Description

ATTMA Envelope Area Training – Advanced

This intensive 1-day course is specifically designed to provide participants with the knowledge and understanding required to model complex envelope areas and volumes in 3D using SketchUp software. Aimed at air tightness testers and envelope area calculation technicians, this course enhances skills in handling complex building designs and prepares participants for the Envelope Area (EA) qualification exam.

Prior Knowledge:

Participants are expected to have the following prior knowledge and experience before attending the course:

1. Understanding of Envelope Area and Volume Calculations: Participants should already know how to calculate envelope areas and volumes as required for air tightness testing. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding the course material and applying it effectively.
2. Familiarity with SketchUp: Regular use of or a high level of familiarity with SketchUp software is necessary. Participants should be comfortable with the basics of SketchUp, as the course will focus on more advanced features and applications. This includes the knowledge from our basic course which is:
   1. Setting up a template for air tightness testing.
   2. Importing plan and section drawings and scaling them to size.
   3. Modelling buildings to calculate envelope areas and volumes in accordance with the relevant test standards.

Course Content:

The course is structured to cover several key topic areas, each crucial for mastering the use of SketchUp in modelling complex buildings for air tightness testing:

1. Permanently Compartmentalised Buildings: When there are no communal or circulation areas within the thermal envelope that connect to all areas of a building that is designed to be a single building.
2. High Rise Buildings: When a building has a large number of storey with a limited number of air tightness testing equipment set up locations so that it need to be tested in zones.
3. Phased Handover Developments: When a building is being handed over in phases or parts of the building are being occupied once completed so that it needs to be tested in zones.
   1. Large Extensions to Non-Domestic Buildings: When an extension is sufficiently large to be treated as a new building, for regulation purposes, and needs to be tested as a zone.

Exercises:

Practical exercises form a significant part of the course, allowing participants to apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. These exercises include:

1. Merging Multiple Drawings into a Single Element: Participants will practice combining different drawings into a cohesive model. This exercise includes dealing with drawings of differing scales and ensuring that all elements are accurately represented.
2. Complex Roof Intersections: Modelling complex roof structures can be challenging. This exercise focuses on handling intersections and other complex features to ensure that the entire roof structure is accurately modelled.
3. Circles, Curves, Cones, and Domes: Participants will learn how to model various geometric shapes, including circles, curves, cones, and domes. These shapes often present unique challenges in modelling, and this exercise will equip participants with the skills to handle them effectively.

Equipment:

Participants are required to bring the following items to the course:

• Laptop: A reliable laptop capable of running SketchUp software efficiently.
• Mouse with a Scroll Wheel: Essential for navigating and modelling in SketchUp.
• Scientific Calculator or Smartphone: Necessary for performing calculations during the course.

Examination:

The course concludes with a remote examination that participants can undertake after leaving the training venue. The examination process is as follows:

1. Receiving Building Drawings: Participants will be sent a set of architectural drawings for a building.
2. 24-Hour Calculation Period: Participants have 24 hours to use SketchUp to model the building and calculate the floor area, wall area, roof area, and total envelope area.
3. Submission via Web Portal: Calculated results must be submitted through a web-based portal within the 24-hour period.

Upon successful completion of the exam, participants will receive the EA qualification. This qualification allows their company to undertake Level 2 and 3 air tightness tests, provided they also have air tightness testers qualified at those levels.

Conclusion:

In summary, this 1-day course is a comprehensive training program designed to enhance the skills of air tightness testers and envelope area calculation technicians. By focusing on advanced SketchUp techniques, the course prepares participants to handle complex building models and equips them with the knowledge required to achieve the EA qualification. This qualification not only validates their skills but also enables their companies to expand their testing capabilities to more advanced levels.