Gilberts

Gilberts Blackpool’s ventilation is out of this world!

  • 21 Sep 2022

The theory of whether humans could live on Mars is being put to the test with help from Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist Gilberts.

The Martian House is part of an ongoing public art project, resulting from collaboration involving space science and engineering professors from the University of Bristol, extreme environment architects Hugh Broughton Architects, designers and the public.

Built by a consortium led by Southern Construction Framework, the project aims to explore the practicality of living on Mars – a planet with limited power and air. 

Building services specialist Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services turned to Gilberts to support with the technicalities of delivering appropriate levels of ventilation as part of the overall MEP package within the 53 square metre, two storey inflatable house. All parties involved gave their expertise and materials free of charge.

Gilberts

Roy Jones, Gilberts Technical Director, comments: “The atmosphere on Mars is 95% carbon dioxide, but there is proven technology to convert that, sustainably, into air suitable for humans; as the concept house is in the UK and a prototype, we did not need to worry too much about that, and could rely on utilisation of our atmosphere through natural ventilation.

“However, we needed to find a way to move the air into the relevant areas of the dwelling so visitors to the project could breathe air of the correct quality!”

Chris Howard, Gilberts Regional Manager, adds: “The Martian House is meant as a conversation starter, to make people aware of how we live and use our natural resources, and how to better manage them. We were honoured to be chosen to provide the ventilation expertise in such a thought-provoking concept.”

‘In-house software’

Gilberts utilised its in-house software modelling to calculate the most appropriate means of ensuring correct levels of ventilation throughout the dwelling. 

A 400mm x 400mm WGF/38 weather louvre provides neat and compact ingress of air.  It has been fitted with a bird guard, bearing in mind the Martian House’s current location in Bristol city centre. Low power fans drive the ventilation from the control room to the main living quarters with power for the whole house provided via solar panels. 

The small size of the house meant that a single Series L linear bar grille 600mm long with blades angled at 15° would provide in excess of 75% free ventilation area to meet the airflow levels required for the living accommodation.  A GX/100 extract valve in the bathroom ensures that remained free from odours etc. 

Contact:

Gilberts of Blackpool,
Gilair Works,
Clifton Road,
Blackpool,
FY4 40T

Phone: 01253 766911
Fax: 01253 767941

Visit Gilberts of Blackpool's website

Leave a Reply

Latest news

Altro

Altro distils style and performance at English Spirit

English Spirit Distillery has used an extensive package of Altro products front and back of house, in their new visitor centre café, shop and viewing area for the working distillery.

Posted in Articles, Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Washrooms, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Systems, Case Studies, Floors, Interior Design & Construction, Interiors, Kitchens, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Timber Buildings and Timber Products, Walls

Abloy

Abloy UK creates bespoke locking solution for Secure Information Boxes

Abloy UK has supplied The Safety Letterbox Company Ltd with a bespoke Sentry CL811 Camlock for use in its Secure Information Boxes, assisting life safety and complying with new regulations and legislation for high rise buildings.

Posted in Access Control & Door Entry Systems, Architectural Ironmongery, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Building Services, Case Studies, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Posts, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Security and Fire Protection

CUPA

CUPA: CUPACLAD enhances hotel aesthetics with a creative natural slate façade

Situated at the northern edge of a newly developed retail park near Bristol, the Abbey Wood Travelodge was conceived as part of the company’s new Budget-Luxe line of hotels – it features CUPACLAD, from CUPA PIZARRAS.

Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Systems, Case Studies, Cladding, Concrete, Cement, Admixtures, Facades, Posts, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Walls

Origin