Renewable energy information centre

Module TMA1412: Bioclimatic Building Design

Site Vistas

RENEWABLE ENERGY INFORMATION CENTRE Wakefield, United Kingdom

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Desislava Kushelieva, u 1156880

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INRODUCTION: This project sets out to apply bioclimatic design principles to a small scale visitor centre.

With the use of sketches, drawings and analytical drawings, it explores the design itself and highlights the technical and environmental aspects with which the project is connected.

The design of the Renewable Energy Information Centre will be formed in response to the site and climatic features. Also, by analyzing case studies with similar briefs, key aims will be outlined in order for the project to be fully responding to the issues of the surroundings. Also, the scheme will be aiming to achieve BREEAM excellence rating.

This booklet concludes with a critical appraisal of the projects design approach and communication.

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Wakefield Latitude : N 53° 40‘ Longitude : W 1° 29

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http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-guide/climate/zones

PROJECT AIMS Investigate the climate and location of the Renewable Energy information centre including the solar, wind, precipitation, temperature and humidity regimes. Evaluating appropriate case studies. Identifying design goals to optimize the internal wellbeing. Explore form, orientation, fabric, system possibilities and identify the most effective amongst them. Adapt the design to natural ventilation systems. Identify a heating/cooling system and fitting the building and consider energy efficiency in design and alternative renewable energy sources.

B Picture A, B Retrieved from Pitts, A.

3 Wakefield seen from Sandal Castle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakefield#/media/File:Wakefield-1.jpg

Wakefield is a city in West Yorkshire, England, on the River Calder and the eastern edge of the Pennines.

Historically, Wakefield was a market town with plenty of fish from the sea and rivers. In the 18th century, it developed through trade in corn, coal mining, and textile. Today, its most notable landmark is the Wakefield Cathedral, which has the tallest spire in Yorkshire.

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(Weather Wherever, 2016)

Milner, A. (2012). National Coal Mining Museum. Retrieved from http://thebaldingone.deviantart.com/art/The-National-Coal-Mining-Museum-forEngland-318191124

.Retrieved from Chee, G. (2015). National Coal Mining Museum.

E Picture C, D, E Retrieved from Google Maps.

Site Specifics

SITE STATEMENT STRENGTHS •

The location is conveniently situated close to a place where families go on the weekends.

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It is surrounded by dense vegetation which makes it easier to shelter a building from the strong north and south- west winds. There is still need for extra vegetation planted.

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The location has great view potentials which led to developing a roof garden for visitors to enjoy them.

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Site is of walking distance of bus stops and can take advantage of existing infrastructure. However, introducing more bus lines might be necessary.

Image Retrieved from Bing Maps

WEAKNESSES 

Location is not close to shops or to the town centre.

OPPORTUNITES 

A brownfield site situated close to the Coal Mining Museum which is not in use.

Claiming this spot for erecting a Visitor centre will introduce greenery back to the area. This will higher the quality of the area.

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The character of the place is such that people mainly pass through it on the way to and from work. This presents a great opportunity for a Visitor Centre spot.

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Grow own food

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Host educational workshops

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Educate the public about the new sustainable technologies

THREADS Following the information provided by the shading and the sun path diagram, it is easy to identify 2 potential site locations. First one is located next to the road. The main issue with this site might be a possible air and noise pollution due to its close proximity to a busy road. However, in terms of shading site number 1 is the most convenient one since it is in the clear.

The situation with site number 2 is almost the reverse. Great views accompany this site. However, this site might not get the full benefit of the afternoon sun depending on how green the nearby trees are.

This could be positive since the trees can provide the much needed shading throughout the summer period.

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Possibility of opposition from locals when the project is introduced through a forum or event to them

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Before construction starts, an environmental consultant will perform analysis of the site to determine if there is any contamination.

Sun Movement and Shading SHADING

The above diagram shows that the perfect way to position a building in this climate is 160 degrees. However, due to the building being public and the main stream of visitors will be around 9am-5pm the most appropriate orientation will be to 180 degrees fully south facing as the diagram right shows.

The above diagrams show the shading on site throughout the whole year. The site is relatively clear of shading. This proves the site to be a ideal place to position a Visitor Centre. The main sources of shade is the forest and the few buildings which are positioned distanced from one another.

The diagram on the left shows the average monthly Heating, Cooling and Solar for Wakefield. It clearly states that the demand for heating drops dramatically after May and use of heating starts rising slowly again after July. This is the same period that solar gains are at their highest.

The psychometric chart on the right Shows us that passive solar heating is the technique that a building situated in this region of UK will benefit of.

Climate The following sheet will explore into the peculiarities of the climatic zone the building is in- the temperate one as well as discuss how the microclimate of the site differentiates.

Moderate climate zone covers a range of climates from Mediterranean-type climates and humid, subtropical zones to maritime climates influenced by the oceans. The UK has a typical maritime climate, where temperatures are quite moderate although hot summer days and cold winter nights still occur.

In the UK we have what’s considered to be a warm summer, whereas in Iceland the season is classified as cool. Some temperate climates have wet and dry seasons while others have no marked dry season at all. But all have four distinct seasons. This means they can experience unpredictable weather throughout the year; and, as we in the UK well know, what can seem like all four seasons in one day.

(Met Office, 2016)

The above diagram shows that the solar radiation is at its highest levels between April and May and between June and July. This means that using system that harvests radiation and converts it to energy or heat will be very beneficial to use in the late spring to summer period. However, if using such technique, there will be demand throughout the rest of the year for alternative type of heating/ energy.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-guide/climate/zones

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Wakefield-weather-averages/WestYorkshire/GB.aspx

The driest month is February. There is 48 mm of precipitation in February. Most precipitation falls in August, with an average of 67 mm.

http://www.myweather2.com/Holiday-Destinations/UnitedKingdom/Wakefield/climate-profile.aspx

With an average of 19°C, July is the warmest month. In January, the average temperature is 4 °C. It is the lowest average temperature of the whole year.

The chart below plots the average daily wind speed you can expect for any month. It also shows the maximum recorded sustained wind speed for each month. Those diagrams show that sufficient wind break will be needed from the west and south west. To enclose the site the use of vegetation might be necessary.

Factor 10 House (F10)

LOCATION: 1919 N. Keeler Avenue Chicago Illinois 60639 United States

BUILDING TYPE: Single Family Total Floor Area: 170 m2 EHDD won the Green Homes for Chicago competition for the design of this dwelling. Then the Chicago Departments of Housing and the Environment commissioned the firm to build it.

Maximizing energy savings and reduction of materials was their mission.

The designers aimed to minimize life-cycle environmental impact by a factor of ten compared to the average home built in America at the beginning of the Millennium. Consequently, size was reduced as much as possible, and the impact of the site was calculated from the time of construction.

The result was a space of 170 sqm squeezed into the Chicago inner city. It was the antithesis of the enormous homes being erected in the suburbs. The narrow footprint files an expensive, white-walled, open-plan interiors.

BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN

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5 Outside View

As for energy consumption of the dwelling during its useful life, the main work is carried out by a solar chimney in the summer, when it draws out warm air that builds up at the top of the house. A design feature that produces such cross ventilation makes air-conditioning unnecessary.

During the winter, the opposite effect is achieved.

A fan in the middle of the ceiling helps to pull warm air into the building through the clerestory.

A sculptural wall of full water bottles acts as a heat sink, storing up the sun’s warmth during he day and releasing it at night. Complementing this, the windows face south to capture sunlight for as many hours as possible.

The exterior clad in red-stained fibber-cement siding, and the insulation consists mainly of cellulose.

6. Sedum Roof

WATER CYCLE Low-flow plumbing fixtures were used throughout the house. Dual-flush toilets (offering a choice between a full flush and a 1/2 flush) were installed in both bathrooms.

The site work includes low-maintenance fescue, pavers, and a green roof to minimize storm water runoff, making the entire site permeable.

CONCLUSION

7. Glass wall

The building is relatively the same size as the Visitor Centre for Sustainable Technologies. Both projects share the same mission - maximizing energy savings and reduction of materials used.

The visitor centre will also set to achieve natural cross ventilation. However, the visitor centre will not incorporate a solar chimney.

Both projects will look alike in terms of water strategy. SUDS, green roof and water collection are techniques that both projects will have.

(Aiatopten.org, 2016)

Zero Carbon House, Ken Fowler, Michael Rea LOCATION: Shetland, Scotland, UK Zero Carbon House, a demonstration project of a socioeconomic-environmental nature, attempts to show how renewable energy can make a dwelling on the Scottish island of Unist fully self-sufficient . It was designed as an alternative to the CO2 produced by automobile use, fossil fuel combustion, and growing and transporting food.

Located in the Shetland, this project was co-financed by private and public institutions such as Communities Scotland, EST Scotland and and Shetland Enterprise. Owing to its remote location, materials were shipped from mainland Scotland and England.

Vegetable Garden.

The house's appearance

CONCLUSION: This case study is examining a very innovative sustainable techniques. The visitor center, just like the Zero Carbon House is going to be incorporating a greenhouse in the design. Although in a smaller scale it is intended to be more fore educational purposes than for selling back. The Visitor center will adapt the technique of watering the greenery – through hydroponics.

DESIGN :

Bioclimatic illustration. Illustration: paulweston.com

The design meets the building code of Unst, Characterized by traditional Croft Houses (World Heritage status pending).A prefabricated wooden structure was the base; a number of alternation turned it into a zerocarbon-consuming house.

Because the designers did not opt for a geothermal energy source(mainly for reasons of cost and space),an in-floor radiant heating system was chosen. It is fed by an ain-to-water heat pump that extracts heat from the air and transfer it to water feeding the heating system.

AIR QUALITY:

The air in the dwelling is renewed every ninety minutes to ensure that it is filtered and conditioned, improving its quality and preventing problems caused by pollen.

As a complement, a greenhouse is planned next to the dwelling to show that it is possible to drown fruits and vegetables in a selfsufficient way by means of hydroponics. Lighting the entire house will consume the use of LEDs. Two wind turbines, which have not yet been installed, will supply energy to the house and charge the electric vehicle.

Images retrieved from (MacKay, 2009)

Bioclimatic illustration.

Illustration: paulweston.com

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interactive displays working examples of environmentally responsible buildings renewable energy generation organic growing composting and waste management Information Centre on site where you can get free advice on sustainable living

Sector: Other Building Type : Non residential institutions Day centre, hall/civic/community centre Man 03: Responsible construction practices Buildings that use no refrigerants (3 credits) One credit (Considerate construction) Criterion 2 Two credits (Considerate construction)

Views

Environmental Strategy GLAZING Triple Glazing High performance triple glazing FSC® 100% redwood or oak timber Triple glazed UW values as low as 0.85 W/m2K Triple glazed UD values as low as 0.95 W/m2K BRE Green Guide A+ (GREENBUILDINGSTORE. (2015).

Formerly Ecocontract range. Retrieved from http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/pag e--ecocontract-commercial-windowsdoors.html.)

Shading Shutters

In order for thermal comfort to be achieved shade needs to be provided for the summer period according the diagrams provided previously. Orientation specific shutters will be mounted on the south facing façade to avoid overheating during hot times.

VENTILATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY AIR MOVEMENT SOURCES Cross Ventilation Since the depth of the building is not substantial there is not high demand for complex ventilation system.

Natural Ventilation is sufficient to properly ventilate the space.

Solar PV Transparent Photovoltaic are incorporated in the design. They will be mounted into the top floor of the visitor centre. The innovative photovoltaic will facing south and placed on a 35 degrees angle, securing weather – proofing, thermal control, sound barrier and shading. (U value 0.9, G value DGU)(Polysolar.

(2015) ) The energy will be used to power interactive displays and LED Lighting. Unused energy will be stored and fed back to the grid.

Polysolar Colourless Transparent Photovoltaic(PS-CT) Set panel size of 600mm x 1200mm Available in single or double glazed units.

MATERIALITY

LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGY

Shipping Containers

Passive Solar

Using shipping cargo containers is becoming increasingly popular. Using containers is going to inspire visitors to experiment more with new sustainable technologies. Containers are sustainable and using the right insulation can make it a perfect material for building a Visitor centre

Different strategies are being used to boost the microclimate of the site. One of which is Passive Solar techniques.

Placing Large Triple glazing on the south facing façade and smaller ones on the North facing one.

Green Roof

Placement of vegetation is very important for this project. They serve as wind breaks to stop north wind, serve as a Air Filtration and to lower Noise Pollution. Placing trees on the site edge 10 meters away from the building is going to lower noise levels to 60-80 dB.

Energy Efficiency Increased Roofing Membrane Durability Reduction of Electromagnetic Radiation Noise Reduction Boosts Biodiversity Improved Health and WellBeing Educational Opportunities

Vegetation

WATER MANAGEMENT Future-proofing a design is a necessity in the current reality.

Forecasts for UK involve increase of the rainfall. This is why the design of this project is going to incorporate a collection rainfall through porous paving. The water will be filtered and later used for watering the Greenhouse Plants, toilet and bathroom. By having a Full Infiltration system will pollution will be reduced, rapid run-off will be significantly decreased. (local Planning Requirement,PPS25) Both toilet and shower facilities are fitted with low water using appliances such as Dual Flush

Toilets.

Common urban vegetables

Yearly yields on 100 sqm plot

Approximate yearly CO2 reduction from food miles savings if grown locally (kgCO2 per year)

Typical supermarket country of origin

Courgettes (8 plants)

40 kg

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Spain (rail+road)

Squash (6 plants)

18kg

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Greece (air + road)

Tomatoes (in greenhouse 25 plants)

14kg

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Canary Islands, Spain (air + road)

Runner beans (20 plants)

8kg

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Nairobi, Kenya (air + road)

FOOD PRODUCTION A greenhouse and outdoor garden is going to be part of the design. It will be used mainly for educational purposes housing different workshops leading visitors to a more sustainable path. On average 1sqm of land provides 0,85kg of food per year.

RECYCLED WASTE Paper, Plastic, Glass and Organic Waste will be Recycled and composted in larger bins.

LIGHTING Automated Dimming Lighting And Shading LED lights can be easily recycled, make nearly no pollution during the manufacturing process and they contain no mercury, so they’re a lot more sustainable than other products out there. ledpanelstore. (2015). The Advantages Of LED Lighting Panels. Retrieved from http://www.ledpanelstore.co.uk/blog/led-lightingpanels-benefits/.)

Wall Section and Materiality

GREEN ROOF TheLedLight. (NA). Recessed 40w Dimmable Led Panel Light , lighting with square LED panels. Retrieved from http://www.led-lightpanel.com/sell-1800162recessed-40w-dimmable-ledpanel-light-lighting-withsquare-led-panels.html.

LED LIGHTING

THERMABLOCK AEROGEL TECHNICAL DATA Also known as low-profile or performance, this type of green roof contains only one or two plant species and minimal planting medium. It is commonly designed for maximum thermal and hydrological performance and minimum weight load while being

Part of the strategy for this project is to use high performing but insulation. The best variety is aerogel. Using this material is expected to inspire visitors to take on more sustainable ways. Thermal Conductivity – 0,014 W/mK Density – 150 kgs/m3 Compressive Strength – 80 kPa/ 80 kn/m2 – 10%Compression @ 50 psi Euro Fire Class – Class s1, d0 Mould Growth – 100% Resistant to Mould

GLAZING

VENTILATION Dyer Environmental Controls Comfort off staff and visitors is the main priority for this project. With the use of natural ventilation productivity will increase. This technology SOLIS opens windows remotely using only energy from the sun. Combining natural pressure differentials to move and manage the air in the building. One of the perks of this system is that can combine both natural and smoke ventilation.

RENEWABLES Solar PV

High performance triple glazing FSC® 100% redwood or oak timber Triple glazed UW values as low as 0.85 W/m2K Triple glazed UD values as low as 0.95 W/m2K BRE Green Guide A+ Glazing U values Triple unit, 52 mm Argon fill, Ug = 0.5 W/m2K Glazing U values to EN 673 Solar control glazing Self-cleaning glass Acoustic glazing Door- Insulated panel as low as UD: 0.48 W/m2K

Transparent Photovoltaic are incorporated in the design. They will be mounted into the top floor of the visitor centre. The innovative photovoltaic will facing south and placed on a 35 degrees angle, securing weather – proofing, thermal control, sound barrier and shading. (U value 0.9, G value DGU)(Polysolar. (2015) ) The energy will be used to power interactive displays and LED Lighting.

Unused energy will be stored and fed back to the grid.

Polysolar Colourless Transparent Photovoltaic(PS-CT) Set panel size of 600mm x 1200mm Available in single or double glazed units.

POROUS PAVINGS

Hebden X Grid Ground Reinforcement Pavers Made in Yorkshire from 100% British recycled plastic, the Hebden X-Grid is the highly durable, eco-friendly alternative surface for permanent and overspill car parks, private driveways, emergency vehicle access lanes, golf buggy paths, helicopter pads, cycle routes, pathways, verge stabilisation and many other uses

WALL SECTION 1:20

RENEWABLE ENERGY INFORMATION CENTRE IN OTHER CLIMATES HOT AND DRY

HOT AND HUMID

CLIMATE   

Rainfall, High Humidity High Temperatures Minimal Temperature Amplitudes throughout the day and seasons

HAZARDS 

Occasional Strong Wind may occur so firm structure is required

DESIGN OBJECTIVES AND RESPONCES     

Because of the intense solar radiation generous shading is required.

Haze may cause sky glare so large shading is needed.

To minimize the dust rich vegetation is required.

Avoid heat absorption and heat storage using materials that reflect heat like bamboo and bamboo matt. No need of thick insulation.

Keep indoor environment with temperatures no higher than the outside one by the use of natural ventilation and abundance of vegetation.

CLIMATE 

Sharp variations in temperatures (day to night and summer to winter as well as in precipitation) High Temperatures around 40 - 50°C in summer.

Although rain is not often present floorings are not unusual for this climate.

Low air humidity

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HAZARDS  

Landscape with vegetation and pond to reduce the dust coming Heavy rain can cause landslides.

DESIGN OBJECTIVES AND RESPONCES     

Boost living comfort since the high amplitudes in the environment may cause discomfort.

Building adapted to both seasons and day/night.

Both cooling and passive solar gains are needed to achieve comfort Due to the high radiation levels protection is needed.

Abundance of dust, insects and possible sandstorms outline the need of vegetation as a protection.

REFERENCE LIST

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BAEZA,A. (1997). The house as mistress of the master of the house. In: Nys,R and Conrado, S 2G. Barcelona: Gili, G. 4-15.

Bowness, S. (2001). Barbara Hepworth Stone Sculpture. New York City: Pace Wildenstein. 5-10.

CASTRO, R.L. 1988, Deconstructivism takes apart architectural conventions, Montreal, Que., Canada, Montreal, Que. CURTIS, W.J.R., 2011. Daniel Libeskind. The Architectural Review, 230(1376), pp. 116-117,4.

Weather Wherever,. (2016). Wednesday 27 January 2016 at Wakefield. Retrieved 13 January 2016, from http://www.weather-wherever.co.uk/united-kingdom/wakefield-_v32367/j14/ Met Office,. (2016). Climate zones. Retrieved 13 January 2016, from http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-guide/climate/zones Snower, D. (2012). Sedum Roof. Retrieved from http://www.ehdd.com/work/f-10-house Snower, D. (2012). Outside view. Retrieved from http://www.ehdd.com/work/f-10-house Snower, D. (2012). Glass Wall. Retrieved from http://www.ehdd.com/work/f-10-house

TheLedLight. (NA). Recessed 40w Dimmable Led Panel Light , lighting with square LED panels. Retrieved from http://www.led-light-panel.com/sell-1800162-recessed-40w-dimmable-ledpanel-light-lighting-with-square-led-panels.html.

Milner, A. (2012). National Coal Mining Museum. Retrieved from http://thebaldingone.deviantart.com/art/The-National-Coal-Mining-Museum-for-England-318191124 Aiatopten.org,. (2016). Factor 10 House (F10). Retrieved 14 January 2016, from http://www.aiatopten.org/node/172 MacKay, D. (2009). Sustainable energy--without the hot air. Cambridge, England: UIT. Sustainable Materials - For A Sustainable Future. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sustainablematerials.org.uk/ Sustainable Materials - For A Sustainable Future. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sustainablematerials.org.uk/ Sustainable Materials - For A Sustainable Future Faced with an ever growing world the need for sustainable materials is evident, but which materials are sustainable and which should we try to use in our projects. sustainablematerials.org.uk Attention Required! | CloudFlare. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy.php Solar Energy Pros and Cons - Energy Informative. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://energyinformative.org/solar-energy-pros-and-cons/ Greywater Irrigation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://greywater.sustainablesources.com/ Common Greywater Mistakes and Preferred Practices. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/misinfo/ Common Greywater Mistakes and Preferred Practices. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/misinfo/ Pros and Cons of Triple-Pane Windows. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.southwestexteriors.com/pros-cons-triple-pane-windows/ Triple Glazed Insulating Units. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/architects/types-of-glass/structural-glazing/the-system/glass/triple-glazed-insulating-units PavingExpert - Permeable Paving. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pavingexpert.com/permabl1.html Interpave - Permeable Paving & Suds. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.paving.org.uk/commercial/permeable.php Interpave - Permeable Paving & Suds New Government requirements for SuDS on developments in England came into force on 6th April 2015 and are being implemented through the planning system. More>> paving.org.uk