Introduction
Imagine a home designed for human well-being, a residential building where comfort is a number one priority. Imagine bright rooms flooded with natural light, cozy climates matched to suit the time of year, and peacefulness, through and through, all situated within a dwelling where the well-being of its occupants is the top concern. Creating such a sanctuary is a process that goes beyond little more than goodwill. It requires expertise in unifying the materials and the design to affect human comfort with exhaustive adherence to the strict health and safety rules that ensure every step of the construction process remains protected.
It is now in this study that the report tries to dissect the dance between these two integral elements. We will see how carefully selected materials can conduct a performance that constitutes an orchestra of comfort, taking thermal regulation, visual atmosphere, acoustic concord, and breathing as different motifs. Then, we’ll explore the regulatory framework, addressing how health and safety regulations control the choice, storage, and office work of construction materials, ensuring people during construction and demolition.
By undertaking this report, we would like not only to shed light on the best practices in residential construction but also to emphasize the hefty importance of responsible materials selection and steadfast compliance with safety rules in producing a space where both cozy and safe living are possible.
Materials selection in relation to human comfort requirements.
Thermal comfort refers to the satisfaction of an individual with their thermal environment. Concrete blocks used to build a residential house, as well as large glass windows, may affect the comfort of its inhabitants for multiple reasons. The high R-value of the concrete bricks makes them ideal insulation materials because of their high performance in being thermally conductive (Glad and Gramfält, 2020). They can also function as thermal mass, which refers to their ability to delay and release heat slowly, assisting in the regulation of indoor air temperature right around natural. However, the bricks may also take in the sun’s rays, which may result in an increase in the cooling load during the summer (Chudley and Greeno, 2020). For this reason, it is essential to consider the orientation and shading of the house to optimize its thermal performance.
The efficacy of such large glass windows is that they can allow adequate natural light to penetrate fantastic scenery, and this can help the occupants have a better mood and health. On the other hand, in summer, they could lead to heat gain, while in winter, they could lead to heat loss, which could impinge on the comfort and energy efficiency of the house (Martin, Weidner, & Gullström, 2022). As such, the recommendation is the use of double-glazed, lower windows that can minimize heat transmission and have less glare. Other awning or roof (overlap) structures designed to allow sunlight in a house, softly as per the season and time of day, should be used (Marsh, 2020).
Bestow daylighting can come with expansive windows and skylights. Reducing the loss of energy in the form of artificial lighting will surely be a good environment. On the other hand, it can also induce glare that limits the excellent structure of the occupants and productivity. For this reason, it is crucial to apply appropriate window treatments and modify the provision of light that enters the home by means of blinds and curtains (Scragg and Bickley, 2022).
The lighting fixtures can furnish astute and relevant illumination for diverse actions and times of day. LED lights offer a model that is energy efficient and adjustable; it is preferred. It is also advisable to use dimmers and task lighting, which can vary the intensity and direction of light according to the needs and preferences of the occupants. The reflective surfaces, such as the light-colored walls and ceilings, can reflect light and create a brighter and more spacious feel. However, they can also cause excessive glare, which can be uncomfortable and distracting. Therefore, it is essential to balance the reflectance and contrast of the surfaces and to avoid placing shiny or glossy materials near the windows or light sources (Margani et al., 2020).
The condition of the air inside and surrounding a building is known as indoor air quality. Four factors affect it: humidity, smells, pollution, and ventilation. Materials have an impact on pollutant emission, moisture regulation, air exchange, and odor absorption, among other aspects of indoor air quality. Natural ventilation facilitates the exchange of stale air with fresh air, air filters eliminate dust and allergies, low-emitting materials lower formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and plants cleanse and eliminate odors from the air. According to Pacheco-torch et al. (2013), windows in residential buildings that guarantee indoor air quality include ventilation systems, which offer sufficient and regulated airflow, and air purification systems, which get rid of pollutants and enhance the quality of the air.
In order to ensure proper levels of human comfort, the following conventional building services are built in residential buildings:
- HVAC systems are made up of boilers, radiators, fans, ducts, vents, thermostats, and humidifiers.
- Skylights, light shelves, shutters, and windows make up daylighting systems.
- Artificial lighting systems comprising sensors, dimmers, switches, and bulbs.
- Sound insulation systems, including those found in doors, windows, floors, and ceilings.
- Sound masking systems comprise generators, speakers, and amplifiers.
- There are three types of ventilation systems: mechanical, hybrid, and natural ventilation through windows.
- Systems for air purification, comprising dehumidifiers, ionizers, and filters.
Hegab et al. (2023) state that the applicable standards and regulations, including the British Standards, the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the Building Regulations, have been taken into consideration during the design and installation of these building services. In accordance with best practices and guidelines, such as the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) recommendations, they are also maintained and operated (Cristescu et al., 2020).
Health and safety regulations and their impact on the use, storage, and handling of construction materials
A number of health and safety laws that are aimed at shielding the public and employees from the risks connected to the use, handling, and storage of building materials are applicable to the construction sector. The following are some pertinent laws that may have been in place at this residential building:
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) delineate the obligations and accountabilities concerning health and safety during the construction project for the client, principal designer, principal contractor, designers, and contractors. Because the builders are certified to execute the work, this guarantees that the unit has been erected in accordance with the professional building’s requirements, making it a safe location for occupants (Cristescu et al., 2020).
Employers are required by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR 1992) to prevent, evaluate, and minimize the risk of harm from manual handling tasks, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or tugging goods. This rule not only protects the workers’ safety but also expedites and secures the construction of this unit for the manual laborers who work on the site every day until it is finished (Fleming, 2005).
The EU Waste Framework Directive is implemented via the Waste Management Regulations 2011 (WMR 2011), which also mandates the use of the waste hierarchy, the duty of care, and the waste management licensing system. This residential unit’s waste management system is linked to the sewage system. Living in this apartment is made possible by appropriate waste management because the surroundings and air quality are both favorable (Lai et al., 2023).
The use, processing, and storage of construction materials—such as wood, concrete, glass, and insulating materials—in residential buildings are significantly impacted by these rules. As an illustration:
Pre-construction data, which includes details regarding the materials to be used, stored, and handled on-site, as well as any risks or hazards related to them, must be given by the client to the principal designer in accordance with CDM 2015. (Cristescu et al., 2020). In accordance with CDM 2015, the principal designer must also give the principal contractor access to the health and safety file, which includes details on the building materials, and eliminate, minimize, or control any risks that are reasonably foreseeable to result from the design, including material selection.
In addition to that, the CDM 2015 mandates that the lead contractor oversee the construction phase, including material handling, storage, and use, and plan, manage, and oversee it. The contractor must also give the contractor access to the construction phase plan, which outlines the site’s health and safety protocols. Following these guidelines can speed up the completion of the work while also helping to keep everyone safe (Katib, 2009).
Employers are also required by MHOR 1992 to evaluate the risk of harm resulting from manual handling of materials, including glass, concrete, wood, and insulation materials, and to take the necessary precautions to prevent or lessen the risk, such as employing mechanical aids, offering training, or modifying work procedures (Thamboo et al., 2021). With the help of this handbook, these workers are shielded from potential harm and danger that they might not be aware of.
WMR 2011 regulation also mandates that waste producers, including those who produce concrete, glass, wood, and insulation materials, follow the waste hierarchy. This hierarchy places a high priority on waste prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal. It also mandates that waste be transferred to an authorized individual who can handle it safely and lawfully. By saving more trees from being cut down in order to produce wood items that may be used to furnish a home, recycling timber byproducts contributes to environmental preservation. For instance, wood leftovers that have been reprocessed and compressed to create various wood blocks, like MDF boards, can be used to make cabinets.
Risk assessments are an essential tool for keeping an eye on and managing the risks—such as manual handling, fire, falling objects, and waste disposal—that come with using, storing, and handling building materials. The following actions are involved in risk assessments:
- Recognize the risks, including any possible causes of injury or damage resulting from the materials or the actions using them.
- Assess the risks, taking into account the possibility and seriousness of injury or damage as a result of the dangers.
- Choose the control strategies, such as the steps or safety measures to get rid of, lessen, or manage the hazards.
- Put control mechanisms in place to guarantee workers and public safety, such as equipment, training, supervision, or signage.
- Evaluate the control measures, noting any incidents or near misses and determining whether they need to be updated. If something is wrong, it needs to be fixed right away.
Conclusion
This study looked at the health and safety laws and the choice of materials for a concrete brick home with expansive glass windows. It has demonstrated how these factors can affect both the safety and comfort of the residents and the construction workers. The report’s main findings were that the choice of materials can have an impact on the interior air quality, thermal, visual, acoustic, and other aspects of the house, as well as the occupants’ happiness and well-being. Large glass windows can let in plenty of natural light and offer views, while concrete bricks can offer superb insulation and thermal mass. However, these materials also present specific difficulties, like heat gain or loss, glare, and noise transmission, which call for careful planning and management techniques.
Health and safety laws can shield the public and employees from risks, including waste disposal, fire, falling items, and manual handling that arise when using, storing, and managing building materials. The CDM 2015, MHOR 1992, and WMR 2011, which outline the obligations and responsibilities of the parties participating in the building project as well as the procedures and instruments for risk assessment and management, are the regulations that are applicable to the house.
Therefore, material choice and health and safety laws can have a significant impact on both people and the environment; they should also be considered social and environmental issues in addition to technical and legal ones. In order to get the most outstanding results, it is crucial to take into account the comfort and safety elements of the materials used in the design and construction of residential buildings, as well as to adhere to all applicable rules and norms.
Recommendations
The following are some suggestions for further study or application:
- Investigate the use of novel or alternative materials, such as nanoparticles, biobased materials, or innovative materials, that may provide improved comfort and safety performance (Casini, 2016).
- To assess the life cycle effects of materials, including embodied energy, carbon, and water, on human comfort and health, as well as their potential for recycling or reuse.
- To create and apply more efficient instruments and techniques, such as digital technology and sensors, for evaluating and controlling the risks related to materials (Fleming, 2005).
References
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