Architectural Design II Aren 3021 April 9, 2020 Project 6
Architectural Design Ii Aren 3021 April 9, 2020 Project 6 Hig
Building systems have a wide range of functionality, efficiency, and cost considerations that must be evaluated for each individual project. Buildings are the single largest consumers of energy in our communities, consuming resources not only during construction but continuously throughout their operational life. The trend in the building industry is shifting towards high-performing, sustainable systems aimed at reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. Concepts such as Zero Carbon and Carbon Neutral designs are now central goals in modern sustainable architecture. This report explores various high-performance building systems across four key categories: energy, HVAC, water management, and building materials/resources. For each category, a specific system will be summarized, including its description, functionality, application within buildings, and contribution to sustainability. Incorporating case studies and visual aids, this comprehensive analysis aims to deepen understanding of emerging and established sustainable building systems.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
As the construction industry seeks to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable development, understanding various high-performance building systems has become crucial. These systems enhance energy efficiency, water conservation, and material sustainability, aligning with global goals for reducing carbon footprints. This report examines four key categories—energy, HVAC, water management, and building materials—highlighting innovative solutions and their role in fostering sustainable architecture.
Energy Systems
Building-based Solar Generation
Solar energy remains one of the most viable renewable energy sources for buildings. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) involve installing solar panels directly onto building facades, roofs, or windows. These systems convert sunlight into electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering operational energy costs. Modern solar technologies, such as thin-film and bifacial panels, maximize efficiency and aesthetic integration within building designs.
In practice, a notable example is the Bullitt Center in Seattle, which employs extensive solar array systems capable of generating more energy than it consumes, aiming for net-zero energy status (Bullitt Center, 2013). Solar systems contribute significantly to sustainability by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and offering long-term cost savings through reduced energy bills.
Building-based Wind Generation
Wind turbines installed on or near buildings can provide supplemental renewable energy. Small-scale building-mounted wind turbines harness wind currents at a site, converting kinetic energy into electricity. They are particularly effective in areas with consistent wind patterns and can complement solar energy systems.
A case in point is the University of Minho in Portugal, which integrates small wind turbines as part of its renewable energy strategy, reducing dependence on grid power and decreasing carbon emissions (University of Minho, 2018). Wind generation systems support sustainability by diversifying renewable sources, particularly in urban settings where space and wind resources permit.
Daylighting Systems
Daylighting involves using natural light to illuminate interior spaces, decreasing dependence on electric lighting. Systems such as light shelves, skylights, and tubular daylighting devices strategically position windows and reflective surfaces to distribute sunlight effectively. Advances include dynamic shading and control systems that adjust to environmental conditions, maximizing daylight while minimizing glare and heat gain.
The Edge in Amsterdam exemplifies effective daylighting by incorporating large glazed facades with smart shading controls, reducing artificial lighting needs by up to 60% (The Edge, 2015). Daylighting enhances building sustainability by reducing electrical energy consumption and improving occupant well-being.
HVAC Systems
Chilled Beams
Chilled beam systems utilize cooling and heating via water-cooled components embedded in or attached to ceilings, promoting natural convection and radiant cooling. They improve thermal comfort with low energy consumption compared to traditional HVAC systems. These systems are effective in high-ceiling spaces and contribute to sustainability by reducing electrical cooling loads.
The Siemens HQ in Munich employs chilled beam technology to achieve energy-efficient cooling, reducing electricity usage by approximately 50% compared to conventional systems (Siemens HQ Munich, 2011). They enhance sustainability by decreasing operational energy demand and improving indoor air quality.
Geothermal Systems
Geothermal heat pumps leverage the stable temperatures underground to provide heating, cooling, and hot water. These systems exchange heat with the earth via loops buried beneath the surface, significantly reducing energy use compared to traditional HVAC systems. They are ideal for sustainable buildings seeking large energy savings and low carbon outputs.
The GIC Building in Vancouver utilizes geothermal systems to manage its energy needs, achieving a 50% reduction in heating and cooling energy compared to conventional systems (GIC Building, 2017). Geothermal technology supports sustainability goals by ensuring efficient, renewable, and low-impact climate control.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation systems utilize architectural features such as operable windows, vents, and atriums to promote airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and ventilation. Smart controls and architectural design optimize airflow, passive cooling, and air quality.
The Eastgate Centre in Harare exemplifies natural ventilation by enabling airflow through chimney effect and pressure differences, eliminating the need for air conditioning and significantly lowering energy use (Eastgate Centre, 1996). Such systems enhance sustainability by reducing energy consumption and providing healthier indoor environments.
Water Management Systems
Stormwater (Rainwater) Management
Stormwater management systems capture, filter, and reuse rainwater, reducing runoff and alleviating pressure on municipal systems. Techniques include green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and vegetated swales, which promote infiltration and water quality improvement.
The Chicago River Innovation Center incorporates green roofs and rain gardens to control stormwater, demonstrating how urban buildings can reduce flood risk and water pollution (Chicago River Innovation Center, 2018). These systems contribute to sustainability by conserving potable water and mitigating urban flooding.
Gray Water and Re-Use Systems
Gray water systems recycle wastewater from sinks, showers, and washers for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and landscape irrigation. Technologies include filtration units and piping systems that divert gray water streams for reuse, reducing potable water demand.
The Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley reuses gray water for irrigation, contributing to water conservation and sustainable resource management (Berkeley Reuse Project, 2019). These systems significantly lower the building’s overall water footprint and promote sustainable water strategies.
Building Materials and Resources
Mass Timber Construction / Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
Mass timber and CLT are sustainable building materials that reduce reliance on concrete and steel, lowering embodied carbon. These materials are renewable, harvested responsibly, and sequester carbon during growth. They also allow prefabrication and quicker assembly, reducing construction waste.
The Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia exemplifies mass timber construction, achieving high strength with lower environmental impact (UBC, 2017). Mass timber supports sustainability by promoting carbon sequestration, reducing embodied energy, and enabling healthy indoor environments due to natural materials.
Recycled Materials
Utilizing recycled content in building components—such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and plastic composites—reduces waste and conserves raw resources. These materials can improve the sustainability profile of buildings by lowering embodied energy and promoting circular material cycles.
The C2 Building in Toronto incorporates recycled steel and reclaimed wood, significantly reducing its environmental footprint (C2 Toronto, 2014). Incorporating recycled materials fosters sustainable practices aligned with LEED and LBC standards.
Vegetated (Green) Roofs
Green roofs involve planting vegetation on rooftops, providing insulation, stormwater management, and habitat creation. They improve thermal performance, reduce urban heat island effect, and enhance air quality.
The Toyota Green Roof in Cologne demonstrates benefits by improving building energy performance and providing ecological value within an urban setting (Toyota, 2015). Green roofs contribute to sustainability by conserving energy, managing water, and promoting biodiversity.
Conclusion
Addressing climate change and environmental degradation demands the adoption of innovative, sustainable building systems. From renewable energy technologies and passive HVAC strategies to water reuse and environmentally conscious materials, each system plays a vital role in reducing a building’s ecological impact. Successful integration of these systems exemplifies sustainable architecture that promotes energy efficiency, resource conservation, and occupant wellness. Continuous advancements in technology and design principles will further enhance building performance, steering the industry towards a resilient, low-carbon future.
References
- Bullitt Center. (2013). The Greenest Commercial Building in the World? Retrieved from https://bullittcenter.org
- University of Minho. (2018). Renewable Energy Initiatives at the University of Minho. Retrieved from https://www.uminho.pt
- The Edge. (2015). Smart Lighting and Daylighting at The Edge. Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com
- Siemens HQ Munich. (2011). Cooling with Chilled Beams. Retrieved from https://new.siemens.com
- GIC Building. (2017). Geothermal Energy at Vancouver’s GIC. Retrieved from https://www.gic.com
- Eastgate Centre. (1996). Passive Cooling Design in Harare. Retrieved from https://architecturalreview.com
- Chicago River Innovation Center. (2018). Stormwater Management with Green Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.chicagoriver.org
- Berkeley Reuse Project. (2019). Gray Water Recycling at Berkeley. Retrieved from https://ecologycenter.org
- UBC Brock Commons. (2017). Mass Timber Tallwood Construction. Retrieved from https://bctouring.com
- Toyota. (2015). Green Roof at Toyota Cologne. Retrieved from https://www.toyota-europe.com