Passive solar design - Thermal Comfort by Julianne Nguyen

passive energy

shading

cooling

thermal mass

sustainable

climate sensitive

PASSIVE SOLAR orientation DESIGN low energy energy efficient natural ventilation thermal comfort heating glazing

building envelope

bioclimatic

Contents

DDD40001 Methods of Design Research Semester 1 2016

p.5-6

p. 7-8

p.9-12

Introduction

Literature Review

Research Design & Methods

p.13-17

p.18-19

p.20

Research Findings &

Design Proposal

Conclusion

p.21

p.22-28

p.29-31

Bibliography

Appendix

Diary entries

Subtopic: Thermal comfort

Recommendations

Chief investigator: Dr Carolyn Barnes (Senior Researcher in the Faculty of Design) Tutor consultant: Esther Wilding (PhD research student) 2

Introduction

“Passive solar design is often an unsung hero of green buildings...” Richard Palmer, Associate Director of WSP Built Ecology

‘After the Industrial Revolution in 1750, man continued to undertake in industrial processes, producing greenhouse gases.’ (Climate Change Authority 2014, p. 28). “Twentieth century saw dramatic increases in the amount of energy used for heating and cooling, as societies around the world urbanised and industralised.” (Winter 2016, p. 383). Climate Change Authority (2014, p. 28) claim that ‘human activity are causing the climate to warm’ and such actions are ‘unsustainable.’ As the climate is warming, Australia is beginning to see the increase in extreme conditions such as heat waves (Climate Change Authority 2014, p. 27). To combat this natural phenomenon, Australians are increasingly using ‘air-conditioning’ to survive the summer season. However, the use of mechanical appliances is becoming costly, with pressures on energy prices and environmental challenges (Berry & Marker 2015, p. 969).

Double glazed windows Minimum 4.1 walls/ceiling Minimum 2.8 walls Sealing building envelope Install rain-water tank/solar hot water system Install energy-efficient lighting

Fig. 1 Some of the BCA 6-star requirements for houses.

Inspiration from our ancestors 6-star energy rating

Australia’s 6 star standard ensures ‘thermal performance’ by implementing ‘passive solar principles,’ that were once promoted in ‘traditional’ based homes as low carbon alternatives (Winter 2016, p. 391). “This approach to architecture incorporates the elements of nature, seasonal variations, and the possibilities afforded by micro-climates” (Winter 2016, p. 383). The research undertaken in this paper is to highlight the research question:

The main driver for energy efficient buildings is ‘legislation.’ (Horne, Moore & Morrissey 2010, p.568). In 2006, the UK government implemented regulations for net zero carbon buildings that emit no greenhouse gases (Berry & Marker 2015, p. 969). Four years later, Australia finally raised the mandatory minimum energy performance standard to 6 stars (Berry & Marker 2015, p. 968). The Australian government has ‘lagged’ behind the UK and Europe regulations (Berry & Marker 2015, p. 968). The 6 star building efficiency rating (BCA) (Fig.1) now in force in Australia, aims to reduce the overall energy demand of residential housing as well as the financial stress of Australian households who use mechanical heating and cooling (Horne et al. 2016).

How can passive solar design as a ‘cost efficient’ method be used to improve thermal comfort in one’s home? In addition to the environmental and financial factors of energy usage, the focus is not solely on building efficiency but also on thermal comfort. “The issue of thermal comfort and its future is surprisingly significant, complex and poorly understood” (Winter 2016, p. 383). Dr Tim Winter, a sociologist in the field of cultural heritage of sustainability practice (2016, p. 383) argues that the ‘invention of mechanical air-conditioning has led to norms and expectations around indoor comfort.’

Literature Review Ever since the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Cooling Engineer’s (ASHRAE) started the ‘norm’ to create ’22 degrees’ as the most comfortable temperature for human productivity in the US, it has influenced our ‘optimised’ indoor temperature environment (Winter 2016, p. 385). This issue raises the question: Can different demographics (age, gender, nationality) in different houses (building design, climate context) with different cognitions (attitudes, preferences and expectations) adapt to this ‘prescribed’ norm in order to be comfortable?

This research report examines two of ASHRAE’s conceptual thermal comfort factors: behavioural and psychological.

‘Domestic’ energy use is continuing to rise (Lowery, Theobald & Walker 2014, p. 102). Australia has already begun designing thermally comfortable houses by adopting passive solar ‘principles,’ reducing the need for heating and cooling systems and energy use (Horne, Moore & Morrissey 2010, p. 568). ‘Parameters’ including building orientation, plan proportion, shape and façade glazing design (Horne, Moore & Morrissey 2010, p. 569). Sociologist Winter (2016, p. 386) argues that the ‘fabric of buildings’ alone cannot help reduce energy usage as it is also a social issue.

Past studies have looked into ASHRAE’s revised ‘adaptive’ thermal comfort model that caters for a ‘wider’ temperature band (Horne et.al 2016). This holistic model embraces the notion that people are no longer ‘passive’ recipients of the thermal environment, but an ‘active’ agent in how they ‘interact’ and ‘modify’ their behaviour, according to their own thermal ‘preferences.’ (Cooper, Dear & Brager 1997, p. 2 & 6).

full comfort

There is a need for investigation into routines, patterns, attitudes and knowledge beyond the ‘physics’ and ‘physiology’ of one’s body In relation to the thermal environment. The paper will address the gaps (user engagement with building), mainly investigating two of ASHRAE’s conceptual adaptive categories: behavioural and psychological. The objectives are:

Behaviour ‘Behaviour’ partly influences the amount of energy used in homes (Lowery, Theobald & Walker 2014, p. 102). Living in a passive solar home requires users to “be able, or willingly adapt to variances in thermal temperature” with things like opening/closing windows, closing blinds or using a fan (Horne et.al 2016, p.2). How do we motivate ‘behavioural change’ for better ‘comfort’ and ‘energy efficiency?’ (Aune 2007, p. 5459) Past psychological studies discovered a ‘problematic’ link between ‘behaviour’ and ‘attitude’ (Aune 2007, p. 5459). “A positive attitude towards saving” might not be of reducing environmental impact or about ‘economizing,’ (Aune 2007, p. 5459) but linked with “many, complex and context dependent determinants” (Lowery, Theobald & Walker 2014, p. 103).

Past research have found that the ‘social’ in ‘social-technical’ research, is an integral ‘interrelated’ variable that may be part of the ‘inconspicuous’ and ‘invisible’ patterns of domestic energy use (Horne, Moore & Morrissey 2010, 568-9). Social science studies as part of energy research, claim that energy use is connected to different ‘social’ ‘practices.’ (Lowery, Theobald & Walker 2014, p. 102). Winter (2016, p. 186) discovered that these social customs and patterns are rarely ‘stable ‘and ‘permanent.’ The ASHRAE adaptive model reinforces this by stating that people played a role in the ever-changing ‘person-environment system’ (Cooper, Dear & Brager 1997, p. 6).

Professor Aune in the fields of humanities and social sciences (2007, p. 5463) analyses this ‘private energy consumption’ behaviour by her notions of ‘domestication’ or ‘cosiness.’ She argues that behavioural change is not a “simple process of adopting energy efficient methods, ” but meeting requirements of designing “different images and practical constructions” (Aune 2007, p. 5464) of what people deem cosy or comfort in one’s home.

Quest to find comfort Fig. 2 ‘Holistic’ relationship between the local climate, the building and the user to create a thermally comfortable environment

- How can passive solar design strengthen the relationship between the building, the climate & the user to provide thermal comfort? (Fig.2) - To gain an understanding of the participants ‘pre-knowledge’ of sustainability, their local climate and housing’s infrastructure in relation to their behavioural patterns and thermal comfort. - How does the ‘psychological’ factors of comfort relate to one’s sense of thermal comfort?

Before, ASHRAE was on a ‘scientific quest’ to improve thermal comfort by ‘quantifying’ heating and cooling requirements by testing the buildings temperature and humidity levels (Winter 2016, p. 385). Sociologist Winter (2016, p. 385) argues that it was a ‘laboratory based methodology’ that led to thermal comfort ideas of ‘normality,’ leaving aside the ‘cultural’ and ‘social’ aspects. In their recent revision of thermal comfort (Standard-55) in 2010, ASHRAE have noted that there is indeed a need to move away from the ‘thermal monotony’ created by the over-use of air conditioning of ‘sealed’ structures, and adopt comfort adaption models that embrace ‘comfort diversity, fluctuation and choice’ (Winter 2016, p. 390).

Associate Professor Brunsgaard within the field of sustainable and low energy architecture focuses on the concept of user and building ‘engagement.’ She states that a level of ‘interactivity’ between user behaviour and building is required in order to gain comfort (Brunsgaard et.al 2012, p. 448). ASHRAE’s adaptive model reports that there are underlying issues of “behavioural adjustment and perceived control.” (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 28).

Brunsgaard (2012, p. 449) argues that “technologies takes away autonomy away from users.” She notes the benefits of user behaviour and engagement in passive solar houses (shutting blinds or opening windows at certain times), that allow a more ‘personal’ level of comfort (Brunsgaard et.al 2012, p.448). Users may even need to establish ‘new habits’ as part of their changing lifestyle to adapt to the ‘wide’ temperature band in a passive solar home (Yu & Yao 2012, p. 448).

Here, Winter observed that ‘comfort practices’ are very much similar across the world, despite region or climatic zone differences (Winter 2016, p. 390). Further research needs to study these ‘interconnected elements’ of ‘social’ ties (Winter 2016, p, 387) embedded with ‘cultural’ traditions, which may affect energy usage and their overall sense of ‘comfort’.

Psychological Although ‘psychological adaption’(Fig.3) is the least studied as part of ASHRAE’s adaptive concepts, it plays a significant role (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 12) in thermal comfort. ASHRAE defines ‘thermal comfort’ as a “condition of the mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment…” (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 157). As it is a state of ‘mind,’ thermal comfort also depends on our ‘psychological’ state (Karjalainen 2013, p. 119). ASHRAE believes it is “possible to predict how an individual is going to regard the thermal environment” (Karjalainen 2013, p. 119) by observing users’ ‘comfort practices.’ Dr Aune’s ideas of ‘domestication’ and ‘experience of the home’ (Aune 2007, p.5459) in relation to ‘comfort,’ argues (2016, p. 387) for the “shift away from technology or architectural design,” and to analyse the users comfort behaviour as ‘practices’ in their ‘everyday life’ (Bischof et.al 2011, p. 336). Winter (2016, p. 387) defines ‘practices’ as the “sources and carriers of meaning, language and normativity…” He elaborates this by describing ‘comfort practice’ as a ‘custom’ that occupants ‘associate’ with in a “particular space, time or year” (Winter 2016, p. 391). For example, there are ‘quotidian’ patterns of users that “utilise their knowledge of shade, curtaining and cooling effects of vegetation” in their ‘tropical’ Asian climate to be comfortable (Winter 2016, p. 390). Western cultures tend to “move between rooms, go closer to the fire, with blinds shut, or with curtains open…” (Winter 2016, p. 391).

behavioural

psychological

physiological

Fig. 3 ASHRAE’s adaptive comfort factors. Physiological factors are less focused in this research

Research Design & Methods The main intent of the research is to find how users ‘dealt’ with thermal comfort in relation to the available technologies, building elements (windows etc.), their knowledge of the local climate and behavioural strategies in response to the changes to their indoor environment. A qualitative approach was used by adopting a ‘social-technical’ framework to better understand how tenants ‘adapt’ to their different homes, probing deeper into their daily lifestyles, views and behaviour beyond the ‘physical’ characteristics of the building itself.

most ‘comfortable’ place in their home and in this case, they ‘subjectively’ justified why. This technique helped to uncover ‘private’ meanings and values that aligns with ASHRAE’s ‘psychological’ theme of comfort. After surveying 25 participants, it was decided for the data collection to stop, as there were repeated patterns of user behaviour and attitudes with their homes and no new information to gain from.

Ethics

The next stage in the data collection required a more ‘indepth’ investigation that could ‘explore’ and ‘compare’ the issues contextually. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. The sample consisted of three ‘personas’ chosen based on their stratum; two participants who live in a detached house that are non passive solar designed and a participant who lies on the opposite side of the spectrum, acting as the ‘representative’ who has knowledge in passive solar and sustainable design. In this case, Persona 2(sustainability practitioner) was compared to a control group of the other two non-passive solar users.

2. Interview

This research has been approved by on behalf of Swinburne’s Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC), aligning with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Each data method received informed consent and each participant was provided with an overview of the study. The completed informed consent documents were locked securely on behalf of the chief investigator of Swinburne University. Names are kept anonymous and housing locations are marked by suburb and state. Participants provided consent to include certain reference pictures and quotes in this report.

1. Survey

3. Cultural Probe

Initially, in order to gain general insights into people’s thoughts of thermal comfort, a survey was given to 50 people and was voluntarily accepted and self-completed. Using a popular ‘psychological’ approach in research, a ‘sentence-completion’ technique was used to ‘frame’ the questions. The questions were worded as statements with a ‘structured’ beginning and an ‘uncompleted’ end that purposely allows the participant to finish the statements phrased in their own words. As highlighted by Professor Aune who works in the social sciences field, the term ‘comfort’ is personally ‘symbolic’ to each user (Aune 2007, p. 5460). For example, participants were asked about the

How does one gain insight into experiential behavioural patterns when not present in their own home? After the interviews, all participants were given a small probe pack. They were asked to record their ‘habitual’ behaviours across a 2-day period in their house through photos or drawings, filling out a questionnaire booklet that records their thermal state and a section to add any additional observations or notes. The questions were asked ‘sequentially,’ to examine the ‘process’ of how they felt in the beginning and the behavioural response at the end. Local climate measurements were asked first, followed

by personal information (room, activity status, clothing) and lastly their thermal sensation. This was to gather background in the ‘context’ and ‘setting’ conditions.

Procedure The three participants were invited to do a semi-structured interview. Interviewees were briefed about the research topic before beginning. The first participant allowed the interview to partake in her home. The discussion was private, protected acoustically by the limits of the external walls. When the discussion touched on behavioural aspects, she would stop, walk over and point at some of the building features (window, floor) and technologies (heater), allowing a clearer explanation on how she personally ‘interacted’ with the house. By appointment in a convenient location, the second participant’s (sustainability expert) interview was done at Swinburne University (Hawthorn campus). The last participant resides in Sydney and was sent an email (non face-to-face) consisting of a list of ‘structured’ questions to complete. Numerous emails were sent back to her, asking her to elaborate on some points. Only the researcher and participant could view the email. All interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Audio files and notes were stored securely.

Climate context An aspect of thermal comfort is the ‘microclimate.’ The interviews were done in the season of autumn (between late April to early May). All three interviewees live in houses categorised in Climate Zone 6 under Australia’s Building Code Board(ABCB)’s Climate zone map. Climate zone 6 is ‘mild’ and ‘temperate.’ One of the interviewees(out of three) is situated in Sydney but also falls under the same Climate zone according to ABCB.

Sydney Climate zone 6 Melbourne

Fig. 4 Location of regions within climate zone 6

The interview data set for all three participants was divided into three main sections using two of ASHRAE’s comfort factors; the first section covered ‘comfort values’ (psychological), followed by ‘comfort practices’ (behavioural) and lastly ‘building/climate knowledge’ (the gap between knowledge and behaviour). Some of the common key terms and phrases related to ‘behaviour’ and ‘comfort’ were used from the survey results to help ‘frame’ the questions. The participant with passive solar knowledge had extra sections in the question set; passive solar design versus other methodologies and his experience with other homes (non passive solar). This was to gain perspective on the benefits of passive solar design based on his knowledge and experiences and compare them with the control groups who assumedly ‘behave’ differently based on their level of knowledge, cultural and social influences.

The first section consists of ‘open-ended’ questions to start the theme of ‘comfort’ for discussion. Based on the ‘diversity’ of users with “different expectations, tastes, needs and skills” (GrandClément, Guy & Karvonen 2014, p. 214), early questions of comfort were broadly asked for them to share their personal ‘comfort lifestyle.’ One example is about their overall goal in living in a home. This led to some spontaneous responses by one participant that talked about ‘cultural’ aspects of comfort. This guided the discussion with further unscripted questions encouraging them to ‘express’ their issues and attitudes towards thermal comfort and comfort in general. Common ‘variables’ identified in the survey are heating/cooling systems (air-con/ heater), behavioural strategies (turning on/off) and other modes of adapting to comfort (put on clothes, rug up in a blanket). These were used to frame the later questions in the interview that were more ‘direct.’ For example: How often do you open/close the windows? How often do you turn on the heater/air-con? Why/why not?

Data analysis Survey The main intent of using a survey was to uncover more of one’s ‘personal’ attitudes and beliefs systems towards ‘comfort’ and ‘thermal comfort.’ The sentence completion technique helped gain such responses. For instance, the first question asked to define ‘comfort’ in general. This question purposely aimed to investigate ‘comfort’ experiences beyond ‘scientific’ measures (air temperature, humidity etc.). The website Tagcrowd.com was not only used for ‘visualizing’ data but as an ‘exploratory’ tool (Cidell 2010, p. 518), displaying words and phrases that express comfort ‘personally’ to them. In order to triangulate the content clouds, the questions were framed to compare ‘comfort’ in general and ‘comfort’ at home. ‘Domestic-related’ comfort words were coded using Professor Aune’s theory of ‘home.’ For example, many responses were grouped under her analogy of ‘home’ being like a ‘haven’ (Aune 2007, p.5460). For example: peaceful, cosy, warm, relaxing. These were then compared with ‘thermal comfort’ at home. This was to identify whether there were any ‘patterns’ that ‘overlapped’ and had interdependencies between them i.e links between psychological, behavioural and even physiological factors.

Different perspectives Surveys were given with participants living in Melbourne as well as some missionaries who were from the United States. This triangulation attempts to find whether ‘comfort’ is similar in locational or climatic context (seasons and temperature). Also, by interviewing a representative who has knowledge in thermal comfort and has experience living in a passive solar design, the other two participants are compared with the representative. Comparisons are made in terms of artificial systems and ‘natural’ passive solar strategies and their attitudes and preferences to why they do use it.

Interview The interview transcripts were ‘coded’ using a common approach in qualitative social science research called ‘thematic analysis.’ ‘Recurring’ themes and ideas were ‘organised’ in a ‘sequential’ manner. Many were ‘flexibly’ modified and added as the process of transcribing and interpreting the data went along. ASHRAE’s framework topics of behaviour and psychological was used as the ‘themes,’ as well as leaving an additional note for physiological

Research Findings & Recommendations Persona 1 Theme: Behavioural Reason: Acclimatization & convenience of technology

Action: turn on heater

Cultural Probe

Persona 2 Theme: Behavioural Reason: Adjustment & passive solar design(let sun in to warm interior)

Many of the survey participants were confused with the first half completed statement: I would define comfort as… Some participants did the survey with the researcher present near them, verbally expressing the difficulty of responding by saying:

Subtheme:technological

Subtheme: technical Action: open curtains

Two of the questions incorporated ASHRAE’s comfort ‘rating scales’ as tested in their updated standard(ASHRAE-55 2010). Participants were asked to ‘judge’ their thermal sensation (Fig.5) and ‘degree’ of comfort(Fig.5.1) based on their personal state. This method qualitatively gains insights in their ‘perceived’ control (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p.23), expectations of the environment and their behavioural method in response.

Reason: Acclimatization (hard to breathe), for ventilation & daily habit

Question 1: I would define comfort as… Most survey participants defined comfort as ‘relaxed,’ (Fig. 6) followed by other positive connotations of ‘peacefulness’ and ‘happiness.’ This again emphasises the ‘subjective’ nature and complexity of ‘comfort.’ These ‘abstract’ terms represent one’s own pursuit for ‘comfort.’ In relation to ‘psychological’ aspects, many wrote terms that describe comfort as a ‘physical’ (being, feel) or ‘mental’ condition (state of…).

“Gee, this is a hard question. I don’t know how to explain it…” “This question sure makes you think…” (Participant A) This question reinstated again in the interviews also gave a similar verbal response. Two of the interviewees gave a long pause after the question was asked and answered:

Feels nice… feel free… feeling protected Being with those that love you… being in your own skin… State of mind… state of ease… state of wellbeing

“That’s interesting... I’m not sure because I don’t get that asked a lot.

Persona 3 Theme: Behavioural & psychological

compared with comfort at one’s ‘home.’

Subtheme:technical “Well, I think…” (Participant B) Action: open windows cold

cool

slightly neutral slightly warm cool warm

hot

Fig. 5 Thematic analysis & process of behavioural adaptation

Here, the aim was to have ‘comparable data’ containing any issues and patterns amongst them. Persona 1 & 3’s(control group) level of thermal comfort was compared with Persona 3(non control group), according to their individual adaptive behavioural response. This was to discern what non-technological methods Persona 3 uses in comparison to Persona 1 & 3’s technological use by examining the reasons and attitudes why they do so. In this case, reasons Persona 3(Fig.5) made were related to his building knowledge of the passive solar principles, the building elements and the external climate.

uncomfortable very slightly uncomfortable uncomfortable

slightly comfortable

comfortable

Fig. 5.2 ASHRAE’s perception of comfort level scale

very comfortable

In both instances with the survey participants and the interviewees, more ‘thought’ and ‘time’ was taken to answer this question by the interviewees. For example, Persona 2 also thought hard. Even though he uses ‘objective’ passive solar principles that are quite ‘science’ based, the question allowed him to think and give a ‘subjective’ response based on his early experiences of comfort. Especially in a ‘space environment’ where many factors are present, comfort is ‘complex’ (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p.156) for each individual. The data also presents the ‘intangible’ nature of comfort and how it ‘subconsciously’ impacts on us. For example in Participant A and B in both survey and interview, they rationalized their answer using “I think,” implying the ‘concept’ of ‘comfort’ is best understood ‘psychologically.’

Fig. 6 Common responses to Question 1 was tagged using Tagword.com

Here, comfort is taken into another dimension. Philosophically, participants describe comfort as a ‘whole’ life experience, taking in what they have learned from the external environment including their different experiences, interactions and ‘emotions.’ Comfort in a sense is a ‘vision,’ an aim to find one’s ‘satisfying’ state of ‘ease’ and ‘freedom’ against the problems in life as one

In order to investigate the depth of comfort behaviorally and psychologically as defined in ASHRAE’s standard (ASHRAE 552010), the first survey question about ‘general comfort’ was

participant states: “Comfort is being free to think about life… living without pain and annoyances.” Question 2: Being comfortable at home to me means... The question was framed with the addition of the word ‘home’ to explore whether participants have different relations to comfort with a ‘home’ setting. Again, the majority of them answered that it was a form of ‘relaxation.’ i.e a home as a place where they can relax and rest. Comfort was also portrayed phenomenologically in relation to our uses in ‘furniture.’ A ‘comfy’ or ‘soft’ couch was a common response, highlighting the ‘textural’ quality of physical objects that affect our sense of comfort. In this case, ‘soft’ or ‘warm’ means ‘cosy,’ symbolic to the general ‘domestic-like’’ qualities of a ‘comfortable’ house (Aune 2007, p. 5460). Responses about ‘thermal’ comfort were also featured in this question. Participants had some understanding and perception about their ‘preference’ of comfort as one stated: “Temperature in the early 20’s is comfortable… as I don’t sweat or need to wear too many garments.” (Participant C)

Participants would want their home to have a ‘constant room temperature’ (Fig. 7). In reading Participant C’s response, having a room with a ‘stable’ temperature is beneficial for him so he can be in an environment without ‘adapting’ (behavioural) as much (putting on garments) and not sweat in response (physiological). Participant C is just one out of the many who does not ‘personally’ like ‘changing’ clothes when the environment is uncomfortable. In terms of the common consensus, participants do not mind ‘adapting’ to their environment. For instance, a few said ‘snuggling under my blanket’ or ‘taking a warm bath.’ Similar to Fig.1, but in relation to ‘thermal comfort,’ comfort ‘aids’ them to ‘be able to’ do something. “Being able to sleep at night without getting cold or hot.” “Being able to perform tasks better.” Comfort here is expressed metaphorically as a ‘tool,’ to help them fulfill their daily duties at ‘ease’ and help their ‘productivity’ levels.

“Behavioral adjustment represents the most immediate feedback link to the thermal environment” (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p.10). In simple terms, if a person is uncomfortable, or expects to become so, they will take corrective action (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p.10). Participants were asked what ‘behavioural mechanisms’ they adopted in both winter and summer.

In Fig.8 , 80 percent reported their use of an ‘air-conditioning’ system, with a quarter of them using a low energy ‘fan.’ This is unsurprising as there is a growing prevalence of ‘mainstream’ air-conditioning in Australian households (Horne et.al 2016, p. 11). Some survey participants also mentioned ‘action’ words of ‘turning on’ air-conditioning, indicating that some are ‘aware’ of it being a ‘behavioural’ adaptive practice. 15 percent stated ‘wearing’ loose or lighter clothes (i.e shorts), followed by only 7 percent who ‘open’ their windows. This implies that clothing ‘adjustments’ are a simple and quick practice to adapt to the environment, compared to using ‘windows’ which have ‘complex’

‘climate’ knowledge.

Close windows

Clothing Heating system

Fig. 9 Winter responses

Open windows

Cultural Probe Fig. 9 presents a snippet summary of her recorded behaviours in the morning.

Clothing

Behaviour and knowledge

In summer, I get cool by…

Fig. 7 Question 2 responses was compared with question 1. In this case, they do have similariteis

factors to consider. Future research need to take into account that some participants do not want windows ‘opened’ due to ‘personal’ preferences of ‘privacy’ (Brunsgaard, Heiselberg & Knudstrup 2012, p.235) or prefer to leave it closed to block out the ‘acoustics’ outside. In terms of passive solar design, their level of ‘understanding’ of ‘when’ to ‘open’ them in correlation to the external climatic conditions is crucial. In order to maximise their comfort level, they need to learn to adapt ‘correctly’ with the building and climate (Brunsgaard, Heiselberg & Knudstrup 2012, p.439).

The next thing is for them to measure how they subjectively ‘perceive’ the ‘thermal’ conditions of their indoor environment. Persona 3 is used in this part. At 10am, shown in Fig. 10, she circled that she felt ‘warm’ after waking up and recorded her state to be ‘uncomfortable’ in that given moment. In response, she ‘opened’ the window as a mode of an adaptive behaviour. Similarly, this behavioural action was also recorded on the next day but she perceived to be ‘less’ warm and ‘slightly’ comfortable compared to the previous day. Nonetheless, she ‘opened the window’ despite not being ‘uncomfortable.’ One of the implications is that there may be a different kind of ‘behavioural’ theme called ‘habituation’ in relation to this. This overlaps with ASHRAE’s ‘psychological’ mode of comfort. Although not a primary focus in this report, there may be underlying ‘sociocultural’ factors embedded. As Persona 3 came from a nonWestern background, her action of ‘opening the windows’ may be tied with a ‘cultural’ habit. Winter (2016, p.390-391) describes this pattern of behaviour as a ‘daily practice,’ in which they try to have their particular space to have a customary temperature that they can associate with for a generally comfortable life. More research needs to account for one’s cultural habits, especially

Air-conditioning system

Fig. 8 Summer responses

In winter, I get warm by… In Fig. 9, 80 percent wrote some kind of ‘heating’ system. Some identified the type; electric heating, ducted heating, gas heating, wall heater. Again, some mentioned the act of ‘turning on’ or ‘putting on’ a heater. However, only 3 participants said this. 60 percent was related to ‘clothing’ as a form of ‘insulation.’ Some said ‘putting’ on layers of clothing or extra layers (jacket/jumper). Only 2 participants wrote down ‘closing’ windows. This implies that households may not use windows as much in winter and live it fixed (unopened) as it is cold. However, other considerations of comfort like ‘staleness’ need to be considered. One passive solar principle requires users to ‘open’ windows for ‘ventilation’ and then ‘close’ it again when temperatures drop at night. Again, similar to the scenario in summer, there is a lack of ‘building’ and

when designing passive solar houses that have different window designs and placement. How can one design for them to harmonise their traditional practices with a passive solar designed house ensuring their level of thermal comfort is met?

related to users’ perception and ‘availability’ of control over their interior (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 8). In Fig. 11, the window placement could be closer to both the bed and door for ‘easy’ access and convenience. Designers need to consider ‘how far are occupants placed away from such windows?’ and ‘will they be able to adaptively intervene?’ (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 8).

Chosen space: Bedroom Day 1 Morning

Day 2

Earlier activity

sleeping

Earlier activity

sleeping

Thermal sensation

warm

Thermal sensation

slightly warm

Comfort perception

uncomfortable

Comfort perception

slightly comfortable

Windows open?

yes

Windows open?

yes

Morning

Bed

Door entry

events.” (Horne et.al 2016, p. 12).

encourage users to open or close the windows? (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 8).

In the example of Persona’s 1’s dining room (Fig.12), the window is ‘orientated’ correctly towards the sun (north) which is effective in winter to allow the ‘low’ angled sun to seep through. However in summer, her thermal comfort may not be to her ‘ideal’ standard as she does not ‘open’ or ‘close’ the windows. According to passive solar principles, for ‘passive cooling,’ windows need to be opened at night to allow the hot air to exit and bring in fresh cool air. Here, the design of ‘adaptive opportunity’ is again reinstated. Can the design of windows become ‘operable’ to

For a passive design house to have an ‘active’ occupant, the most important recommendation is the involvement of the stakeholders; builders, architects etc. to ‘educate’ and fully ‘inform’ users about how to behave with the house to achieve better thermal comfort (Brunsgaard et.al 2012, p. 449). Passive solar design invites stakeholders to adopt a more ‘fluid’ sociotechnical design approach. Users are ‘consulted’ throughout the life of the passive solar building and its inhabitants to check whether they are ‘comfortable’ and make improvements in their ‘lifestyle’ (GrandClément, Guy & Karvonen 2014, p. 221). This calls for a ‘holistic’ change in the architectural, building construction and environmental industry.

Desk

Limitations Fig. 10 Snippet of user journey table of Persona 3 highlighting behaviours her in the morning.

Recommendations The aim of passive solar design is to reduce mechanical energy use through parameters like building shape and glazing design (Horne, Moore & Morrissey 2011, p.569), to help reduce energy bills and increase the energy efficiency of one’s home. Passive solar strategies will help portray the qualities of ‘natural light’ and ‘airiness’ (well ventilated) which survey participants and interviewees all desired. Below are some basic strategies to help users actively ‘engage’ with the building and take full advantage of its passive design. Referring back to Persona 3 who lives in a non-passive solar home, her floor plan of her bedroom could be re-designed. She complained that her house is not ‘aerated’ enough. A strategy is to place two windows on opposite sides of two walls for ‘cross ventilation’ to allow more air influx and for stale air to exit. Recent research is looking into ‘adaptive opportunity,’ a concept

Fig. 11 Floor plan of Persona 3’s bedroom with X marked as the window placement. Not to scale.

Window

In the case for households who ‘personally’ do not like mechanical systems like air-conditioning, the passive solar design of windows as mentioned above for Persona 3 is an option. Persona 1 represents these kinds of people in this category. She finds air-conditioning ‘suffocating’ and causes physiological effects like dizziness. As she is raised in an Eastern part of the world where traditional lifestyles relied on ‘natural’ ventilated buildings (Brager, Cooper & Dear 1997, p. 1), she finds that this mode of cooling ‘psychologically’ uncomfortable. Another reason she doesn’t use air-conditioning is the high ‘cost.’ Research discovered that “vulnerable households cannot afford to install air-conditioners, which impacts on their ability to maintain thermal comfort and personal health during extreme weather

The research design was done only during the autumn season. However, past experiences of adaptive behaviour of different seasons were shared. Thermal comfort also has factors of one’s metabolic rate, body shape and size but were not analysed in this report. Nonetheless, the research gained insight into the ‘general’ behaviours that people perform in both summer and winter. Emphasis is drawn a lot on the behavioural and psychological factors of thermal comfort. The case studies of Persona 1 & 3 show that behaviour could also be influenced by ‘cultural’ factors. Given the complexity of thermal comfort, which have underlying ‘psychological’ factors including habitual patterns and practices, it is assumed that some behaviour are adopted by accompanying traditions of daily practices carried down from their childhood (Winter 2016, p. 390).

She described her lack of using her windows.

N Fig. 12 Persona 1’s dining room. Window is on the left facing North(sun!)

Design Proposal

Most importantly, the design will also be ‘compact,’ a critical factor not looked at properly by the building industry in terms of thermal performance. A ‘compact’ design will allow passive solar features to be more adaptable and be provided at a lower cost. Also, the idea of a small ‘human scale’ home will provide a ‘domestic-like’ feeling. This hopes to ‘engage’ users to use the building more, providing a holistic relationship between user, climate and building.

The design will fulfill Building Code of Australia (BCA)’s 6 star energy requirements and achieve up to a rating of 10 stars. The ultimate vision is a house using passive solar principles that requires no additional artificial heating and cooling systems.

communal private circulation

sun exposure

19 kilometers northwest of Melbourne is a growing suburb: Kings Park. On 22 Grevillea Road, a single-storey detached passive solar house will be built. It will cater for a family of five with three children. In terms of the general features of a ‘suburban’ house, it will meet the future needs of children in the future by incorporating a double garage and a wide north-facing backyard with an open deck for friends and family. The concept is both ‘aesthetically’ and ‘practically’ driven. Fig. 13 is an example contemporary house in Fitzroy that models passive solar design principles. Inspired by the angled façade, the design will adopt a similar dynamic façade, slanted at an angle of 76 degrees. Compared to the traditional ‘eaves’ that block the summer sun, it is ‘integrated’ and shaped into the building form that does the same job as an eave or overhang, with an added bonus of aesthetic appeal.

The strategy is incorporating these passive solar principles along with the ‘spatial’ zoning of the house. In Fig. 15, the upper section of the house contains the ‘day’ rooms which many common activities will partake here. Therefore, it is crucial for these spaces to be faced north (sun) to collect as much light and sun as possible, especially in Melbourne’s cold winter. During summer, the integrated slanted façade will block out the 76-degree sun, helping the interior stay relatively cool. The southern part of the house that are used less are the utility rooms, storage and bedroom spaces. An added skylight in the hallway helps bring ample day lighting to uplift the space.

76°

air lock (door)

N accessiblity

Fig. 15 Schematic zoning diagram. Not to scale.

affordable and safe option to prepare for the future changes. Lastly, the stakeholders need to work together to push for more building energy efficiency policies to the industry, council and the community. People need to spread the word and encourage everyone to open up and talk to builders and architects about the need for passive solar design without compromising comfort needs of the users. If the stakeholders provide knowledge and communicate openly towards the users, then occupants can gain trust in the passive solar concept (Brunsgaard 2012, p.450).

Drivers https://lunchboxarchitect.com/images/featured/thornbury-house/thornbury-house-mesh-design-7.jpg?

Fig. 13 Precedent study of an angled facade for passive shading.

The external walls will be of a popular material called SIPS (structural insulated panel systems). SIPS(Fig. 14) improve the thermal performance of the building envelope by its inner core of thick insulation. SIPS panels are made pre-cut in a factory ‘flat-packed’ and ready to be delivered on site, lowering costs for on-site wastage. Reverse brick veneer walls will be built in the northern part of the building, serving the role like an ‘esky’ – it traps the heat inside the interior during winter (passive heating) and the heat is slowly released out of the bricks during summer (passive cooling). It also portrays qualities of Australia’s ‘rustic’ homes, bringing the locality of the place. Like the exterior, it both looks appealing and works well for thermal comfort. A concrete tiled floor also adds additional thermal mass benefits.

External timber cladding

Internal lining

Timber structural panels Foam core insulation

Fig. 14 SIPS rough construction drawing showing a thick insulation core

There are three main drivers to influence passive solar design to work well in Australia i.e Melbourne. First is ‘adaptability.’ Future housing in Australia needs to consider the ‘changing’ needs of inhabitants during their lifetime. For instance, designing for children, the elderly (disabled) & the ill. “There is a need for designing flexibility rather than rigidity in a building’s energy efficiency and comfort parameters.” (GrandClément, Guy & Karvonen 2014, p. 214). For example, the hallway will be wider to provide mobility access.

The aim for the Australian government is to continue enforcing measures, perhaps even promoting many more of 10 star energyrating houses that are ‘naturally’ run. Once people start raising ‘public awareness’ about passive solar design and users start living in these houses, the users will need to ‘actively’ commit to continue learning and adapting with the house.

The house mainly is targeted for low-income/middle-income households. As the house is designed by passive solar principles, there will be no need for additional costs for air-conditioning and heating installations. Therefore creating an affordable solution for the wide population. In a more serious case scenario, there are predicted temperature changes (climate change) in Australia and rising energy bills. Therefore, passive solar design provides an

Persona 3(representative in passive solar design) states: “It takes a ‘committed’ active user to control the house in a way that consciously lowers energy usage and to provide thermal comfort (opening windows etc). “

Bibliography

Conclusion This research report proposes a socio-technical approach to analyse one’s thermal comfort and heating and cooling behaviour. A qualitative approach identified different behavioural patterns, which are socially and psychologically constructed. Using ASHRAE’s adaptive model, the research discovered that thermal comfort is complex and that ‘behavioural’ and ‘psychological’ themes are determinants for thermal comfort satisfaction in one’s home. This implies that the traditional and common theory of building physics of thermal comfort is obsolete and an adaptive theory like ASHRAE’s is one to refer to.

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Persona 2

Occupation: Senior Lecturer

Persona 1

Persona 3

Occupation: Accountant

Persona 3 Day 1

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Earlier activity

sleeping

napping

eating late dinner

Thermal sensation

warm

slightly warm

warm

Comfort perception

uncomfortable

slightly uncomfortable

comfortable

In response

open the window

take off jumper

put on jumper

Afternoon

Evening

Occupation: Senior Lecturer

Day 2

Home location: Melbourne

Home location: Cabramatta, NSW

Home location: St Albans, VIC

Number of people in home: 1

Number of people in home: 2

Number of people in home: 4

Knowledge

Local climate

Building construction

Sustainability

Sydney

Morning

Earlier activity

sleeping

shopping

walking the dog

Thermal sensation

slightly warm

Comfort perception

slightly comfortable

slightly uncomfortable

In response

open the window

wore jacket

wore jacket & beanie

Persona 2

Melbourne

Day 1

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Earlier activity

lying down

sitting down, eating

lying on couch

Thermal sensation

cold

slightly cool

cold

Comfort perception

uncomfortable

slightly uncomfortable

very uncomfortable

In response

stayed in bed under doona

lay on couch, under doona

turned on gas heater

Afternoon

Evening

Day 2

Morning

Earlier activity

sleeping

lying on couch

sitting, eating

Thermal sensation

cool

slightly cool

warm

Comfort perception

uncomfortable

comfortable

slightly comfortable

stayed in bed

put gas heater on

gas heater on, then turned it off

In response

Persona 1 Day 1

Earlier activity Thermal sensation Comfort perception In response

Day 2

Earlier activity Thermal sensation Comfort perception

Melbourne Morning

Afternoon

Evening

sitting on the couch

listening to music

sitting on the couch

cool

slightly warm

cool

comfortable

very comfortable

comfortable

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

sleeping

watching tv

studying

cold

slightly comfortable

slightly uncomfortable

mini heater

In response 25

put on warm clothes

Appendix Week 1

light

natural

Passive solar design is a concept

fresh

that harnesses the sun to warm the interior of the building during winter, & prevents the sun during Summer (shading devices, materials & thermal mass). If the building envelope is airtight, wellinsulated, with correct orientation and window placement, then the passive home can run sufficiently without any active mechanical cooling all year long.

raw airy

“A passive home can use upto 90% less energy than the typical Australian home being built today.” yourhome.gov.au

Cultural probe pack. Contents: pen, markers & a questionaire booklet

Exploring ‘light’ and ‘air.’ As passive solar principles include ‘solar’ and ‘wind’ principles, I was influenced by ‘Feng Shui’ of the ‘natural’ forces and colour.

Week 1

Diary entries

EXPENSIVE

- Solar Sollew

28/04 Thur 4:58pm - Intermode

- Zen House

- Carbon Positive

- Quattro

- Habitech

TRADITIONAL PRINCIPLES

ADDED TECH - Ecoliv - Passive Warehouse

- Carbonlite

classmate roughly looked at my int transcript tried to understand what were some key things wanted to find out about it – behaviours, attitudes says CULTURAL aspect important advice: int the IN-BETWEEN, the middle person – someone with SOME KIND OF KNOWLEDGE…. - its hard – who am I designing for? In GENERAL? ‘degrees’ of knowledge – I design for family who doesn’t know about passive solar des… Me: okay to interview someone on either side of SPECTRUM He asks: what focus on – behavioural, science (sweating etc.) Me: behavioural… Other qns Psve des – would you want something automatic Air con/heater – manual Limitations: – couldn’t really describe her – had no knowledge - 2 west ppl vs 2 east ppl who know & live in one…

- Superpod

AFFORDABLE

Above: The gap here is affordable & design using ‘traditional’ passive solar techniques. Below: Again, there is a huge gap between affordable passive solar houses that look appealing.

Capstone - how to represent concept - visuals/renders - therm c – can’t really see(yes sunlight, only FELT – air(can’t see), natural biological )

- Intermode

- Zen House - Carbon Positive - Quattro

- Habitech

AESTHETICS

LESS ATTRACTIVE

- Ecoliv

- Carbonlite

AFFORDABLE

29/04 Friday 6:45pm about the ‘intention’ i.e ATTITUDE you can have all the tech & save energy – more of energy eff - half way there… the narrow road: but psve des – be COMMITTED, UNDERSTAND for it to work – be ‘green’ - climate SENSIBLE, REALITY of built enviro

- Passive Warehouse

- Superpod

01/05 - commercial b – more STANDARD, can’t CONTROL it fully - automatic - at home – have the ABILITY to DEFINITION of psve: - but how you live in a home and manage the house to regulate its temperature will play a big role in determining how comfy you are and how much energy you use. The phrase ‘solar passive design’ is a bit misleading… you may not need active, electricity guzzling appliances to keep you comfortable but you do need to manage, and operate, your house to maximise its performance. Something that this family is very committed to. - DEFINITION: what is sustainability? ‘trend’ term like CLOTHING 06/05 - emerging owner builder… - place to stay long not move so many times (coz of noise, faulty stuff) – survey - thermal the SCIENCE, comfort the psychological (culture, what we grew up with, how we express ourselves, how we hide our flaws/weaknesses) - 1st question of survey is deepppppp 29/04 – r +ve ftprints, b industry & gov

EXPENSIVE

- Solar Sollew

Darren – more on qns about the TIME of day Morning, evening, night – what they do, what they can’t do…

in 1st half – realised I wasn’t clear… - “EXTENT” of inclusion of solar psve des - ENVIROMENTAL/solar des – just MERE checklist – something to check off to build, like MORAL VALUES/expected – you have to in order to receive…

30/04 Sat, 6:40pm - attitude – want to receive sun, want it to help reduce active energy system, both work together - comp to energy eff & the usual SOLAR des - psve more NATURAL, use little energy for h&c while also providing high levl of COMFORT - my aim – des house with no mechanical air-con/heating… me:

- ECONOMIC & ENVIRO challenges my notes: serious about reducing greengas gas emissions – aus built enviro 40% - including embodied energy - psve s are only REALISTIC sol to resid energy PROBLEM - not all designers & arch SPECIALIZE in energy eff des & a ‘near enough’ attitude will not bring best RESULTS in reducing energy consup - psve solar h SPECIALISTS commitment has some challenges to LIFESTYLE CHANGES - money, know the industry & legislation wks – INVESTING money - LARN about sustainability & place pressure on landlords & employers to implement climate SENSIBLE & energy eff principles in market & wkplace. Need more commitment by gov(education, training, r & deveolpent – funding programs & initiatives) & controlling of LOBBY groups basic ways to have ‘cimate sensitive/ecological/sustainable devleopm’ as MAINSTREAM? - shape according to sun – or else reduces ENERGY DEPENDENCE is nor more than a dream

Diary entries - need more research on high perf solar des principles – more SOLAR ECONOMY – long term benefits if adopted as a SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY (more objective… analysis, ) - housing const industry preferred to keep solar des AWAY from public – although complex – ethically wrong.. - in b CONTRACT – financial org (bank), b regulations (politations), manufacturers, prof advisers – play a PART – can lead to CONFUSION – lack of CONFIDENCE – unwillingness to change diff method – okay for 6 star but now change attitude… - gov promoting energy eff & educating public to facts, forced to conform to energy eff standradrs, see an ENLIGHTENED public impr energy eff to houses - social psych – help do part keep MOMENTUM of trend me: can be okay to force it at the moment – to compete with energy eff house (if make cheap), sellers would need to improve eff (that method ) social psych -why do ppl do what they do & what is it ppl truly want in life – crave to be accepted, appreciated. – ask WHAT FEELINGS WILL OWNERS OF A PSVE HOUSE EXP? Some appreciation & admiration doing for planet earth – feel IMPORTANT – sowing seeds of goodness - consciousness & conscience – as more ppl ENLIGHTENED to it, more ppl feel called to tackle prob & do part – some feel tickle in conscience to design using psve solar “Edmund Burke said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” - that’s what we all want – comfy, relaxing & pleasant to be in what is a GREEN B? think high-tech features & finishes, picture advanced glass, blinds automatically adjust… - although does embrace & encourage new tech – emulating old designs, approaches, tech & natures to get better outcomes eg. Socrates where dit it all go wrong? POST-WAR boom required homes built quickly - minimizing costs resulted in sealed brick boxes – trap heat in summer & block out sun in winter, requiring air-con for THERMAL C Invention & commercializing of air-con led us to LOSE TOUCH with concept of b our shelter around seasons

- little thought given to local cli & ecosyst & aesthetics of suburb landsc - air con complement psve des RATHER THAN PT of arch - shift to it not a progression – RETURN to simple, common sense methods of good, green psve des – need to RENEW ourselves – the old is NEW AGAIN 30/04 – design brief, future housing what type of proj? - rebuild (re-use mats) - family bought house– decide to re-build.. - goals – cheap energy bills, live in home for… (slide for PERSONA of CLIENT) - concept/idea is… fresh, light green home - list of priorities: living areas, covered outdr deck etc …. Lastly wish lists – basement studio - scrap bk pics - MDBOARD bkground info & DEMOGRAPHICS : CLIENT – who live in ome, ages, how many, their needs (extended family…) proposal – what exactly are u building? Single, how large, site for outdr living site – driveway access, front entry interior – open-pl/formal layout, finish, views exterior – verandas, decks, patios, porches arch style/CHARACTER – contemp/trad const mats house of the future - once completed, a building often goes UNTOUCHED over course of decades, energy standard is therefore CRUCIAL - ‘investing’ in energy efficiency is first & foremost – ECONOMIC SENSE, improved comfort added benefit, & contribution to fight clim ch energy eff vs psve solar energy eff – orientation , insulation, minimize air leakage … similar 30/04 – sustainability expert in vic, all new homes – meet a minimum energy rating of 6 stars

Diary entries 11/05 mp –mp says speak with Kirsten, some TENSION betw sust principles & Kirsten the ARCHITECT (experienced in the field…) - architectural principles of “DELIGHT…” but sust has DELIGHT – just more principles & governed by some restrictions eg. Me COMPAct size - COMPAct - CPSTONE not mor (include des proposal though but no evidence) helps b engagement – “restrictions” help make decisions, work around it, small home more TANGIBLE to work & be intimate with… humble + intimate & LIVEABLE & AFFORDABLE 12/05 compact – more TANGIBLE – aware of what you are doing, using, less clutter – PSYCH comfort COMPACT + prefab = affordability – helps change way we view space…. 13/05 -angled glass with angled façade? Mp – sun penetration diff - angled façade – ‘DYNAMIC’ – but in pres will focus on whether it will WORK over aesthetic… future housing – SOLVING PROB cultural comfr in the PAST comfort is accomplished, enacted and reproduced over time - model making - TESTING to see which is BETTER, which one works, like an experiemtn - tangible 17/05 passive solar des - therm c (NATURAL) compact/small – psychological comf 18/05 is it okay if concept doesn’t sound architectural? 2nd half – principles, trying to FIT/redes – change, test restrictions but good restrictions – WORK with ti make efficient

08/05 – FORM of b need ACCURACY – shadow, if not make use of SUN to the best, compact flr plan rm sizes - in comparison to other schematic des other sub – if you got concept fine, when I was doing pre=des, I realised I had to be ACCURATE, or psve des (systematic) WONT BE THAT EFFECTIVE good thing it kept me in check that im on right track – was measurable – tangible, numbers, depth, slant