One of the big challenges for architects, whether they are designing domestic, public or commercial architecture, is indoor air quality (IAQ). More people are aware of how important good air is. As a result it is wise to think of the things that can have an impact on it.

Balancing

It can actually be very difficult to get good air quality. The toughest part is striking the right balance between ventilation and controlling the spread of pathogens. HVAC systems are important for heating, cooling and fresh air. The downside is the ducts become a breeding ground for bacteria. If this happens pathogens have an easy route to spread through the property.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve air quality when dealing with HVAC systems. Firstly the system can feature HEPA filters. These can reduce the amount of bacteria in the air. In some cases they can get overworked though.

In addition to filtering the air it is possible to introduce other hardware to ducts. For example UV light is germicidal and can help to make ducts a more inhospitable place for bacteria.

Surface cleaning is also vital. Unfortunately many cleaning products can release fumes that affect the air quality. While they kill the bacteria the impact on the IAQ may not make it worth it. An alternative is to choose paints and surface coatings that are anti-bacterial.

Room pressurisation is another option. It is popular in hospitals and labs where bacteria levels need close control. The downside is that it can be very costly to install and maintain them.

The perfect design

Coffey Architects works hard to maximise IAQ. We think about important thing such as natural ventilation because this is always a better option than ducts. When HVAC systems are absolutely essential we can design them correctly.

If you are designing a piece of commercial architecture and need our assistance please get in touch. We are always happy to work on these large scale projects. In addition we can take on smaller domestic or public works. Whatever the specifics, we will work hard to get the perfect results.