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Enhancing Commercial Ventilation with Smart Design Solutions

Natalie Akins
Commercial Ventilation

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality has been a hot topic in the world of commercial construction. Enterprises are continually looking for ways to stay one step ahead of the next outbreak, promoting worker wellbeing along the way.

One of the best ways to ensure optimal air quality in a commercial facility is to design the structure with proper ventilation in mind. Keep reading as we explore some of the smartest design solutions for enhancing ventilation in commercial buildings.

Leverage Passive Design Strategies

One of the best routes for creating a well-ventilated building is by employing a passive design strategy. Rather than relying on fans and conditioned air, a passively designed building will leverage the location of the structure to achieve as much natural ventilation as possible.

This starts with building the long axis of the building parallel to prevailing wind patterns. Louvers are equally important when employing this concept. They allow for the controlled flow of breeze into the structure. They break the force of particularly strong winds and keep moisture and debris out of the facility. This helps guarantee a steady supply of fresh air while reducing reliance on electrical systems for ventilation.

Keep the HVAC in Top Condition

Commercial Ventilation

Dust, toxins, and airborne pathogens can easily make their way through HVAC ducts if not properly designed. In addition to regular servicing and filter exchanges, there are a number of measures for guaranteeing first-rate air circulation through the HVAC system.

Backdraft dampers can establish the correct flow of air, preventing ambient air from backing up into the HVAC ducts. Innovative sand trap louvres separate large-size sand particles at low air velocities, thus avoiding excessive dust loading on conventional secondary stage filters for fresh air intake into HVAC systems. A dehumidifier helps ensure that mold buildup in the ducts does not trigger respiratory issues in building occupants.

Implement Air Cleaning Devices

Commercial Ventilation

Although air circulation is crucial in a commercial structure, it defeats the purpose if contaminated air is moving through the facility. Therefore, it is important to implement some air cleaning devices into the building’s design. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a great place to start in commercial air purification. Advanced UV light air sanitizing systems can remove unwanted particles, microorganisms, and pathogens, making them a strong choice in commercial kitchen and food preparation facilities. Air scrubbers are designed to filter out pollutants, allergens, and control bacteria and viruses, making them a crucial tool in chemical plants or other facilities where professionals may be working in close proximity to hazardous materials.


 

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Prioritize the Open Design Concept

The open concept is all the rage in commercial design. While its benefits for energy efficiency and versatility are widely recognized, its utility in promoting elite ventilation often gets overlooked. Simply put, it is more difficult to keep air flowing in heavily walled structures. Stale air can get trapped in small rooms and recesses, requiring specific ventilation and specialized measures to remedy.

Some ways to reduce the need for permanent walls and ensure consistent airflow throughout the interior include establishing an infrastructure of demountable partitions, installing heavy duty flooring for quick reconfiguration, and using accent walls and acoustic panels to break up space.

For cold storage facilities, turning to an exterior walk in cooler can reduce the need for interior refrigeration, subsequently keeping indoor space more open and flowing.

Guarantee Sufficient Window Area

In addition to natural daylighting and creating a bright, inviting ambiance for the structure, windows are essential when planning for ventilation. Not only can opening a window quickly give occupants a dose of fresh air, but strategically placed windows at opposite ends of the building can help pull air through the building and create a refreshing cross breeze.

Robust aluminum and steel frame windows also limit the threat of mold and other types of moisture damage within the building envelope, reducing the risk of irritating spores entering the structure.

Plan for Noise Mitigation

Commercial Ventilation

Circulating air will inevitably make some noise. Whether it is powerful HVAC systems, whirring commercial generators, or simply the free flow of natural breeze through the facility, moving air can make a din when not properly planned for.

Fortunately, there are many innovative materials that can help limit noise pollution while simultaneously establishing elite air flow. Sound dampers and noise attenuators can be added in HVAC and utility rooms to limit noise transfer. Ceiling clouds, wall panels, and acoustic blankets add sound-absorbing mass to a building and can help keep noise local to its origin. There are even some advanced acoustical louvers that allow an ambient breeze into a facility while absorbing noise created from debris and projectile impact.

Ensure Optimal Air Quality: Effective Design Solutions for Commercial Ventilation

Modern businesses are sparing no expense in promoting indoor air quality in their facilities. This starts with the proper ventilation infrastructure. From leveraging passive design principles to integrating noise mitigation features, consider any of the ideas listed above as smart design solutions that enhance commercial ventilation.

For more of the latest trends shaping the commercial construction landscape, explore the resources at Structures Insider for ideas and inspiration today.



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