Five building control tips for retail designers
10th January 2011
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To the untrained eye Building Regulations can be a minefield to pick through but it is vital retail designers and architects consider their impact as early as possible within the lifespan of a project – preferably right at the beginning!
Guidance on ways to meet with the practical requirements of the Building Regulations is outlined within the different 'Parts' of the 'Approved Documents', published by Communities and Local Government.
To avoid problems developing at the construction stage – when changes cost time and money - James Tutton, area manager for Regional Building Control, is here with guidance on five key Building Regulations issues that retailers should bear in mind at the design stage.
1. In-store fire safety and signage.
Part B (Fire safety) - The internal layout must provide adequate means of escape within allowable travel distances. Care should be taken when positioning directional fire exit signage and to ensure visibility of illuminated fire exit signage due to possible obstruction by displays and fixed racking.
2. Refurbishing existing property for retail purposes with neighbouring residential use.
Part E (Resistance to the passage of sound) - Where a retail premises is being formed by change of use and there are existing residential properties adjacent to the retail unit, care must be taken to ensure that adequate acoustic measures form part of the party wall and floor construction to prevent noise affecting the domestic users.
3. Consider the recent changes to conservation of fuel and power standards.
Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) - Where a new build shell unit is being fitted out for the first time, the fit-out works are subject to Approved Document L2A guidance. A shell stage Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculation should be provided to the fit-out contractor and they must ensure that the installed services achieve adequate energy performance to meet the minimum standards for the building as defined in the shell stage calculation.
4. Assess the limitations of the existing building when it comes to inclusive design.
Part M (Access to and use of buildings) - Where small premises are being refurbished or newly formed as retail units by change of use a reasonable approach to achieving Part M conformity should be adopted. This should consider limitations and restrictions that the existing building size, layout and access may impose on the design.
5. Ensure you have a clear plan regarding the shop's windows.
Part N (Glazing - safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning) – It is essential to get expert advice early on to identify glazing locations and what form any manifestation may take to ensure acceptable safety whilst maintaining suitable aesthetics.
RBC is approved by the Government to carry out the full functions of Building Control as a Corporate Approved Inspector (CAI), as defined in the Building Act 1984.
It is an independent and proactive company, aiming to collaborate with design and construction teams to ensure the needs of the client and the Building Regulations are met effectively and efficiently.
RBC has an impressive list of retail clients including the Arcadia Group Limited, Sainsburys, Morissons, Carphone Warehouse and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
For more information go to www.rbcltd.co.uk or call 01992 653 900.
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