Using Thermal Bridging Analysis to Inform Design Decisions 

Accurate thermal bridging analysis can have a significant impact on building performance, particularly when it informs design decisions at an early stage.

The Carbon Futures team was recently tasked with reviewing the impact of a thermal break at the base of an external column for a new-build Passivhaus school in Scotland. The client and Passivhaus Certifier were keen to understand the impact of omitting the thermal break and asked our consultants to review this using 3D modelling.

Our Director, David Russell explains more:

“The base of the column is encased in rigid insulation, and the thermal break is located at the base of this insulated pocket. The difference between having the thermal break and not having it was found to be 0.053 W/K. The modelling also exposed some issues with the recorded lowest internal surface temperature resulting in a Temperature Factor lower than the acceptable threshold. This can be resolved with minor tweaks, but this example really highlights the importance of investigating thermal bridging to determine performance.”

Carbon Futures’ experience of undertaking thermal bridging on non-domestic buildings shows that adverse thermal bridging can be prevalent, which is likely due to the use of steel, concrete, SFS and cladding systems. Undertaking thermal bridging analysis as early as possible during the technical design stage helps uncover any areas of concern with the building fabric, and is an important step in optimising a building’s performance long before construction begins.

Interested in investigating thermal bridging performance on your project? Submit an enquiry.

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