to be in accordance with the Local Water Authorities bye laws, the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 and IEE Regulations.
Minimum Standard of control
􀂇 Timer for heating and hot water with independent times
􀂇 A room thermostat for the living zone
􀂇 A room thermostat for the sleeping zone
􀂇 Two motorised zone valves
􀂇 A cylinder thermostat
􀂇 A hot water motorised zone valve
􀂇 An automatic bypass valve
􀂇 Radiator thermostats on all radiators

​

Water Usage Calculations

 

As part of the Building Regualtions Process En-Plan had to estimate water usage for a barn conversion, you'll need to consider several factors related to the property and its intended use. Here's a step-by-step guide:
En-Plan calculatde the total floor area of the barn conversion, including any additional structures like outbuildings or extensions. This will give you an idea of the property's size and potential water needs.

Make a list of all the water fixtures and appliances in the barn conversion. This may include toilets, sinks, showers, baths, washing machines, dishwashers, and outdoor taps.

Research typical water usage rates for each fixture and appliance. You can often find these values in water usage guides provided by water utilities or online resources. For example, a standard toilet flush may use around 6-9 liters of water, while a shower may use around 10-15 liters per minute.

Estimate the number of occupants in the barn conversion and their water usage habits. For example, a family of four will likely use more water than a single person. Consider factors such as frequency of showers, laundry loads, and dishwashing.

If the barn conversion has outdoor space requiring irrigation or watering, factor in the water usage for these activities. This can vary depending on the size of the garden or lawn and local climate conditions.

Consider any water-saving features or measures installed in the barn conversion, such as low-flow faucets, water-efficient appliances, or rainwater harvesting systems. These can reduce overall water usage and should be accounted for in your calculations.

Once you have estimated the water usage for each fixture, appliance, and activity, add up these values to calculate the total water usage for the barn conversion on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

After the barn conversion is occupied, monitor water usage over time to see how closely it aligns with your initial estimates. Adjust your calculations as needed based on actual usage patterns and any changes to the property or occupancy.

By following these steps, you can make a reasonable estimate of water usage for a barn conversion and ensure that the property's water supply meets its needs efficiently.

 

Insulating the steel frame

​

Insulating a steel frame in a building involves adding insulation materials to the structural components of the frame to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency. Here are common methods for insulating a steel frame:

Insulation Between Steel Studs: If the steel frame uses steel studs for wall construction, insulation can be installed between the studs. This can be achieved by placing batts or rolls of insulation material, such as fiberglass or mineral wool, between the studs. The insulation is held in place by friction or with the help of fasteners.

Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation can be applied directly onto the steel frame. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is often used for this purpose because it provides excellent thermal insulation and also acts as an air and moisture barrier. It adheres well to steel surfaces and can fill gaps and cavities effectively.

Insulated Panels or Blanket Insulation: Insulated panels or blanket insulation can be installed over the steel frame. These prefabricated panels or blankets consist of insulation material sandwiched between layers of rigid facing material, such as metal or gypsum board. They are attached to the steel frame using mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

Rigid Board Insulation: Rigid board insulation, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), or polyisocyanurate (polyiso), can be installed over the steel frame. The insulation boards are cut to size and attached to the frame using mechanical fasteners or adhesive. They provide continuous insulation and can be installed on both the interior and exterior sides of the frame.

  Reflective Insulation: Reflective insulation, also known as radiant barrier insulation, consists of a reflective surface, typically aluminum foil, which is installed facing an air gap. It reflects radiant heat away from the steel frame, reducing heat transfer. Reflective insulation can be installed between the steel framing members or attached to the interior or exterior surfaces of the frame.

Cavity Wall Insulation: For steel-framed buildings with cavity walls, insulation can be installed within the cavity. This may involve injecting insulation material, such as foam or mineral wool, into the cavity or installing insulation batts or rolls between the inner and outer wall layers.

Before selecting an insulation method, it's important to consider factors such as building codes and regulations, thermal performance requirements, moisture control, and compatibility with other building components. Consulting with a professional insulation contractor or engineer can help determine the most suitable insulation solution for your specific steel-framed building.

​

Further Information

​

If you would like to find out more about Building Regulations or how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

​

READ MORE