These happy chaps will finish installing the internal layer of insulation today.
Yes, that’s right. We have two layers of insulation!
The external layer is rigid blue foam, 5cm thick and was set into the existing steel structure of the roof. This second layer is mineral wool insulation, otherwise known as rock wool. It is 7cm thick and already we can feel the difference in temperature under that roof (admittedly, we started building in the dead of summer – those first site meetings were pretty arduous – we won’t really be able to compare until next scorching summer).
As I watched them haul the massive sheets up it occurred to me that using so much insulation is somewhat of a rarity in Shanghai, particularly in a residential building. I also realised that all through the design of this apartment renovation, Mr Lin, our client, has done a lot of research into passive energy design methods and materials, including in-floor radiant heating, centralised HVAC systems and recycled materials to name a few.
For those unfamiliar with building standards in Shanghai, let me give a brief explanation. Common sustainable design methods are not standard practice. Things like passive heating and cooling, insulation and double glazed windows are not common, while solar panels, grey water tanks and composting almost don’t exist. Only in recent years, in the wake of terrible pollution, has sustainable design begun to take root.
So it has been a very positive experience to work with Mr Lin in implementing these simple and cost-effective passive techniques. The insulation is not as expensive as one might have thought, and it is going to go a long way in reducing electricity bills. On top of that, Mr Lin has chosen a centralised HVAC cooling system and radiant heating panels, both of which use much less energy than fan-forced wall-mounted units, not to mention produce a much more comfortable air quality.
I attended a talk on healthy buildings and sustainable design recently. They talked about how building standards these days should not only include reducing environmental impact, but must go further, and include practices that reduce the impact on our health. A large percentage of the pollution in China is caused by the buildings in which we live and work, from the materials and by-products during construction, to everyday usage of air-conditioners, heaters, lights and water. When you realise that the fan-forced wall-mounted air con system in every room is as bad for you as it is for the environment, you realise that sustainable design and human health are not mutually exclusive, they are actually the same problem. Solving one is solving the other.
The talk went on to discuss how little people know about what goes into a complete building. While ingredient labels on food products have been around for longer than I can remember, there aren’t the same requirements for ‘ingredients’ of a building. Why not? People have a right to know if something contains formaldehyde, or was treated with chemicals, or produced vast amounts of smoke in its production. All of these things affects the air quality both inside and outside the home.
Returning to our little project, although fairly small in square meters, the difference we are making to our client and his family’s quality of life will be huge. We are really looking forward to seeing and feeling the finished result, and hopefully we will have more clients in the future with the same enthusiasm as Mr Lin.