Studies have shown that operable windows are rarely used to maximise natural ventilation. Society's reliance on heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for airflow has become all too common. As a result, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a growing concern for architects and building occupants alike.
Natural ventilation is the obvious solution, as it has been proven to achieve positive health and productivity results in building occupants.
While operable windows do provide fresh air, increased natural light and natural ventilation, there are a growing number of reasons as to why they aren’t always used. Some of these include security, heat or noise and even cold drafts.
Previously, air leakage seemed to be the non-optimal (yet accepted) solution.. however, as building standards improve and our focus on airtightness increases, we can no longer rely on air leakage as a mechanism for ventilation within the building envelope.
So what do we do?
Introducing the AWS Trickle Vent.
A trickle vent is a very small opening in a window or other building envelope component to allow small amounts of ventilation in spaces when major elements of the design (such as windows or doors) are otherwise closed.
Without electric power, sensors or human intervention, the Architectural Window Systems Trickle Vent device passively controls ventilation volumes in accordance with ambient temperatures. This allows for optimised ventilation without exposing oneself to uncomfortable cold drafts or security issues.
The AWS sub-head integrated Ventient trickle ventilation solution enables the provision of fresh air regardless of occupancy, making it ideal for education and student accomodation projects, as part of a considered ventilation solution.
For more information on the AWS Trickle Vent, click here.
