Alessandra Meza - Sustainable Architecture Design and Retrofit Portfolio

Alessandra Meza N.

Portfolio of works

Selected projects

Other projects

Rockingham Street Redevelopment

Arts Tower Forecourt Module

Jessop West Winter POE

Boston Redevelopment

Holiday bungalow: Mejía-Salazar

House 102

House retrofit: Arcia-Serpa

House retrofit: Eslait-Santodomingo

Portal de Nueva Andrea Development

Santa Marta urban parks network

RM 34-45

Salguero Beach

San Roque Redevelopment

Two 2 Towers

Universal Cemetery Park

Vita 495

Contra-Haus2 [Design]

Frankfurt, Germany

Detached family house

Highlights:

14kWh/m2 of annual heating demand

57.72m3 of rain water harvested

Cross-Laminated Timber structure

On-site renewable energy generation

MVHR system

Underfloor Heating System

Located in the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany, the ContraHaus2 is designed to be a relaxing, thermally comfortable and energy efficient holiday home for a small family.

The passive strategies were key to define the building shape to have an efficient design, but additional technologies were added to improve the overall performance.

The main structure is constructed with local CLT panels and wood fibre insulation, reducing significantly the carbon footprint.

The exposed concrete ground floor is useful as thermal mass for the underfloor heating system.

The two opposed roofs provide on-site renewable energy from photovoltaic-thermal panels (south-facing roof) and additional insulation from green roof (facing north).

The west volume grows to the south for a conservatory as a transition space that also improves the energy performance of the dwelling.

Model testing for efficiency

With a combination of the most suitable strategies, the house reduced its heating demand to 13.9kWh/m2a, meeting successfully the PassivHaus benchmark, without compromising neither aesthetics nor comfort.

External windflow

Rainwater harvesting

Timber cladding

Timber cladding battens

Damp-proof membrane

Rigid insulation (0.33m)

Vapour control layer

CLT wall (0.13m - 5 layers)

Concealed metal plate for structural connection

Screws (0.10m)

Polished screed (0.025m)

Metal wall footing

Insulation-backed water resistant drywall wall base

Concrete screed for UHS (0.075m)

Underfloor Heating System pipes @0.10m

Rigid insulation (0.15m)

Continuous foundation wall (0.13m x 0.45m)

Vapour control layer

Concrete foundation floor (0.20m)

Damp-proof membrane

Continuous footing (0.80m x 0.25m)

Sand (0.10m)

Pitched roof optimised for on-site renewable energy generation

Enhanced cross-ventilation

Detail Section 1

Detail Section 1

Underfloor Heating System

Rainwater harvesting

Roof coping

Metal covering face

Steel profiles - vertical

Damp-proof membrane

CLT wall (0.13m - 5 layers)

Vapour control layer

Rigid insulation (0.33m)

Damp-proof membrane

Timber cladding battens

Timber cladding

Asphalt shingle roof tiles

Roof battens for tile support

Roof battens for slope

Damp-proof membrane

Chipboard sheathing

Rigid insulation (0.24m)

Vapour control layer

CLT roof (0.10m - 5 layers)

Growth medium (0.20m)

Root barrier

Drainage deck

Damp-proof membrane

Rigid insulation (0.24m)

Vapour control layer

Detail Section 2

Detail Section 2

MVHR system

Rooflights to increase daylight and heat gains without direct sunlight

Conservatory to increase heat gains during winter months

Prevailing wind

Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre [JCCAC]

[Retrofit]

Hong Kong

Deep retrofit for the cultural centre of the Shek Kip Mei [石硤尾] area

Highlights:

50% of built area available for unrestricted public access 100% of permanently occupied rooms have direct connection with greenery 85% of rooms have illuminance values between 100-3,000 lux throughout the year 50% of external surfaces absorb rainwater Kinetic courtyard glass roof responsive to wind direction Recycled bamboo for fenestration

Reduction of direct solar incidence in west facade

The retrofit aims to improve its response to the microclimatic conditions of the site, the occupants’ experience and its resilience to the negative effects of climate change. Conclusions from site and building scale research revealed the following issues to address as priority:

Existing problems addressed

Case of introvert building, which affect negatively a cultural centre. Noise from transportation, construction and daily activities from habitants. Pollutant particulates affecting the air quality.

Lack of thermal insulation, plus temperature reaching 33oC. High precipitation and hard ground and roof increases the rainwater run-off resulting on urban flooding. Poor illuminance levels and high electricity demand for artificial lighting. No opportunity for effective cross-ventilation.

Public spaces

Open areas

Toilets

Restaurant % Cafe

Exhibition/Gallery

Retail Library

Semi-public spaces

Events hall

Workshops

Tenancy spaces

Private spaces

Studio spaces

Performance studio Management offices

HKGBC Guidebook on Urban Microclimate Study

Adopted measures [North-West facade]

Increased building permeability

Adoption Ventilation bay/permeable podium

Green wall to reduce heat gains from DSL and the impact of rainwater in urban floods

Greening to increase evapotranspiration and absorb rainwater

Reducing surface water run-off by using permeable paving

Reduce thermal mass heat storage of building material

Specific strategies

Hanging gardens

Living walls

Permeable pavement materials

Green roof

Permeable walking roof

Gardens in the main entrance

Benefits

Improved thermal comfort for users

Isolation from noise and air pollution from Pak Tin street

Reduced rainwater surface run-off

Reduced use of fresh water on building’s water demand

Annual Temmperature Range

HKGBC Guidebook on Urban Microclimate Study

Adopted measures [South-East facade]

Manipulate building facade design to provide shading Adoption Ventilation bay/permeable podium

Increased ground zone air volume

Increased building permeability

Increase useful daylight, reduce direct sunlight

The South-East facade is affected by DSL between 10:00-12:00 most of the year. The existing building blocked effectively DSL, yet it prevented daylight from coming into the rooms.

The new proposal has an increased window-wall ratio which along with a difference in the building profile, allows the neccesary daylight for each space acording to the designated activity.

Validation

Spatial Daylight Autonomy

Annual Sunlight Exposure (sDA + ASE)

86% of building area meets sDA % hours

6% of building area >ASE hours threshold

85% of rooms meet sDA >55% room area

85% of rooms meet sDA 75% room area

5% of rooms >ASE hours >20% room area

15% of rooms that do not meet sDA % hours are not permanently used spaces, such as restrooms, storage rooms, and temporary exhibitions open areas.

Requirements

sDA: 300lux / 50% annual hrs

ASE: 1000lux / 250 hrs

Rooms: All Days: Jan 01 to Dec 31

Time: 8:00 to 18:00

Sky Cover Range

The high percentage of cloud cover throughout the year helps to balance the relation between direct solar radiation and direct sunlight. It facilitates to reduce aggressive solar radiation on the South-East facade without sacrificing effective daylighting indoors.

Coordenates: 22.32o North, 114.17o Eas,t HONG KONG

Data Source: CityUHK-45007 450070 WMO Station Number, Elevation 65m

January | NE & E

February | E

March | E

April | E

Windflow during January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December. Also, part of May, June, July, and August.

May | NE & SW

June | E & W

July | NE & SW

August | NE & SW

Windflow during parts of May, June, July, and August.

September |

October |

Noise and air pollution come from heavy traffic street

Living walls to reduce the direct incidence of solar radiation and block noise and air pollution

Novel kinetic glass roof allows the hot air escape with opening responding to prevailing wind

Hanging gardens to block noise and air pollution but allowing cross-ventilation

Significant openings cross-ventilation

Summer solstice | 12:00

Equinox | 12:00

Green roof to reduce the direct incidence of solar radiation and the rainwater run-off

Winter solstice | 12:00

Balcony levels allow different spaces typologies while protecting from DSL without sacrificing useful daylight

openings allows cross-ventilation in the building

Double height open gallery welcomes public and wind East terraces for shaded activities during afternoon

Pindale Farm Outdoor Centre, Youth Hostel

[Retrofit]

Peak District, Derbyshire, UK

Retrofit in Grade II listed buildings (3 buildings) New energy efficient buildings for supporting activities (4 buildings)

Highlights:

BREEAM ‘Excellent’ achieved in Re-Designed and New buildings

On-site renewable energy production using Photovoltaic-Thermal panels

Rainwater harvesting system + Water management system

Fabric-first approach for retrofitted buildings

Annual Energy Consumption between 2,000 kWh - 54,000 kWh Illuminance levels comply with CIBSE requirements

Bus station

Railway station

Located in the Hope Valley (county of Derbyshire) in the Peak District National Park, UK, the hostel provides accommodation and camping facilities for its visitors.

Dure to historical and architectural interest, the building is Grade II listed and is under the control of Peak District National Authority.

The site is easily accessible for visitors from train and coach within 2.0km radius, and is located in the centre of the 3 major communities and hence has the potential to attract the local community.

Types of accommodation

Bed & Breakfast Camping

Users & Visitors

Self-Catered

Families Bikers

Cyclists Hikers Tourists Students

Service wing

Camping site

Barn House Engine House Pavilion Agora Bike Hub

Reception

Parking Owner residence

Camping site

Camping site

Camping site

Limestone quarry

On-site renewable energy production &Efficient water management system

The high exposure of the site to direct sunlight and the constant precipitations in the zone were the main factors to propose on-site renewable energy production utilising PV-T panels for energy and heating, and a water management system to collect stormwater and re-use it in appliances on the Service Wing, and hence reduce the demand of fresh water where grey water can be used. The on-site RE systems are located in three buildings: Barn House, Pavilion and Bike Hub, while the water management systems are in the Service Wing and the Agora.

The existing Barn House offered six selfcatered rooms accommodating 8-10 people per room. However, poor ventilation and insulation were the main factors affecting the users’ comfort, including the insufficient daylight in the spaces. Moreover, the existing floor layout showed no relation with the building’s structure nor heritage.

The new Barn House layout hosts the same amount of rooms but each with two levels, be the ground floor the service area and the first floor the sleeping area. Three rooms are self-catered and three are non-catered The rooms’ size adjust to the main walls and roof structure, to which more windows were added to improve the air circulation and daylight levels. Furthermore, the room capacity increased,

The service wing contains three main areas. The dining and kitchen for the non-catered rooms and campers, the bathroom and shower area for the campers, employees, and visitors, and the cleaning and recycling rooms for all guests and employees. This service wing accommodates together in one building the functions of other spaces scattered in the property.

CIBSE illuminance levels

Bedroom = 50-100 lux

Kitchen = 150-300 lux

Bathroom = 150 lux

Living room = 50-300 lux

INTERIOR

Exposed timber = 0.008m

Timber battens = 0.06m

Concrete screed for UFHS = 0.075m

Clip rail for UFHS UFHS pipes @ 0.10m

Polythene barrier

Floor insulation panel = 0.10m

Concrete subfloor = 0.20m

EXTERIOR (ground)

INTERIOR

Paint = 0.001m

Plaster = 0.03m

Gypsum board = 0.0125m

Wood fibre insulation = 0.1m

Timber stud = 0.1m

Polwood sheating = 0.005m

Damp proof membrance

Limestone = 0.4m

EXTERIOR

U-Values

Walls = 0.24

Floor = 0.25

Roof = 0.26

Windows = 0.5

Main strategies

Fabric-first approach

PV-T panels for renewable energy and heat.

Underfloor heating system

Extra rooflights & windows to improve daylighting & air movement.

Rainwater management system

Although the existing hostel provided enough rooms, camping zones and service facilities for the guests, there was no gathering/ communal space within its boundaries. Result of this, was the proposal of the Agora, a new building for social and cultural activities for guests and visitors.

Its geometry reflects the current site terrain. Taking the main curves from the existing retaining walls, the space is closed at the top by a dome-like green roof, resulting in a low lying structure and blends with the surroundings. The building has a cutout on the north to give space for the existing trees in that area, creating an outdoor terrace.

Curved green roof blends the building with the site topography and acts as an insulation layer to the interior. In winter, it reduces thermal heat loss and in summer, it prevents overheating . Moreover it captures rainwater to be used on site maintenance.

Vegetation

Growth medium

Root barrier

Drainage layer

Membrane protection

Waterproof membrane

Steel sheeting

Vapour control layer

Supporting panel

Glulam structural beams

Glulam structural columns

Glulam structural beam @ 1m

Lateral support plate / U bracket

Glulam structural columns

Raw materials Manufacturing Transport Construction Maintenance & Use Landfill Waste Re-purpose Re-use

Raw material extraction

Common timber species used in Glulam manufacturing is ‘European Larch’ because of its natural durability. These forest sources comply with certification system of FSC and PEFC The energy required for raw material extraction is minor compared to steel or concrete.

Manufacturing

76% of the carbon will be contained in Glulam with respect to the carbon content of input materials. For 1m3 of Glulam, 591kg/m3 of Lumber and 6.13kg/m3 of resins are used. 643MJ/m3 i.e. 10% of cumulative energy for resin production. 52% of cumulative energy for Glulam manufacturing process.

Lumber, green Lumber, dry

Melamine urea formaldehyde

Phenol resorcinol formaldehyde

Electricity Natural gas

Wood fuel energy

Transportation

= 149 kg/m3 = 442 kg/m3 = 0.96 kg/m3 = 5.17 kg/m3 = 304 MJ/m3 = 153 MJ/m3 = 508 MJ/m3

The nearest Glulam supplier for the site is Constructional Timber manufacturer’s Ltd in Brensley, South Yorkshire. It is 29.3 miles away from the site. The transportation of materials will be from trucks using fossil fuels

Construction

Since high degree prefabrication of Glulam is possible, it saves energy in construction site. The low weight of Glulam helps in reducing the foundation and erection cost and energy. The steel beam is 100% and concrete beam is 500% heavier than the proposed Glulam beams.

Maintenance & Use

Glulam is susceptible for extreme variations in temperature and relative humidity, which may lead to debonding between layers which might result in cracks. Regular checkings are necessary to verify cracks and joints. Periodic cleaning is required to prevent fungal decay.

Recycling & Re-Use

Glulam can be reused or recycled completely at the end of life cycle. It can be re-used as woodchips or biofuel for combined heat and power plant. It is environmentally friendly even if it is sent to landfills.

Glulam

Wood trimmings

Wood waste

Manufacturing Inputs (1m3 of glulam) Manufacturing Outputs (1m3 of glulam) 1

Re-Designed buildings

BREEAM | Excellent | 73.88% UK Refurbishment & Fit-Out 2014 1.1 (Technical Manual SD216)

New buildings

BREEAM | Excellent | 73.91% UK New Construction 2018 2.0 (Technical Manual SD5078)

Building