Center for Integrated Building Design Research by antonio nevada martinez

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CENTER FOR INTEGRATED BUILDING DESIGN RESEARCH

. . . .

2008

This document is a collaboration of the work done by graduate and fourth year students at the School of Architecture, at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. This semester long project is limited by the effective scope of an academic semester, and is therefore subject to further research. It is our goal as architecture students, not only to gain mastery of, but to galvanize the inception of a new perspective on appropriate and responsible design.

. . . .

CIBDR

Academic Contributors: Graduate Students: Lane Allmon, Lindsay Frizzell , Rhonda Lowe, Casey Peura, Bethany Vandetta, and Jon Visser. Fourth-Year Students: Colin Cleland, Kelli Franklin, Emily Hinton, Brandon Johnson, and Megan Jones.

Editorial & Publication: Antonio Martinez, Lindsay Frizzell, and Rhonda Lowe, and Kelli Franklin.

Under the instruction of Professor Dale Brentrup; Director Daylighting + Energy Laboratory UNC Charlotte

CENTER FOR INTEGRATED BUI

LDING DESIGN RESEARCH

A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF A RESEARCH FACILITY ON THE UNCC CAMPUS

OBJECTIVE TO CREATE A RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT THAT IS PREDICATED ON TECHNOLOGIES THAT NOT ONLY INFLUENCE THE CAMPUS, BUT ACT AS A DIRECT LIAISON BETWEEN THE RESEARCHERS OF GREEN BUILDING DESIGN AND THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY.

Premise Sketch

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Site and Precedents

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Preliminary Concepts

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Design Build

Systems + Analysis

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The Built Environment + Interactivity

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GET IN THE HABIT OF ANALYSIS - ANALYSIS WILL IN TIME ENABLE SYNTHESIS TO BECOME YOUR HABIT OF MIND. - Frank Lloyd Wright

PREMISE

This is the building that currently houses the College of Architecture. As it stands, Storrs Hall fails to realize its potential for energy efficiency and interaction with the rest of the campus. The proposed addition to the site will create a new layer of interaction between campus destinations while educating others about energy consumption and conservation. Storrs Building: University of North Carolina Charlotte

SITE ANALYSIS

University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Storrs Building Located in the north eastern part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, the college is located within the greater Piedmont region, which consists of rolling hills, a temperate climate, and both coniferous and deciduous trees.

SITE ANALYSIS

Diagrammatic Site Models

In the early stages of design, diagrams were useful in determining building orientation, hierarchy of spaces, and circulation patterns. They also illustrated the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship to the existing building.

Temperature

Solar Insolation

Balance Point Temperature Range

Psychrometric Chart

Analysis of Atmospheric Conditions Isothermal diagrams of temperature and solar insolation were used to provide an understanding of their effects on the existing building as well as the site in general. The balance point temperature for our proposed addition is 22 degrees Fahrenheit, which translates into a very limited requirement for the heating season.

SITE ANALYSIS

CoA Energy 10 Base Case This analysis is a comparison of resource consumption of a building that meets energy code (red) and an energy simulation of a building with maximum allowable glazing (yellow). This comparison was created to serve as benchmarks for further schematic design and parametric energy simulations.

LIGHTING ANALYSIS

Stereographic Mapping

The Solometric SunEyeÂŠ was used to capture images and data from strategic locations on the site. The SunEye is a hand-held electronic device that allowed for the assessment of total potential solar energy while factoring in the shading of trees on the site. By using the solometric fisheye lens to identify the solar exposure early in the process, we were able to conceptualize the photovoltaic system design and improve the efficiency and performance of the building. The graph above represents the total average percentage of solar access across our site throughout the course of one year.

PRECEDENT

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Glass Center 18

The Pittsburgh Glass Center is an addition to an existing building that clearly has its own identity, but maintains logical connections to the pre-existing structure through circulation. The Glass Center houses studios and workshops as well as gathering spaces and conference areas. The kilns and furnaces used in the shops emit thermal excess, which is collected and redirected to heat other portions of the building. Active spaces have minimal duct work , reducing the amount of energy that would be required to move air unnecessarily. This building is constructed mostly of unfinished materials, which reduces the impact caused by VOCs and toxic finishes.

Daylighting The largely glass facade allows daylight to penetrate the building, while the glazing selection and exterior shading devices regulate the amount of direct sunlight, and therefore solar heat gain. The design distributes indirect light to the glass working studios located deeper within the building. The diagram above also illustrates how the ventilation system is used to regulate the spaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air flow and temperature.

PRECEDENTS

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Hawaii Gateway Energy Center by Ferraro Choi + Associates 20

Due to the orientation and fenestration of this laboratory and research facility, the need for electric lighting during the day is eliminated. The images at right show the space frame structure that supports the large photovoltaic array and gives the building a uniquely iconic character. The deeply angled facade acts as a shading device for the large windows. Thick CMU walls and concrete surfaces on the interior are used as thermal mass to regulate temperature swings within the building. The large tubular structural components are characteristic of the space-frame structure, and in this case, are utilized as channels that exhaust hot air from a thermal chimney. Our design intentions emulate the programmatically expressive ideal of an efficient research facility dedicated to energy performance .

FIELD STUDY

The Living Machine ÂŠ

North Guilford Middle School As part of our design study, several students organized a field study in order to investigate the process of water retention and filtration systems that make up The Living MachineÂŠ. The process of the Living Machine consists of an overflow effluent from the septic tank into equalization tanks. The tanks, which are located adjacent to the school, are completely submerged, leaving the green lid as shown to the right , as the only indication of their existence. The last tank shown has a carbon filter fan on top to neutralize unpleasant odor.

Horizontal Wetlands To minimize evaporation, a fabric mat is laid under the system and can hold water from one foot to 18 inches beneath the surface. This forms an anaerobic system, which reduces surface ponding and allows only minimal evaporation, which is responsible for the loss of 1,000 gallons of water per day. The wide open design allows the wetlands to catch supplemental rainwater. For every one inch of rain harvested, the wetlands can offset 25,000 gallons of water per year. A system of gauges allows maintenance to visually monitor the subterranean water levels, while the pumps are monitored by an automated mechanism that communicates with technicians via the internet.

FIELD STUDY

Carnegie Mellon University

Intelligent Workplace A primary influence on this project has been the Center for Building Performance and Diagnostics (CBPD) at Carnegie Mellon University. A visit to the CBPD allowed students to explore new ventilation techniques and observe a variety of technologies utilized to make spaces more habitable and conducive to the educational objectives of the center. All of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s systems were designed in a manner that promotes efficiency and were constructed with highly sustainable materials.

Intelligent Workplace

System Analysis The CBPD incorporates a tile system in which all of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communication, electrical, and HVAC services are distributed underneath the floor. This technique optimized the use of office space by providing a greater ability to configure spaces without the need to re-route electrical outlets. The center was also researching the creation and utilization of biodiesel fuel.

TO CREATE, ONE MUST FIRST QUESTION EVERYTHING. -Eileen Gray, Irish Furniture Designer and Architect

SKETCH

CONCEPTUAL DISCUSSION

From the Ground Up

An intimate relationship to the site was crucial in developing initial design concepts . Because this project was to be an addition to the very building that housed project development team and process; access to the site was readily available and crucial to the design process. Greater site access added depth to the design inquiry by enabling discussion and conceptualization to take place in the surrounding relative environment. Ideas could be born, and quickly and precisely validated on site through models, sketches, and analysis.

Conceptual Modeling The on-site discussions encouraged the development of a number of schematic design models, which aided in illustrating massing and preliminary structural concepts. This type of physical modeling enabled the team to think conceptually in the third dimension.

Filter. Barrier. Switch.

When forced to think critically about oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own design, one is able to separate the needs of the building versus the wants of the designer.

Massing models and 3D diagrams were created often throughout the design process, which allowed students to have a greater understanding of the types of systems that needed to be addressed and implemented. Collectively, the team built a massing of the existing building on the proposed site. The massing was important and effective in producing the results for sun path analysis, while aiding in conceptual design development. The design team then split into subgroups where ideas were merged to form a more refined massing concept.

CONCEPTUAL MODELING

DIAGRAMMING

Charlotte, NC : Solar Angles The site is at 35.2 degrees north latitude. To determine the angles of direct sunlight exposure, 10 degrees are added to the latitude in the summer and subtracted in the winter. These diagrams aid in the placement of shading devices, fenestration, and photovoltaic panels.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Storrs Building The School of Architecture is situated at the front edge of campus, locating the new CIBDR along the drive of the UNCC main entrance.The opportunity for the new structure to serve as an emblem of sustainability to the campus community was a conceptual imperative early on in the design process.

Axial Influence

Initial concepts were derived primarily from circulation patterns and program characteristics of the existing Storrs Building and site.

Transitions: From existing to new It was important to understand all conceptual layers of Storrs in order to appropriately incorporate the connections between the existing building and the new CIBDR project.

CONCEPTUAL

Digging into the site An early design concept was introduced to excavate the land and create subterranean spaces in order to maximize program while keeping our project at an appropriate scale.

FOR MANY YEARS, I HAVE LIVED UNCOMFORTABLY WITH THE BELIEF THAT MOST PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SUFFERS FOR LACK OF REAL AND BASIC PURPOSE. THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE, MUST BE THE IMPROVEMENT OF MANKIND. - James Rouse, American real estate developer

DESIGN

European Academy Bolzano, Bolzano/IT

Gerhard Hagen, Bamberg/DE

Careful consideration to vertical glazing type is the foundation of effectively utilizing daylighting within a space. The combination of reduced electric lighting and solar heat gain through daylighting will contribute to a minimizing the structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carbon footprint.

Lighting Creating spaces that maximize visual comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency.

INTERIORS

Lighting

Sustainable Commercial Interiors Visual perception is perhaps one of the most profound means in which we interpret our physical surroundings. Considering these implications, the studio design team felt a responsibility to create an environment that went above and beyond basic lighting standards while maintaining a balance between visual comfort and sustainability throughout the building design. The main goals of the project were to maximize the use of daylighting, differentiate between task lighting and ambient lighting, and maximize the use of controls systems. Some of the systems that have been considered include Zumtobel LaTraveâ&#x201E;˘ indirect and direct luminaires, Motorized light redirection louvers, and Interior light-level sensors.

Flexible Environment

Modular Office Furniture

Inscape Corporation â&#x201E;˘ designs and manufactures various innovative and integrated products for office spaces. These products include modular work stations, movable walls, filing and storage products, desks and ergonomic work tools. It was of considerable interest to the team to choose products for the building that were sustainable, long-lasting, and were made from materials which impact on the natural environment would be slight.

INTERIORS

Comfort

Sustainable Commercial Interiors A careful balance of comfort and efficiency went into the consideration of the center’s interior design . An example of carpet tiles selected for the CIBDR project would be similar to that of Greenfloors Carpet™, which are made entirely of recycled nylon and backing. The types of chairs that may be used could include Rohde & Grahl’s ™ ergonomic swivel and visitor chairs. These chairs have been proven to release the pressure of the back column up to 50% more than standard backrests. The objective is simply to generate fit and healthier users, enabling a more productive workplace.

TECHNOLOGY

Solar Thermal Collector

The parabolic solar collectors shown in the three dimensional modeling at right utilize solar radiation to heat water. They are proposed to line the southern edge of the studio bays, and are oriented to the optimum angle to collect radiation year-round at 35 degrees north latitude. In the indirect, closed-loop system, a liquid-filled tube running through the collector connects to a series of tanks along the studio bays. The liquid in the tube is heated as it flows through the collectors and then heats water in the tanks as needed. The tanks store potable water as well as greywater to be used for the absorption chiller and hydronic system.

Hydronic System The heating system shown at left, is an in-floor hydronic system. Heated water from the solar thermal collectors travels through a series of pipes within the floor. The release of heat through and rising from the floors creates an evenly heated space without the necessity for any type of forced air system.

LIGHTING ANALYSIS

Charlotte, North Carolina

Radiance Analysis

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Radiance is intended to aid lighting designers and architects by predicting the light levels and appearance of a space prior to construction. The package includes programs for modeling and translating scene geometry, luminaire data and material properties, all of which are needed as input into the simulation. The lighting simulation itself uses ray tracing techniques to compute radiance values, which are typically arranged to form a photographic quality image. The resulting image may be analyzed, displayed, and manipulated within the package, and converted to other popular image file formats for export to other packages, facilitating the production of hard copy output.â&#x20AC;? -Greg Ward Larson, coauthor of Rendering with Radiance.

LIGHTING ANALYSIS

These images, produced with Radiance, illustrate the presence of a tremendous amount of glare and poor distribution of light in the design. The left group of images represent the plans of the building in false color under a clear sky, while the group on the right represents an overcast sky. Top Floor Second Floor Bottom Floor

ARTIFICIAL SKY

Charlotte, North Carolina

Artificial Sky

The artificial sky simulates the typical overcast sky condition for Charlotte, NC. We modeled three typical bays in two different scenarios. One scenario was with 20 percent glazing and the other was with 100 percent glazing. We used these to learn the average illumination in each space and to determine a basis for optimizing these conditions in the final design.

This analysis informs the need and appropriate placement for light shelves, exterior shading devices, and ceiling configurations to provide even light distribution of around 40 footcandles throughout the entire space.

ARTIFICIAL SKY

Photo Sensors The graphs to the right represent data collected from grid arrays of calibrated photo sensors. The sensors were placed within a physical model representing one 32’ structural bay of the project’s eastern most phase. This information is a comparative analysis of varied conditions created from changes to the south fenestration and the roof condition above the central atrium. Figures 1-3 show the changes made to the PV integrated screen that shades the exterior from southern exposure. These changes also increase interior illuminance by reflecting northern light into the space. The screen controls the luminance into both floors through a 5’ ceiling aperture.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Graphing Luminance Screens of various lengths were positioned with an arched shape to diffuse the available luminance. Figure 1 represents an overly bright condition up to 24’ from the window wall on the 2nd floor with negligible gain of first floor luminance. The same condition is illustrated in Figure 2 with a shorter 12’ linear product. While contrast of illuminance values is higher in this iteration, our analysis showed that the balance of luminance can be best controlled by modifiers within the fenestration. Figure 3 shows improvement in the luminance balance across a full 36’ from the window wall on both floors in addition to a marked increase on the first floor space. A 3’ exterior sun shade is attached 4’ from the top of the southern glazing and between the vertical “fins” of each structural bay. Figure 4 shows that the 3’ shading device improves the balance of illuminance and pushes light further into the floor space.

ARTIFICIAL SKY

More on Luminance

Fenestration Testing

The first iteration of our “informed case” opens the roof by increasing the angle from the intersection of the south facade to the point of intersection with the northern most interior atrium wall. Later, the roof plane was raised 9’ which opened the ceiling condition to an 8’x12’ opening to the north, measuring an overall increase of at least 30 foot candles from our base case luminance studies. In the second iteration, the roof plane was cut at the intersections of both interior atrium walls and raised 5’ while maintaining the same angle. This iteration (the graph on the lower right) proves the benefit of bilateral light across the ceiling condition and below to creating balanced illuminance. This iteration reduces the clipping effect of the higher floor plane and effectively raises the luminance levels beneath an additional 5-15 footcandles up to 10’ beyond the atrium wall without over illuminating the second floor space.

Foot candles

Feet from Window Wall

Final Analysis

With the highest performing scenarios identified from the iterations discussed, the data from each was then combined to form a conventional additive analysis which was consolidated into a spreadsheet format. The results were then transformed into line graphs for a graphic representation. The red lines represent the levels of illuminance received by the overcast sky condition created in the artificial sky and recorded from within the physical bay model. The blue lines represent the minimum and maximum levels of light as prescribed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). In this manner, the footcandle measurements can be easily related and the underlay of the building section conveys the level of light as it is experienced across the space. This analysis was conducted with simplistic conditions other than the predetermined structural “fins” which were maintained for their control of southern exposure and solar heat gain. Based on the findings described, it was determined that the roof aperture should include 5’ shading devices. Also, the addition of 3’ light shelves on the second floor north fenestration as well as transparent openings to the garage doors below was suggested to utilize the northern light most efficiently and to address the inferior levels of light at the lower north floor plate. In addition, a graded ceiling condition was suggested to further improve diffusion of the available luminance toward the center of the space.

LIGHTING ANALYSIS

Mapping Sun Patterns

A heliodon simulates the appropriate solar motion per specific latitude. It depicts the hourly, seasonal, and yearly input of the sun upon both external elements and internal space. 52

“By allowing adjustment for solar declination (season), the earth’s rotation (time of day), and site location (latitude) a heliodon can simulate sunlight penetration and shading for any combination of site location and time. The result is a useful representation of solar patterns for clear sky conditions. Other techniques are often used in concert with heliodon simulations to account for variations in the strength of the sun (due to weather, angle of incidence, and atmospheric attenuation) and local horizon shading. Heliodons provide an effective tool for the visualization and calculation of solar effects at the window, building, or site scale.” Berkeley

-Building Science Department, U.C.