Tesco and BSRIA continue working together to deliver airtight buildings
Despite incorporating external office and scissor-lift pods, the new Tesco distribution centre in Teesport has achieved a high level of airtightness. Built by Bowmer & Kirkland and tested by BSRIA, the building scored an air permeability of 0.41 m3/h/m2 and an air-leakage index of 0.69 m3/h/m2.
Bowmer & Kirkland commissioned BSRIA for design advice and air testing on the joining areas for the offices and scissor-lift pods of this 90 000 m2 distribution centre to eliminate them as a potential cause of failure for the whole building. BSRIA first carried out smoke tests, removing the concerns over the suspect areas. The full testing was then carried out with a minimum disruption to the site, and immediately available results revealed an exceptionally airtight building.
Tesco has been building airtight stores in collaboration with BSRIA for over 17 years, with an airtightness specification that far exceeds those required by the Building Regulations.