Hounslow Council school classrooms experiencing high levels of noise intrusion from aircraft approaching Heathrow Airport had already been fitted with double glazing but lacked fresh air ventilation especially when the windows had to be left fully closed.

​

Careful assessment of building fabric performance and acoustic survey work was carried out to establish how much noise attenuation was available from the brick built external envelope before providing enhanced natural and mixed mode ventilation equipment into each of the teaching spaces in line with current BB101 design guidance for minimum fresh air ventilation rates, peak summertime temperature and CO2 threshold values without classroom noise levels being increased.

​

Selected design solutions were challenged using CFD modelling software and then proven by independent laboratory noise tests before roof structural alterations were carried out to allow safe installation of combined natural/boost assist and ducted heat recovery active roof mounted ventilation terminals during a phased construction programme.

 

Close liaison with teaching staff and site management was essential to making maximum use of temporary decant accommodation and school holiday periods so that disruptive work during term time was kept to a minimum.

​

This upgrade work was funded under the BAA CBNIS scheme to meet CSR obligations within the local community.