Understand building design

Assignment Brief

Unit FM4.17: Understanding property, fabric and building services maintenance for facilities managers

Learning outcomes

1. Understand building design

1.1 Explain the range of building types and their uses (supporting the explanation with examples (e.g. commercial, educational, industrial) rather than trying to provide an exhaustive list)

1.2 Explain how particular building types may be used to best advantage (supporting the explanation with examples of different types suited to different requirements, such as requirements relating to location, use of space, climate, environment, etc.)

1.3 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different building structures (relating performance characteristics (e.g. structural strength, resistance to weather) to different types of structure (e.g. load bearing masonry, timber frame and steel frame constructions, cladding systems)

2. Understand the maintenance implications of building, fabric, structures and components

2.1 Explain the fabric maintenance implications of differing building structures and components (including load bearing masonry, timber frame and steel frame constructions, cladding systems and the use of steel, brick, concrete, wood, glass)

2.2. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of the various structures and components used in old and new buildings (including the relative cost and complexity of maintenance, environmental performance and presence of hazardous materials, e.g. asbestos)

3. Understand how a strategy for the maintenance of the building fabric can be implemented

3.1 Describe the range of maintenance strategies that can keep buildings safe, useable and help to retain value (including periodic, reactive and preventative maintenance, and conditioned-based and risk-based maintenance)

3.2 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of delivering fabric maintenance services (supporting the explanation with example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies, and including comparison of in-house versus outsourced resource models)

3.3 Explain how to implement and monitor a building fabric maintenance programme (including condition surveys and forward maintenance plans)

3.4 Explain with examples when it may be necessary to involve other specialists (using example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies)

4. Understand the elements of building services maintenance programmes

4.1 Explain the range of building services which could be incorporated into differing types of building structures (including utilities (electricity, gas, water), sewage, heating and ventilation, communications (telephone and data))

4.2 Describe the constituent parts of a building services maintenance programme (including analysis of risk, maintenance plan, tracking process, safe systems of work, record keeping, compliance, monitoring and reporting processes for mechanical, electrical, HVAC and lift maintenance)

4.3 Explain the factors to be considered in developing a building services programme (supporting the explanation with example/s from the learner’s own experience or case studies that illustrate challenges from requirements and for implementation)

4.4 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of delivering buildings services maintenance (including reactive and planned/preventative maintenance and in-house versus outsourced service delivery)

4.5 Explain how to implement and monitor a building services maintenance programme (including condition surveys and forward maintenance plans)

5. Understand how to manage staff, contractors and specialists

5.1 Explain how to manage staff, contractors and specialists to ensure the required level of service is delivered (providing an overview of appropriate management techniques)

6. Understand building management systems (BMS) and technology used to control or manage building services

6.1 Explain the scope and use of buildings management systems (from basic systems of data capture to integrated systems that allow remote monitoring, diagnosis and service engineer call-out)

6.2 Explain what other technologies can be used in controlling or managing building services (supporting the explanation with examples, such as access control, time management systems, CCTV, equipment performance monitors, energy consumption monitors).

6.3 Explain how BMS can be used to help deliver sustainability in facilities management

Sample Answer

Understanding Property, Fabric and Building Services Maintenance for Facilities Managers

1. Understanding Building Design

1.1 Building Types and Their Uses

There are many different building types, each designed for specific uses. For example:

• Commercial buildings: Offices, shopping centres, and banks are made to support business activities.

• Educational buildings: Schools, colleges, and universities are designed with classrooms, labs, and communal spaces.

• Industrial buildings: Factories, warehouses, and plants are built to support heavy machinery and large-scale production.

Each type serves a unique purpose and is designed to meet the demands of its users.

1.2 Using Building Types to Best Advantage

The function and design of a building should match its use. For instance:

• A school needs to be in a safe, accessible area, with good ventilation and natural light to support learning.

• A warehouse is best located near transportation hubs and designed with high ceilings for vertical storage.

• A hospital must consider hygiene, zoning for various departments, and access for emergency vehicles.

Factors like climate, space usage, and location all influence how buildings are best used.

1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Building Structures

Each structure has pros and cons:

• Load-bearing masonry: Strong and durable, but heavy and not flexible for changes.

• Timber frame: Lightweight and eco-friendly, but less fire-resistant.

• Steel frame: Strong and allows for open spaces, but costly and needs protection from corrosion.

• Cladding systems: Improves appearance and insulation but can be costly and may raise fire safety concerns if not well managed.

2. Maintenance Implications of Building Structures and Components

2.1 Maintenance Needs of Building Components

Different structures need different care:

• Masonry may require re-pointing and inspection for cracks.

• Timber needs protection from rot, insects, and moisture.

• Steel frames should be treated for rust and painted regularly.

• Cladding systems might need regular cleaning and checks for secure fittings.

Each material, steel, brick, concrete, wood, glass, has unique maintenance needs, including weather resistance and longevity.

2.2 Old vs New Buildings: Benefits and Drawbacks

• Old buildings often have charm but may include hazards like asbestos. They can be expensive to maintain due to outdated materials.

• New buildings usually have better energy performance and lower running costs but can involve higher construction costs and untested design methods.

Cost, complexity, and compliance with modern regulations are all key factors.

Continued...