Environmental Building Systems Sustainability and Efficiency Report Siting and Orientation Construction Materials Design Features Energy Rating Plans
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro 390261
“The Rectangle Building� - Siting and Orientation
The orientation of this house is as indicated in the original scheme. This is because the original scheme was optimally directed so that the living/dining spaces can be highly exposed to the northern sunlight. This would make it ideal for passive solar heating thus reducing the energy costs from active heating systems. This orientation leaves the two bedrooms facing south, which is fine because people usually tend to like sleeping in areas that are a couple of degrees colder than their living areas. In terms of siting, this building is set back as far as possible from the northern fence, and this is mainly so it can utilise as much of the sunlight from the north; an area which - at certain times of the year - can be overshadowed by the neighbouring houses. This large setback also allows for extensive landscaping and a desirable large private open space (where the verandah is) which is also connected to the back of the house.
Construction and Materials Materials Schedule Floor Floor insulation Floor finish - Lounge/dining Floor finish - Northern bedroom Floor finish - Southern bedroom Floor finish - Kitchen/utility Wall - External Wall - Insulation Wall - Internal Roof type Roof/ceiling insulation Windows Windows - Frames Windows - Bedrooms - Internal coverings Windows - North/east - Internal coverings
Concrete slab on ground R1.0 polystyrene edge insulation Polished concrete Carpet Carpet Ceramic tiles 250mm double-brick cavity R2.9 Ecofoam 100mm timber stud wall Pitched roof with standard attic R3.5 Ecofoam Double glazed throughout Thermally-broken aluminium throughout Heavy drapes with pelmets Curtains with pelmets
The floor structure of this house should be concrete slab directly on the ground with edge insulation so that it can act as a heatsink - especially for the northern part of the house (the living/dining). This is useful to accommodate Melbourne’s climate, which reaches polar extremes during the day/ night. Particularly for the living area, it is important to have a polished concrete finish to utilise this heatsink, whereas other finishes may negate its effects (such as hardwood timber floors, which would effectively act as a heatsink itself, with a much lower thermal mass). Meanwhile, thin carpet is used for the bedrooms for added comfort (touch) whilst working in conjunction with the concrete slab.
Construction and Materials cont’d To achieve an ideal energy rating for Melbourne’s climate, this house should have double-brick cavity external walls as it provides a good amount of thermal mass. Using ecofoam insulation for the internal walls will drastically increase the R value of these walls, providing R2.9 for every 100mm thickness - “Thickness for thickness, EcoFoam is by far the best option for an existing cavity wall. With an R-value of R2.9 in a 100mm stud wall, it beats the competition hands down”. This spray insulation (picture below) can also be used for the roof/ceiling structure, but at an R value of 3.5, since roof structures are susceptible to excessive heat loss otherwise.
Windows throughout the house are double glazed (4-6-4), again to increase its R value and prevent energy loss. This layer of insulation is then followed throughout the frames as well. A thermally-broken aluminium frame is a more efficient alternative when compared to a timber frame, because it is structurally stronger - albeit more expensive. In terms of FirstRate, these windows increased the score by a large margin, which encouraged my intial ideas of the design.
Design Features Whether for sustainability, comfort, efficiency, or simply wonderful aesthetics, some great design features have been incorporated into this house design.
VIVA Sunscreens Retractable Roof- Parizzi Series: An adjustable shading device like this retractable roof - when installed over the verandah on the north - can mean the difference between a comfortable summer, and one that is simply too hot. This feature played a major role in contributing to the energy rating in FirstRate.
Colorbond Rainwater Tanks: “Many government authorities now require all new homes to be fitted with rainwater tanks to supply the water required for toilet flushing, laundry and for garden use” (Rainwater Knowledge Centre, 2012) and rainwater harvesting is just another great way to save on potable water usage from the mains. For a rainwater tank, Colorbond is as good a brand as any, and it adheres to Australian standards.
Rinnai Hot Water System: The main reason for choosing a gas hot water system over an electric one is because it produces significantly less greenhouse emissions than a standard electric hot water system. The new Rinnai INFINITY 32 ENVIRO is “Australia’s first 6.8 Star equivalent Hot Water System... uses less gas [to produce the same quantity of hot water as a standard system], substantially reducing running costs” (Rinnai, 2012).
Design Features cont’d Grey Water Recycling System: For a large private open space such as the one in this scheme, it is a good idea to implement a grey water recycling system. This system would take the water from the shower, washing machine, bathtub, and basins (other than the kitchen sink) and redirect it to the garden tap for watering the plants, as opposed to using potable water.
Vegetation and landscaping: In conjunction with the grey water recycling system, gardenias are proposed around the site as they are grey water tolerant, and they increase the overall water-permeability of the property. Perhaps most importantly, they also add aesthetic value to the house.
Greenheat Hydronic Heating System: This system uses heating panels inside the home that radiate their heat via the use of hot water pumped from the hot water system when the switch is turned on. Any cold water would be fed back in the loop. Although it is quite expensive, it is the most sustainability-ideal alternative for this exercise - as compared to electric heaters, etc. This is mainly due to the combination of hot water uses; for heating up rooms, and also for the shower and kitchen.
Sustainability and Efficiency FIVE steps to achieve 6-star energy efficiency (FirstRate): One major contributor to the energy rating of this house is the addition of R3.5 insulation in the roof/ceiling structure. Because heat rises, it is essential to insulate the roof to prevent excessive heat loss in that direction. A second step would be to change the wall construction type to double brick cavity external walls and standard timber stud internal walls. This wall type is ideal for Melbourne’s ‘mild temperate’ climate because it has a high thermal mass. This means that the diurnal temperature ranges would be reduced, thus providing the house a more stable internal climate. Similarly, the floor type of this house is concrete slab directly on ground – insulated at the edges to prevent heat loss from the concrete that is in contact with the outside air. The high thermal mass of concrete also means that it would absorb a lot of the heat from the sun during the day, and release it slowly during the nights when it is colder. Thermally-broken aluminium frames are used throughout all the windows in this house. Along with double glazing for all windows, the thermally broken frames help to prevent heat loss in areas where there are no walls. Despite aluminium being a poorer heat insulator when compared to timber, the thermal break within the frame negates this issue. So, while thermally broken aluminium frames are expensive, it is structurally stronger, and the most effective way to achieve the level of thermal comfort within the home (and ideal for this exercise where cost is no issue). Windows in the living/dining area and bedrooms are internally covered with heavy pelmet drapes, while the kitchen uses curtains with pelmets. Utility rooms have no internal coverings, because they are unnecessary. Adjustable coverings for windows help with shading during summer, and help keep heat in during winter. In summer, the windows have also been designed to allow for a good degree of cross-ventilation through certain points in the house, and this provides an alternative to increase the air-change rate within the house, bringing the cool air in to replace the warm air.
Sustainability and Efficiency cont’d
Sustainability and Efficiency cont’d Although this house has plenty of design features as it is, there are always additional innovative options that could be added to further increase its efficiency and sustainability.
Solar heating or photovoltaic panels: With the siting of the house at it is on the south side of the property, it leaves a lot of opportunity for solar panels to be installed on the north slope of the roof. The energy gained from these panels can then be converted to electricity or simply to aid with the hot water system.
Evaporative cooling systems: This central cooling system passes hot air from outside through water-moistened pads inside the ducts, where the water absorbs the heat by acting as a thermal mass. The cool air is then pushed into the house by fans, forcing the existing hot air out of it - through windows and other openings. Evaporative cooling is very effective for this house due to the degree of crossventilation. Furthermore, it creates cooler temperatures than a ceiling fan, while only using water and electricity.
uPVC window frames Perhaps one alternative to the proposed thermallybroken aluminium window frames are these PVC frames. Although not as widely used in current houses, a major advantage in using PVC is that it is much more sustainable to manufacture, while still being able to maintain the energy efficiency of aluminium. Despite this, there could be unforeseen issues with this material, such as discolouration from sunlight, and brittleness over time.
Reference List Information on under-deck rainwater tanks, http://www.egrwater.com.au/underdeck.php, accessed 21 Aug 2012
Information on retractable shading systems, http://www.vivasunscreens.com/retractable-sunroof-systems/parizzi, accessed 21 Aug 2012 Information on Ecofoam wall insulation material, http://www.ecofoamwallinsulation.com.au/, accessed 21 Aug 2012 Information on Greenheat hydronic central heating system, http://www.greenheat.com.au/green-heat-hydronic, accessed 21 Aug 2012 Information on Colourbond rainwater tanks and sizes, http://gardenerswatertanks.com.au/colorbondsizes.html, accessed 21 Aug 2012 Information on gas water heaters, http://www.rinnai.com.au/, accessed 21 Aug 2012 Information on PVC window frames,
http://www.cl-windows-doors.com/window-frames, accessed 21 Aug 2012 Information on thermally-broken aluminium window frames, http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/article/timber-versus-aluminium/427910.aspx, accessed 21 Aug 2012
Proposed planting of more deciduous trees will help shade the house from afternoon sun in summer, and let in maximum sunlight in winter - acts as an adjustable shading device.
The orientation of this house helps to keep the hot summer afternoon sun away from the main living areas because of the garage on the west side.
Sewage pipes connected to the sewerage connection (manhole) within the site and following the topography.
LEGEND
Premises Connection Device (PCD) on the outside of the garage and out of the way.
Sewerage Rainwater Electrical line Peak sunlight
Removal of an existing tree to make sure that roots do not interfere
The gas meter is relocated closer to the hot-water system. GP
Underground electric line connected to nearest pole to the west.
CALLERY CRESCENT
Telecom pit Potable water Gas line GP
Grated drainage pit
BENJAMIN STREET
Cold south-westerly winds in winter; partly hampered by the fence, along with the double glazing and thermally-broken frames of each window.
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro Environmental Building Systems Assignment 1: Sustainability and Efficiency Report
SITE PLAN
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W01, 02
W03
W04
W05
W06, 09
R1.5 Ecofoam spray insulation is used within the external walls, and an R value of 3.5 of the same material is used to insulate the roof/ceiling.
W07, 08
Windows:
Internal coverings:
All windows are double glazed (4-6-4) with thermally-broken aluminium frames for great thermal comfort
Curtains with pelmets: W01, 02, 05 Heavy drapes with pelmets: W03, 04, 06, 09
Cross ventilation paths
*Retractable roof over verandah for adjustable shading - especially useful during summer. For this house we can use one from the Parizzi Screen Retractable roof series from VIVASunscreens.
PARIZZI SCREEN RETRACTABLE ROOF SYS
For Melbourne’s climate, a double brick with cavity construction, combined with the polished concrete flooring for the lounge/ dining room can provide a good amount of thermal mass to reduce the diurnal temperature ranges. The concrete slab is also insulated at the edges to prevent heat loss from the building.
Virtually the only way to reach perfection is to con a product or technology which is very good alread what we have delivered with the Parizzi Screen. Th the latest in German technology to provide the ulti sun control for pergolas, fixed awnings and conser ◗
Patented stainless steel chain-drive mechanism ensures maximum width achieved without compromising screen tension or performance during o
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Exclusive to the Parizzi Screen Retractable Roof System is a fully retract intelligently provides support to fabric when being used in higher wind s
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All parts are manufactured from non-corrosive materials and applied wit ensuring the Parizzi Screen Retractable Roof System will last in even the
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Designed, engineered and manufactured in Germany. Certified ISO 9001: (Product Service).
Floor materials Ceramic tiles
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro Environmental Building Systems Assignment 1: Sustainability and Efficiency Report
Carpet
Timber deck
Polished concrete
GROUND FLOOR |
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Underground rainwater tank is installed under the verandah to collect water from the downpipes attached to the retractable roof.
LEGEND Sewerage Rainwater Grey water tank Grey water input
One junction and minimal kinks in the sewerage make this scheme easier to maintain and reducee the risk of particulate blockage.
Grey water output
Drain vent is placed at the higher point of the slope of the sewage pipes to prevent the accumulation of gases within the pipes.
2000L Colourbond rainwater tank: the size is L1900 x W800 x H1480mm. This tank receives rainwater from nearby downpipes and redirects it for use within the house. Excess water flows into the grey water recycling system.
Rainwater is taken from the downpipes and any excess overflow from rainwater tanks or grey-water tank is discharged to the grated drainage pit outside of the property.
A grey water recycling system can be used here to gather from the drains in the shower and bathtub, along with the washing machine and basins in the laundry and bathroom, AND excess rainwater from the rainwater tanks. the grey water is then redirected and used to water the garden or for flushing the toilet. Grey water is discharged every 24 hours to avoid the proliferation of harmful bacteria, etc.
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro Environmental Building Systems Assignment 1: Sustainability and Efficiency Report
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LED downlights are used for all rooms in the building for maximum energy efficiency.
LEGEND
LED lighting is also used on the exterior of the northern wall to light up the verandah, since downlights on a retractable roof is not feasible.
Conventional smoke detectors are used in the hall way and the kitchen, as part of victorian regulations.
The Premises Connection Device (PCD) is located on the outside of the garage, and the Power Supply Unit just inside the garage. This is so that it is out of the way (visually) yet quite accessible.
Light/fan switch Data connection Data cable Power sockets LED Wall lights LED Downlights
The underground data cables in this case can follow the path of the potable water pipes to minimise excavation costs during construction. It then runs within the walls to connect to the various rooms in the house.
Smoke alarm Exhaust fan
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro Environmental Building Systems Assignment 1: Sustainability and Efficiency Report
ELECTRICAL & DATA SCHEMATIC |
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For this house, the use of a conventional hydronic heating system is a very effective and efficient central heating system. “Greenheat� by Hydrotherm provides these systems and it makes sense to combine the energy consumption for hot water needs around the house with the heating for individual rooms.
The Rinnai INFINITY 32 Enviro is a very gasefficient hot water system that produces 1/6th of the greenhouse emissions of a standard electric hot water heater. As such, it is ideal to have for a new home.
LEGEND Water meter Hot water Cold water Hydronic return loop Hydronic radiator Hydronic hot water Gas line The relocation of the gas meter was simply to decrease the length of the piping from the mains to the hot water system.
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro Environmental Building Systems Assignment 1: Sustainability and Efficiency Report
WATER & HEATING SCHEMATIC |
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Vi ew
ou
t
View out
Front door
Furnishing layout for normal living: This furnishing layout takes into account the desirable views from the dining area to the outside environment and towards the TV. The dining table in this case is also close to the kitchen and furthermore there is a data/power socket provided nearby to accommodate the needs of the modern family and their mobile technology (laptops, etc).
View to TV
In this layout, note that the sofa arrangement is also ideal to utilise the natural sunlight from the window on the northern wall. This means that residents sitting on the sofa are connected visually to the outside, and to the front door (for when someone comes home, etc).
Furnishing layout for partying:
Electronic entertainment systems
For a very open lounge/dining room like this, the furnishing layout for partying can be quite flexible. In this case, the residents could simply push their dining table and chairs over to the sides/ corners of the room.
Dance floor/ Mingling area
This layout would create adequate space to be used as a dance floor or for standing and mingling, whilst not sacrificing the entertainment that could be had from just sitting down and watching TV, or playing video games on a console with the guests.
Dining table can now be used for drinks and finger food, etc.
Jonathan Wirjoprawiro Environmental Building Systems Assignment 1: Sustainability and Efficiency Report
LOUNGE ROOMS |
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