Environmental factors

Issues relating to the enclosure such as insulation and natural lighting, can be considered separately from, or integrated with, those relating to structure.

Elimination of discomfort in the workplace is of prime importance and integration of systems to achieve this with the structural system must be considered at the earliest design stage. The main factors to be considered are as follows:

• The amount and position of natural lighting (side walls; roof)

• The range of internal temperature and humidity for comfort (Fabric thermal insulation; small diameter pipes for radiators; large ducts for heating or cooling airflow.

• Sound level control (Provision of adequate absorption to avoid reverberation - perforated profiled decking.)

• Fire protection of spaces and elements. In general, fire protection is not required for single storey buildings; however sprinkler protection may be required in some industrial buildings.