Part L 2013 – where to start: an introduction for house builders and designers – masonry construction (for England)
(NF58)
Overview
This guide provides a starting point for designing new homes to comply with the 2013 edition of Approved Document L1A ‘Conservation of fuel and power’ (England). It gives examples of some typical homes, outlining a combination of measures needed to comply with ADL1A 2013. The intention is to give a broad understanding of the specifications that may be adopted as a starting point for detailed design. It also illustrates the effects of thermal bridging, which has a considerable impact on the approaches to overall compliance.
Summary of content
This guide, for masonry construction, is intended to help house builders and designers understand the 2013 changes to Approved Document L1A – Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings (ADL1A; Part L 2013). ADL1A 2013 builds on the process for demonstrating compliance established in previous editions. However, there are some key differences in the detail when compared to previous editions. ADL1A 2013 now sets a minimum fabric energy efficiency target, and when this has been achieved a combination of further fabric improvements, efficient services and renewables may be needed to achieve the overall carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions target.
This guide gives examples of some typical homes, outlining a combination of measures needed to comply with ADL1A 2013 (England). The intention is to give a broad understanding of the specifications that may be adopted as a starting point for detailed design. It also illustrates the effects of thermal bridging, which has a considerable impact on the approaches to overall compliance.
To supplement the ‘options for compliance’ tables and construction ‘build-ups’ the guides also include diagrams of important construction junctions to give house builders and their advisors a better feel for the critical elements and their likely performance.
This is only a general guide and there is no obligation to adopt any of the options given. In conjunction with this guidance, designers and house builders are should always check with the Building Control Body that their proposals comply with all the requirements of the Building Regulations, NHBC Standards and any planning requirements etc.