Powrmatic supplies new ventilation louvres for sheltered housing
The reliability and energy performance of ventilators in six blocks of sheltered housing owned by Bournemouth Borough Council have been improved by replacing them with Powrmatic Krystalite glazed smoke and natural-ventilation louvres. The previous ventilators did not meet current requirements for energy performance.
The units were installed by Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms (DEFA) at the ends of corridors and stairwells. They provide daylight and ventilation to common areas, with automatic smoke and heat ventilation in the event of a fire.
Each ventilator has a manual switch for residents. Rain and wind sensors will close the louvres in bad weather. The warden has a manual over-ride to close the louvres at night, safeguarded by an anti-finger-trap facility.
Mark Damen of DEFA comments, ‘The first phase of the project involved one building. Having used the Krystalite louvres for this, we were satisfied that they met all our criteria and were ideal for the remaining five blocks.’
Krystalite ventilators have high levels of thermal insulation combined with a polyamide thermal break to minimise energy losses.