A student room is small, but the ventilation challenge is anything but. Following insulation and draught-proofing, CO2 levels, moisture, and overnight comfort require extra attention.
In renovation projects, ventilation often only becomes a concrete issue when the mechanical systems are being detailed. However, if the layout of shafts, ceilings, and facades has already been largely finalized by that stage, the opportunity to make a genuine comparison between ventilation concepts has effectively already passed.
Renovation can significantly improve a home's insulation. However, if fresh air subsequently enters the room directly through a cold vent, residents often experience drafts or cold downdrafts. The reaction is understandable: the vent gets closed. Yet, this also cuts off the supply of air needed for a healthy indoor environment.
In new construction, the ventilation setup can often be planned from the very first design stage. Existing buildings, however, present a different set of challenges. Limited space, occupied homes, varied floor plans, and tight budgets call for a solution that adapts to the project—not the other way around.
Relative humidity is a well-known indicator of the indoor climate. However, "50% RH" on its own does not indicate whether condensation might occur. Assessing that risk requires knowing the air's dew point—and the temperature of the coldest surface in the home.
Laboratory tests are valuable, but everyday practice reveals how ventilation is actually used. Student rooms offer particularly valuable insights in this regard: occupancy varies, the space is compact, and the combination of sleeping, studying, showering, cooking, and drying can rapidly affect air quality.
A large university with on-campus student housing that has undergone extensive renovation. The complex comprises four- and five-story buildings with a total of approximately 250 rooms, all of which have been refurbished both internally and externally. Each room is equipped with a customized Fresh-r solution.
