Marcia Snyder recently sat down with Alex, a renowned expert in the field of sustainable building design, to discuss the service offered by Focus360, particularly their TM59 assessments. As we sipped our coffee in a sunlit café, the conversation flowed effortlessly, highlighting the intricacies and benefits of this essential service.
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Alex began by explaining that TM59, developed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), offers a robust methodology for evaluating internal temperatures in residential properties. “You see, Marcia,” Alex said, leaning forward, “the TM59 standards are a goldmine for energy modellers. They provide invaluable data, detailing everything from occupancy hours to the internal heat contributions generated by equipment in various rooms. Even the heat produced by the occupants themselves is considered.”
This comprehensive approach is crucial for understanding and managing potential overheating—a growing concern in today’s highly insulated and airtight buildings. Alex emphasised that TM59 doesn’t just offer a snapshot but a detailed, dynamic picture of a property’s thermal behaviour. “One of the most significant aspects,” he continued, “is the guidance on when to open windows based on internal air temperatures. This simple yet effective strategy can significantly mitigate overheating risks.”
As we discussed further, Alex pointed out the importance of considering heat gain from hot water pipework, especially in communal areas like apartment corridors. “These details might seem trivial to the untrained eye, but they can make a world of difference in a building’s thermal performance,” he noted.
The conversation naturally moved to the practical application of TM59 assessments. Alex stressed the importance of conducting these evaluations during the design phase of a project. “Imagine you’re in the early stages of designing a new residential block,” he said. “A TM59 assessment at this point ensures your design aligns with the necessary requirements to prevent overheating. If your initial design falls short, you have the opportunity to make critical adjustments before construction begins.”
These adjustments could range from resizing windows to improving their opening capabilities, modifying glass specifications to reduce solar gain, or even altering room sizes and orientations. “It’s about catching potential issues early,” Alex explained, “so you can implement solutions that ensure both compliance and occupant comfort.”
Alex highlighted that TM59 assessments are particularly invaluable for certain types of properties. “Large developments, urban settings, Care Homes, Student Accommodation, and single-aspect flats—these are the projects where TM59 really shines,” he said. “High insulation levels and air tightness in these buildings can lead to significant overheating concerns. Extending the evaluation to individual rooms, including those with mechanical ventilation, is essential.”
He gave a nod to the importance of evaluating spaces like living rooms, which might not be immediately obvious but are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of potential overheating risks. “These assessments aren’t just about ticking boxes,” Alex remarked. “They’re about creating living spaces that are genuinely comfortable and sustainable.”
As our conversation drew to a close, it was clear that Focus360’s TM59 assessments provide a critical service for modern residential developments. By offering detailed evaluations and actionable insights, they help ensure buildings are not only compliant with regulations but also comfortable and liveable for their occupants.
Leaving the café, I reflected on the depth of expertise and careful consideration that goes into these assessments. It’s not merely about meeting standards; it’s about fostering a better quality of life through intelligent design and thoughtful planning. In a world where sustainable and comfortable living spaces are increasingly important, services like those offered by Focus360 are not just beneficial—they are essential.
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