Resource Saving House Guideline for Sustainable House Concept Across Costa Rica

Resource Saving House Guidelines for Sustainable House Concept Across Costa Rica

By Larisa A. Coto V

Master-Thesis

Resource Saving House Guidelines for Sustainable House Concept Across Costa Rica

1. Mr. Prof. Martin Wollensak 2. Ms. Dipl.-Ing / M.Sc Anke Wollbrink

Presented by: Coto Villalobos, Larisa Andrea Date of birth: 03 16 1987

Hochschule Wismar – University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design Faculty of Architecture and Design Master of Architecture and Environment

Wismar/San José. December 2016

Hereby I declare Larisa A. Coto Villalobos that I have this Master-Thesis made independently and without outside help and only uses the specified sources and resources. Â Wismar, 2016 Coto Villalobos, Larisa Andrea

Preface

The challenge for the architects is to design in a way that allows the integration of the built and the natural environment.

The ability to listen and observe from the environment in which we live in.

Doing good rather than causing environmental harm.

This project allows me to understand more about how important the communication between the context and the design process is vital.

Sustainability needs to be firmly grounded in every little detail of design.

I have expressed in this thesis my experiences in my own simple way. I hope you will find it interesting and worth reading.

This thesis is dedicated to my parents, thanks for the support in every part of my life. Thanks for believe in me and be part in my accomplishments.

Table of contents

Title page Preface Table of contents List of abbreviations Chapter I

1

4

5 8

11

Description of the issue I.I Mission Statement I.II Objectives

Chapter II Introduction II.I Historic background of traditional and modern houses in urban and suburban areas Architecture of Costa Rica Adobe house Tropical architecture

II.II Details of the adobe house

14

Table of contents

Chapter III

Theorical analysis

20

III.I Sustainable guideline & Keys in the design of housing III.II Case studies & comparison of each studie case III.III Comparison of conventional & sustainable design III.IV Comparison of concepts (Passive design vs resource saving house) III.V Elements to achieve for resource saving house

Chapter IV

IV.I Guideline backgrounds IV.II Tools & rating systems IV.III Comparison of each systems IV.IV Building metrics / site metrics / other indicators IV.V Requirements: Socially & environmentally appropriate Architecturally appropriate Accesible & adaptable Safe, secure & health Affordable & durable Resource efficient

59

Table of contents

Chapter V

87

V.I Prototype design V.II Design process l Guideline Structure V.III Site investigation V.IV Relating the brief to the site V.V Schematic design stage V.VI Detailed design stage

Summary (Results and conclusions)

Bibliography

List of images

Glossary

147 153 155 158

List of abbreviations

AC - Air Conditioning AEGB – Austin Energy Green AHSRAE - American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers BREEAM - Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) CR – Costa Rica EDGE – Excellence in design for greater efficiencies FCL – Finished ceiling level FFL – Finished floor level FSC - Forest Stewardship Council GBCI - Green Business Certification Inc. GWP – Global Warming Potential HVAC - Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning IAT – Institute for Tropical Architecture INTECO – Technical Standards Institute of Costa Rica Kw/H – Kilowatt hour LCA – Life Cycle Assessment

8

List of abbreviations

LED – Low energy demand LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard MVOC – Microbial Volatile Organic Compound M2 – Emmedue 2 PBAE – Ecological Blue flag program PV - Photovoltaic PVDF – Polyvinylidene Fluorine RESET - Requirements for Sustainable Buildings in the Tropics SJO – San José SRI – Solar refraction index TEMP. – Temperature USA – United States of America USGB - U.S. Green Building Council UV – Ultraviolet VOC – Volatile Organic Compound

9

The definition of sustainable development as it is known today began in 1987 with the Brundtland report from the United Nations that stated;

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (United Nations, 1987).

CHAPTER I Description of the issue I.I Mission Statement I.II Objectives

Chapter I Description of the issue I.I Mission Statement Â

Sustainability is not just about the environment and natural resources; it represents a balance between environment, economics and equity.

The movement toward more ecological design principles is based on the growing understanding that conventional development practices are not sustainable.

The main purpose of the guideline is to make recommendations to address these issues in the context of housing in Costa Rica.

Search selected sustainable building guidelines, assessment tools and rating systems throughout the world. Comparison of each and summarized them by general recommendations that can apply to housing guidelines in Costa Rica.

Environmental assessment systems, ratings systems, and guidelines have played an important role in raising public awareness.

12

Chapter I Description of the issue I.II Objectives

- Promote and encourage the construction and in use behavior of sustainable and affordable buildings in Costa Rica.

- Promote life cycle costs and ecological impacts in high quality materials and innovative technologies.

- Generate a prototype that meets protection of the occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment.

- Optimize the concept of sustainable house, by every element that conform it.

- Use the guideline to design a prototype of a resource saving house.

13

CHAPTER IIÂ

Introduction II.I Historic background of traditional and modern houses in urban and suburban areas Architecture of Costa Rica Adobe house Tropical architecture  II.II Details of the adobe house

Chapter II Introduction II.I Historic background of traditional and modern houses in urban and suburban areas

The architecture of Costa Rica has a combination of Spanish, Indian and colonial influence. The indigenous tradition established settlements as the Guayabo National Monument(28) with its mounds, roads, squares and aqueduct, a fragment of a civilization that is believed that grows between 800-1400 D.C. The type of housing they used was the "ranch" (rectangular room or round, without walls or walls built of reeds that let air and gabled roof, which does not reach the ground, covered with palm leaves and ends at the top with a crock to prevent leaks) whose inside had hammocks to socialize and sleep.

In colonial times the Spaniards, and build some churches, other smaller buildings and houses with a central courtyard, introduced the adobe house(29), or house built on compressed earth, mixed with natural fibers to acquire more resistance.

In the nineteenth century, the coffee bonanza allowed the construction of the National Theatre(30): architectural jewel of Renaissance style.

In the late nineteenth century it introduced the country Victorian style (typical of the time of Queen Victoria in England), for the construction of housing of the coffee bourgeoisie and some schools and buildings, very visible in the Barrio Amón of the capital of San José.

Since 1920 a group of architects trained abroad and belonging to intellectual circles, the country introduced a new architectural language. Interested in seeking Hispanic and Creole roots led to rescue monuments of colonial origin as the ruins of Ujarrás and Orosi, churches were built in Canton headers, including a neo-Gothic church in Coronado, with pointed arches doors and windows.

Neocolonial architecture was introduced, with its spiral columns, cornices and decorative details Baroque, in temples like San Rafael de Escazú; in state buildings such as the Yellow House (projected in 1917 to be the headquarters of the Central American Court of Justice); the Presidential House (current Legislature); National Airport (current Costa Rican Art Museum(31)).

15

Chapter II Introduction Architecture historic background

Guayabo National Monument

Adobe house

Costa Rican Art Museum

National Theatre

(29)

(28)

(31) (30)

16

Neocolonial houses were also built, as a compact plant, with not central courtyard, surrounded by gardens, neighborhoods González Lahmann, Ammon, Paseo Colon and Escalante. Local movements were simultaneously stimulated by the European modernism of Art Deco.

Adobe house

The adobe is a construction technique on land that dates back to colonial period. From the mix of a black mud with some grass, in a slow and arduous process that lasts several weeks, it is possible to mix the preparation of blocks(34) to raise thick walls.

The plaster walls are made with the same mud and then treated lime, which makes the same function as the paint is applied.

Especially in urban contexts, the trend of plastering adobe houses with cement is given, in order to achieve greater strength and duration of walls.

The thickness of the walls of adobe (30cm or more) can be seen on the threshold of the doors and windows. (38)

The sheer weight of the construction of adobe, increasing water-absorbing tiles in rainy season, is supported by the foundation of large stones, over which mud bricks were placed. Traditional roofs are clay tile(36), increasingly difficult to obtain by reason of disuse. In most cases, the roof tiles has been replaced by galvanized iron sheets, in others there is a combination of both materials.

Normally the houses lacked of ceiling(36).

The use of wood is essential in the adobe house: frames, doors, windows, railings, columns, beams, furniture. (35)

The typical rural adobe house has few quarters and the room is both bedroom. Common elements they were clay oven and oxcart.

The toilet is located in the courtyard. An important space in rural areas it is the corridor that largely replaces the room. It is also the enabling social interaction of the people in the community.

Adobes rural house is characterized by a retreat that serves as the front yard where both ornamental plants and medicinals are grown. The corridor usually has wooden benches for the use of its inhabitants and visitors.

In urban areas, the house has no retirement and generally occupied a quarter block. Its location is in the form of 'L' with internal corridor. The presence of the inner corridor, which then generates a hallway, due to the location in line with the sidewalk stands. A feature of the thick earthen walls in this type of housing is its thermal capacity: keep the interior fresh during the day and keep warm on cold nights.

17

Chapter II Introduction II.II Details of the adobe house

Adobe walls

Stone duct

(33)

Adobe blocks

(34)

Clay shingles

Open ceilings

(36)

Wood beams

(35)

(32)

(38)

Adobe house

Wood windows (37)

18

Tropical architecture

During the twentieth century, architecture was characterized by its abstraction. The modernist attitude flooded the planet blurring the traditional cultural expressions, resulting an internationalism that was introduced to the tropics.

The architects who managed to incorporate experiences of the cultural environment and the local climate to consistently adapt shapes, materials, concepts and cultural values, defined an architecture that reflected regional influences while proposals for contemporary solutions.

The XXI century starts with a sustainable and environmentally friendly attitude, which defines solutions by requiring a responsible and committed to the environment activity. It is no longer possible to continue building and designing without addressing the planetary requirements. It is important to consider the continuing concerns of a region and appropriating successful solutions.

In tropical buildings, you can commonly see, large eaves, roofs steep slopes, collection systems efficient water and perforated facades, as a set of fundamental expressive elements that make it recognizable architecture of wetlands, rain, sun, heat and torpor.

Tropical architecture is all about working with the elements of nature to achieve thermal comfort in hot and humid climates. Tropical architecture, whether traditional, ultramodern or high-tech, uses passive design elements like sunshades, cavity walls, light shelves, overhangs, roof and wall insulation, and shading from large trees to block the intense tropical sun.

Tropical houses, especially those with Asian design, often have big roof overhangs to protect interior spaces from the tropical sun’s brightness.

Costa Rica is a tropical country with many microclimates and elements to take into account for architectural design. Costa Rica’s tropical architecture tends to follow three styles: Asian/Balinese, Mediterranean, or Spanish colonial. Environmentally correct and sustainable designs are most in nowadays. Tropical design creates a harmonious relationship between nature and humans.

The main feature of tropical design is including the outside world to create an ambiance of openness and naturalness. The objective is a constant pursuit of breezes, cross-ventilation and shade for cooling effects, and sunlight for warmth, energy and light. Looking for quick and efficient rainfall management, using topography and vegetation for a vibrant aesthetic effect, privacy and acoustic insulation. Good environmental design incorporates local and natural materials, recycling, water management, and energy efficiency.

19

CHAPTER IIIÂ Theorical analysis III.I Sustainable guideline & Keys in the design of housing III.II Case studies & comparison of each studie case III.III Comparison of conventional & sustainable design III.IV Comparison of concepts (Passive design vs resource saving house) III.V Elements to achieve for resource saving house Â

Chapter III Theorical analysis III.I Sustainable guideline & keys in the design of housing

Principles and pathways beyond sustainability In 1978, Australian ecologist David Holmgren and Bill Mollison developed the concept of permaculture as a systematic method.

“Permaculture is the philosophy of working with and not against nature, after a long and thoughtful observation."

“Those consciously designed landscapes which simulate or mimic the patterns and relationships observed in natural ecosystems".

In 2002, Holmgren published the book Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability, defining design 12 principles that guide when generate sustainable systems. These principles can be applied to all processes we do daily in order to humanize, increase efficiency and ensure the survival of mankind in the long term.

12 principles apply to the design process, defined by permaculture system method;

21

Principle #1: OBSERVE AND INTERACT

Take the time to engage with nature, design solutions that suit a particular situation.

The first principle is focused on the observation of nature, in order to understand the elements of the system in which we are going to work, before acting on it. Attempts to understand and really engage with the situation, should lead naturally to a deep reflection that allows to deliver an appropriate response.

The fact connect with the user and interact with the context of the work will facilitate the conscious process of engaging with the order received. A good architecture project should easily arise if we are attentive to the 'clues' that the same is giving us.

Principle #2: CAPTURE AND STORAGE RESOURCES

By developing systems that store when abundant resources exist and can use in times of need.

The 'green' fever that live in the architecture a few years ago now sits on a sustainability associated rather passive methods, with the aim of achieving real efficiency in every possible way.

Architecture itself can function as a system to capture, store and use in their favor available resources: the wind, the heat of the sun, the rain water.

Be aware that each line that’s on a plane has an associated cost, footprint. It makes no sense to raise large skyscrapers full of solar panels, if the construction generates a huge waste of resources and a series of negative externalities in other areas.

22

Principle #3: GET PERFORMANCE

In this principle, Holmgren says that "you can not work on an empty stomach", ensuring that we get immediate rewards to sustain. He adds that should bear fruit systems designed to ensure the survival of the community without compromising their future, and that productivity should be measured in terms of a real product from the invested effort.

A work of architecture has the ability to widely influence the context in which it is rising, and we can not lose the opportunity to identify and develop the greatest extent possible, in its potential benefits. It can not be sustainable a project that fill it with money, but not 'surrender' positively in other ways, or worse, that harms the same environment.

Principle #4: APPLYING SELF-REGULATION AND AGREE FEEDBACK

This principle is represented by the planet Earth, with the idea of showing the most visible example of a 'body' self-regulated and subject to feedback controls, such as global warming. This negative feedback usually takes to emerge and the impact of our actions are not immediately visible.

In the case of architecture, we are generally prepared to focus our designs in the present, but not to think too much about what will happen in the future.

The key is just to 'self-regulate' what we project, in order to discourage, prevent or rethink design all the answers (and / or related activities) at least today, if we can identify as inappropriate.

23

Principle #5: USE AND VALUES AND RENEWABLE RESOURCES SERVICES If we make better use of the abundance of nature, we can reduce our consumerist behavior and our dependence on nonrenewable resources.

Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass and biofuels, can be effective explore options to allow operation of our projects outside the network; while some renewable materials like adobe, cork, straw and bamboo can become good alternatives if properly applied. Woods produced through sustainable forestry techniques can also be added to this list.

Principle #6: PRODUCE WITHOUT WASTING

Valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing is wasted.

This principle is simply based on using all the resources we have available, avoiding waste of material. It is easy to 'waste' when we are in abundance, but what would we do if we had warehouses filled with construction materials to raise the projects?

24

Principle #7: DESIGN FROM PATTERNS TO DETAILS

We can observe patterns in nature and society. These can be the pillars of our designs, including details as we go along.

To explain this principle, Holmgren gives the example of cobwebs: each is unique, however, the geometric pattern of spiral rings is universal.

Many times we are told in the school of architecture it is not necessary 're-invent the wheel' every time we undertake a new project. There are many operations, dimensions and spatial configurations that are obvious and effective architecture that arise directly from previous experience and behavior of human beings.

If we continue these proven patterns by common sense, we will be working on solid and unquestionable bases, which then can lead to their full potential through development.

P r i n c i p l e # 8 : I N T E G R AT E D M O R E I N S T E A D O F SEGREGATE

When you put the right elements in the right place, relations between them develop and support each other.

Our designs can be really integrated if all the elements that constitute them are willing and adequately work together, forming a cohesive whole, where nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous.

25

Moreover, it is in our hands the possibility to define the way the designed space will be inhabited in the future, and in that sense it is possible to incorporate subtle operations that encourage integration of their users, creating spaces of friction and find that come into balance with those essential private spaces for individual development.

Principle #9: SMALL AND SLOW SOLUTIONS

Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than larger ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable results.

A subject that is far more important than it seems because the larger a building is, the more resources and processes required to preserve it and prevent spoilage.

A good building should require minimal attention from its users, allowing them to conduct their activities without constantly concerned about any system malfunction or materials that pose excessive wear.

A project dimensioned and adjusted to the real needs of the customer is more efficient in its construction because it uses fewer hands and fewer resources to rise to the transfer and material handling. In turn, it is easier to condition to achieve thermal comfort, facilitating the heating and cooling of their enclosures, and even other everyday issues such as simplifying cleaning.

26

Principle #10: USE AND VALUE DIVERSITY

Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it lives.

In this tenth principle Holmgren says "do not put all your eggs in one basket", ensuring that diversity offers a 'safe' against variations in our environment.

The diversity reflects a certain specificity in the responses that each architect has delivered, allowing each project to be designed in accordance with the circumstances surrounding it.

Principle #11: USE EDGES AND ASSESS THE MARGINAL

The gap is where the most interesting events occur. Generally, these are the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.

At the edges, just by being outside the 'norm' (or a centralized look), they start to happen a series of spontaneous situations which in most cases are correct to arise naturally, without pressure or stereotypes. In the same way they should consider in the design; avoiding preconceived ideas and fashions that restrict us to work within certain margins, because we can easily ignore the 'key point' of the project.

27

Principle #12: USE AND RESPOND CREATIVELY TO CHANGE We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.

“The vision is not seeing things as they are but as they are" and that understanding the change goes far beyond a linear projection“.

Our responsibility is 'ahead' appropriately to what is to come and the best way to do this is by making sure that each project help us orient ourselves, as human beings made the best possible future.

28

Chapter III Theorical analysis III.I Sustainable guideline & Keys in the design of housing

Keys in the design of housing, that should be to ensure that it is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable: - Provide high quality environment that meets the needs and development of community.

- Achieve energy efficiency at construction stage and during the lifetime of the house.

- Having due regard to the social and environmental consequences associated with the construction process and the use of materials and resources:

Minimizing the use of water and energy in construction Making efficient use of land Minimizing the use of scarce non-renewable materials and using renewable resources and materials that have minimal environmental consequences.

- Integrating the new housing into the existing natural and built environment.

- Designing individual dwellings, adaptable to changing needs.

- Cost effective to build and economic to manage and maintain.

29

Chapter III III.II Case of studies & comparison of each studie case

1. K House – Datum Zero Architects

Located in the mountains of Nosara, Guanacaste

Characterized by its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The firm decided to take the challenge due to the short budget and certainly the location of the work, a site that presented challenges.

K House is developed in three parts. The first consists of a horizontal bar that is anchored at one end to a concrete base and on its other side suspended in the woods by thin steel columns that pass the 5 meters high, making the property mix with the treetops and adapting to its surroundings, large openings and large eaves. The concrete base has the support function of a thin vertical tower consisting of several spaces that lead to the upper terrace where you can appreciate the great views of Playa Guiones.

The second part consists of adaptability because the house is packed very well to their environment: the very rough terrain and its changing climate between rainy, wet, dry and dusty. That is why the company decided to design the house as a respirator, which filters the sun and wind. They used local materials to show some of Costa Rica's local culture without losing the main idea of the design.

And finally, the third part. The company describes it: "A honesty derived from its modest budget, without acrobatics. "The work is constructed by a modular system 5x5meters steel panels coated teak, plywood ceilings and prefabricated trusses tensile, resulting in a very modern beach house that keeps the Costa Rican architectural style.

30

Chapter III iIII.I Case of studies

1. K House – Datum Zero Architects

(10)

31

2. Casa Iseami – Robles Architecture

This project is 100% self-sufficient and alternative generation system is composed of a low-impact hydroelectric system with a generating capacity of 14.400KW / H, solar plant (house) with a generating capacity of 10.800KW / H and an experimental wind generator will be installed in the near future in order to obtain data capacity to produce energy with wind in the area Osa peninsula.

The remoteness of the project and complication in the transportation of materials, the project is designed as a " LEGO " to carry out construction work in a workshop and get the pieces in a few trips to the site, where the structure had very little impact on the environment. One of the main advantages of the project is the easy adaptability that characterizes as the construction system is used today from social housing to industrial plants.

At the same time, are considered materials with high potential for recyclability and steel structure that composes, despite the high energy content built, steel has very high structural capabilities and does not require water in the production process or installation, which helps in trying to diminish the consumption of this important resource.

During the investigation process were found the following problems : - Causing pests and diseases such as humidity, animals, insects, fungi and plants in all the empty spaces as ceilings and light walls.

- Low acoustic and thermal resistance of the materials in an area with high rainfall causing problems as much noise and humidity.

- Areas with high relative humidity and poor ventilation sunlight, which harms human health.

- Low resistance materials to the weather, which generates high maintenance buildings.

- Camouflage buildings increases the impact of birds on their windows

Using materials such as thermo-panel commonly known as sandwich panel for its high acoustic resistance. High thermal capacity to refrat the heat or contain temperatures overnight. It is a material to be considered self-supporting, it was possible to reduce the material for the structure and is ideal for servicing solar panels on the roof. It does not generate empty spaces where problems such as animals, fungi or insects are generated. Highly moisture resistant material. Very light and easy to handle come in individual pieces. Material very low maintenance and require less need of paint finishes and were painted with PVDF white to increase solar refraction on the project.

32

The structure is inspired as an exoskeleton to be able to expose most of the electromechanical equipment and avoid creating gaps.

The industrial character, generates an aesthetic inspired by nature , achieves integration with the environment while also generating a contrast to have an index solar refractación 100 % ( SRI 100 ) so it is easier to achieve temperatures and humidity relative desired. The contrast also helps to intensify the colors of nature, framing it in the interiors of the project and also be seen from the outside to avoid the collision of birds in their windows.

Implementation of passive strategies in bioclimatic design, which respects the permeability of soil to raise the soil structure as a whole, also improving the percentages of relative humidity indoors. Large eaves to generate a shadow that works together with the thermal capabilities of the package and cross ventilation strategies, as a natural air conditioning (zero energy consumption by employing passive strategies).

Horizontal sunshades use as a skin on the outside in order to reduce the direct sunlight and lower horizontal rain drop were incorporated. The same material is recycled plastic and sawdust, which increases the potential for recyclability of the project, and the use of plastic materials is avoided inside to avoid the possible production of gases trapped as Bisphenol A (carcinogenic).

On the cover polycarbonate sheets, which will increase the degree of natural lighting without allowing UV rays are located, this clarity cooperate to reduce the moisture generated in the internal spaces, especially when the house stay empty for long periods.

33

Chapter III iIII.I Case of studies

2. Casa Iseami – Robles Architecture

(11)

34

3. Casa Flotante – Benjamín García Saxe The biggest constraint of this house was that the site was predominantly on a very steep slope, and the view of the ocean was captured only at the mid-upper portion of the site. Focusing in this opportunity of exploring an architecture that was appropriate for this kind of conditions.

The design allowed the slope, the earth, the vegetation, water, and animals to flow underneath the house. The house was floated up in the air and by doing this they managed to save on the immense cost of creating soil retention walls around the site. This almost common sense and obvious decision created a very light touch intervention that allows the terrain to breathe while providing a spectacular view to the ocean from the key location on the site.

The house is created out of modules that are repetitive and linked by flying bridges that hover over the landscape. As the house had to be built on a steep slope, many of the pieces were prefabricated and craned up to position. They not only standardized a repetition of living modules which can continue to grow and be added in time, but also created a repetition of the primary structural elements in order to ease the time and effort of construction. The result is that of a home that floats above the earth, allows for its natural environment to continue to grow and change, and captures a beautiful ocean view.

The home's plan was designed to maximize views, daylight and natural breezes, while the modules themselves are constructed with galvanized steel frames to make them earthquake resistant. Rainwater is collected off the shed roofs while a solar heating system provides hot water and soon a PV system will be installed for electricity. All the lights are high efficiency LED and there is no need for air conditioning as the home's design and natural breezes provide all the cooling.

The home's module placement was designed around views, sun and the site. Design strategy that minimized impact on the environment and cost significantly less. Sun shading and natural ventilation strategies.

35

Chapter III iIII.I Case of studies

3. Casa Flotante – Benjamín García Saxe

(12)

36

4. A forest for a moon dazzler house – Benjamín García Saxe The sustainable house of bamboo is located in Guanacaste, in the north of Costa Rica (Central America). The whole country has tropical weather.

This house, is a great example of a tropical sustainable house. It has only 100sq meters. The house is configured with 1 open space that connects 2 modules (kitchen, bedroom) and the bathroom.It’s made of bamboo(ceiling and doors), wood (wall, and terrace), concrete (floor of both modules) and metal structure.

Basically the concept of this house is integrate the interior with the exterior (environment), using the doors of bamboo that opens to the wood terraces. It has natural ventilation, because of the separation of the second bamboo structure and the primary roof. This primary roof covers both modules and the terraces for sun protection.

The structure is based of a main platform with metal frames that support the main and second roof and with metal diagonals which support the terraces. On the top of the bathroom is the rain collector and also has it’s own water well.

37

Chapter III iIII.I Case of studies

4. A forest for a moon dazzler house – Benjamín García Saxe

(13)

38

5. Cabaña EFC – VOID Architects

Santa María de Dota was the perfect setting to build the EFC project; a cabin that converts cold misty mountains full of oaks.

VOID architecture office managed to hit the immediate local context of a larger form. In support of the local community, the workforce in the region were recruited to form the team. The sustainability , social and environmental responsibility of the project are demonstrated in the materials used , such as wooden pine planks locally cultivated, with thick concrete aggregates local quarry and regional stone cladding.

Indeed, this important commitment to the environment, characteristic of VOID, was awarded. Cabin OBE was awarded in the XIII Biennale of Architecture of Costa Rica with the award for "Natural Habitat Less Invasive Project".

"Construction is a respectful intervention; emerges as a solid, stone, heavy, monolithic stereotomic mass, which sits on the ground as if she was born", it is as Sergio Frugone, architect in charge of the project, describes the work.

Visual , landscape , orientation , winds and the relationship with access were key for the distribution of the program. In its central volume servers are all spaces required for the proper functioning of the house: kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. Attached to the central volume, the spaces served, bedrooms, living room and dining room are facing both sides. At one end they open onto the valley and mountains; the side opposite to the oak forest. In the core, a set of wet spaces flow; is reached to be efficient with the resources and facilities, while the space is cleared in the areas served to integrate the outside with the inside, so that melt and assimilates that are one.

The EFC project has a monolithic, continuous system which is perforated and sculpted to allow light to enter the space. It is considered by its creators as a response to the study of sternotomy and tectonics. "The interior-exterior relationship makes the space environment the protagonist of the project. The warmth in the cold space context of Santa Maria de Dota thanks to the combination of materials is obtained. Radiata pine wood, plywood and metal structure that seeks to cling to a support structure, to the mass. A contrast line between cold and warm, between the servers and the served spaces to be discovered, inhabited, experienced and lived by the user; this is the fascinating architecture of the cabin OBE.

39

Chapter III iIII.I Case of studies

5. Cabaña EFC – VOID Architects

(14)

40

6. The Ocean Eye House – Benjamín García Saxe

The interior is designed as a series of connected terraces that provide different views of the landscape. Wooden walls can be folded back from the front of the house, opening up ocean views for the bedrooms and living spaces. Folding screens used to separate rooms from the terraces can be opened up completely to enhance the connection between the house's two levels.

Finding ways of interfering within the natural landscape, learning from the past on how to reduce energy consumption through natural ventilation. This project was analyzed local wind patterns to create a comfortable cross ventilation that would cool the spaces without the use of air conditioning.

It has photovoltaic panels to create the energy needed for the home as well as solar thermal technology to heat water. Every single item in the house is energy efficient and the entire lighting system has been developed with high efficiency LEDs. The volumes enveloped in the slope accommodate intimate spaces including bedrooms and bathrooms. These spaces are contained within a lightweight steel and timber structure, which is supported by cylindrical columns.

The main structure of the house was designed to be semi-prefabricated steel members that could be as light-weight as possible and brought to site preassembled. This reduced the construction process impact on the topography as well as helped brings costs down by making a quicker and more efficient construction process. The result is a house that combines gracefully contemporary materials and techniques with local handcrafted construction.

"The project has an interesting balance between natural and modern materials, as well as a spatial configuration that is never really inside or out," Garcia Saxe told Dezeen.

On the ground floor, an open-plan kitchen and dining space extends out onto a poolside terrace. Concrete is used for the flooring, as well as for worktops and a kitchen island. A staircase positioned above a stone-filled opening in the floor ascends to a decked area that connects the bedrooms on the upper storey. The decking also provides a perfect spot from which to take in the ocean views and evening sunsets. The project is composed in great proportion out of locally resourced reforested and certified Melina wood. Most sinks were hand crafted and created on site, as well as doors, kitchen cabinetry, and bathroom furniture.

A projecting roof clad with wood on its underside shelters the rooms and provides a unifying feature that connects all of the spaces.

Transparent polycarbonate tops a light well that extends through the first floor to the dining area below. They studied the solar trajectory to create large overhangs in the right places and to be able to open and close the house in the right moments. The house collects rainwater from all roof structures to store and use throughout the house for all human activity.

41

Chapter III iIII.I Case of studies

6. The Ocean Eye House – Benjamín García Saxe

(15)

42

Chapter III III.II Case of studies & comparison of each studie case Case of Studies Adobe house

K House

Casa Iseami

Casa Flotante A forest for a moon dazzler house CabaĂąa EFC

The Ocean Eye House

Walls

Plastering adobe

Coated teak and concrete

Thermo panel

Prefabricated walls

Wood

Concrete, wood and stone

Wood

Windows

Wood frames

Steel frames

Steel frames

Steel frames

Bamboo

Steel frames

-

Roof

clay tile

Plywood ceilings

PVDF white to increase solar refraction

-

Bamboo ceilings

Galvanized sheet

roof clad with wood, transparent polycarbonate

Characteristics

Materials

with high potential for recyclability Concrete base, and steel adobe, Modular system, structure, cement, stone, steel panels coated thermo-panel clay teak, local materials (high acoustic resistance & high thermal capacity)

Energy

thick earthen walls in this type of housing is its thermal capacity: keep the interior cool during the day and keep warm on cold nights.

-

Water

-

Rainwater collector

Site

-

Sloped terrain

Others

An important space in rural areas it is the corridor that largely replaces the room. It is also the enabling social interaction of the people in the community

Prefabricated walls, wood, galvanized steel frames (earthquake resistent)

Bamboo, wood, metal structure

wooden pine planks locally lightweight steel and cultivated, timber structure, with thick concrete, semiconcrete prefabricated steel, aggregates reforested and certified local quarry Melina wood and regional stone cladding

100 % selfsolar heating sufficient and system low-impact provides hot hydroelectric water, lights are system, solar high efficiency plant LED

Natural ventilation

-

Natural cross-ventilation, photovoltaic panels, high efficiency LEDs

Rainwater is collected off the shed roofs

Rainwater collector

-

Rainwater collector

Steep slope

Flat

Flat

Flat

Flat

Modular structure Light soil because of intervention the (saving costs), remoteness of maximize adaptation to its the project, views, daylight surroundings, large cross and natural openings and large ventilation breezes. Sun eaves strategies, shading and natural air natural conditioning, ventilation Horizontal strategies sunshades

100sq meters

award for Preassembled structure, "Natural this reduced the Habitat Less construction process Invasive impact on the topography Project" and costs down

43

Chapter III III.III Comparison of conventional and sustainable design

Matrix Conventional and Sustainable design Issues

Conventional design

Sustainable design

Renewable: solar, wind, small scale Hydro or biomass

Energy source

Nonrenewable or destructive, relying on fossil fuels or nuclear power

Materials use

High quality materials are used wrong way, resulting toxic and low-quality materials are discarded in soil, air and water

Restorative materials cycles (waste for one process becomes food for another; reuse, recycling, flexibility and durability

Pollution

Copious and endemic

Minimized; scale and composition of waste conform so the ecosystems can absorb them

Toxic substances

Destructive, ranging from pesticides to paints

Used extremely sparingly in very special circumstances

Ecological on action

Limited of mandatory requirements.

Eg. Environmental impact reports

Built in; cycle of the project, from extraction to final recycling of components

Ecology and economics

Perceived as in opposition; short run view

Perceived as compatible; long run view

Design criteria

Economics, and convenience

Human and ecosystem health, ecological economics

Sensitive to ecological context

Standards templates are replicated all over with little regard to culture or place

The design is integrated with local soils, Vegetation, materials, culture, climate, Topography; solutions grow from place Maintains biodiversity and the locally Adapted cultures and economies that Support it

Biological, culture & Economic diversity

Employs standardized designs with high energy and materials

Knowledge base

Narrow disciplinary focus

Integrates multiple design disciplines and sciences

Spatial scales

Tends to work at one scale at a time

Integrated design across multiple scales, Reflecting the influences of larger scales to Smaller ones and vice versa Works with whole systems; produces Designs that provide integrity and coherence

Whole systems

Divided systems along boundaries that not reflect the underlying natural processes

Role of nature

Design must be imposed on nature to provide control and predictability and meet narrowly defined human needs

Includes nature; substitutes nature’s own Design intelligence for a heavy reliance on Materials and energy

Underlying metaphors

Machine, product, part

Cell, organism, ecosystem

Reliance on experts who are unwilling To communicate with public limits, involvement In critical design decisions Nature and technology are hidden; the Design does not teach us over time

A commitment to clear debate; everyone Is empowered in the design process

Level of participation Types of learning Response to Sustainability crisis

Views culture and nature as inimical, Implementation of mild conservation efforts Without questioning underlying assumptions

Nature and technology are made visible; The design draws us closer to the systems Views culture and nature as potentially Symbiotic; moves beyond triage to a Search for practices that actively Regenerate human and ecosystem health

44

Â

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Passive design Passive design allows to reduce costs and the carbon footprint by cutting the reliance on artificial heating and cooling. Its primary focus is energy efficiency. Passive design strategies use ambient energy sources instead of purchased energy like electricity or natural gas. These strategies include renewable sources of energy such as day lighting, natural ventilation and solar energy. It responds to local climate and site conditions to maximize users comfort, improving indoor air quality.

Passive building design starts with consideration of siting and day lighting opportunities and the building envelope; then building systems are considered.

Factors: Orientation Choose the right direction in which the house faces and its placement on the lot.

Thermal mass The decision of choosing the right materials, the impact they have on the way heat is absorbed, stored, released and distributed throughout the house. ‘Dense’ materials, eg.: brick and masonry are excellent at absorbing heat, and then slowly radiating it through the house.

45

Â

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Controlling the amount of sunlight (or heat form other sources) that is absorbed by brick walls, concrete floors and other dense bodies allows to control how heat is stored and released.

Insulation Insulation can help to control how heat is dissipated from the thermal mass in the house.

Insulation plays a significant role in how well the building envelope performs. Properly insulated walls, ceilings and floors is vital to ensuring that heat stays either inside or outside.

General shading The use of eaves, awnings and pergolas can help to keep heat off. One way to provide shade when it's needed and sunshine when it's not is to plant some deciduous trees that'll lose their leaves and allow the sun through in winter.

Windows The size of the windows, glazing, shading and sealed are considerations that need to control how heat is allowed in and out through windows. Windows transmit heat, light and air between the interior and outside.

Lighting and Daylighting Design The use of day lighting, achieve proper light quality, and provide good controls to reduce energy demands and make people happier. The sun is predictable and daylight can be a very reliable source of light.

46

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Resource saving Strategic goals: - Reduction of energy demand - Life cost of housing - Optimize construction method and typologies of houses - Implementation of new technologies Solar systems Taking advantage of the sun to provide energy for water heating, space heating, etc.

Photovoltaic Photovoltaic are the conversion of sunlight to electricity by semiconductor devices (solar cells) These ones are almost maintenance free and long life span.

The photoelectric conversion process produces no pollution and can make use of free solar energy. The simplicity and minimal resources to produce electricity by PV make this a very high sustainable technology.

47

Â

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Indoor air quality

(16)

48

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Design principles for indoor air quality - Source control Contaminants may originate indoors, outdoors, from occupants and mechanical system. VOCs and MVOCs may be emitted from materials, equipment, etc.

- Ventilation control Implementation of strategies and ventilation control. Proper control prevents parts of the ventilation system from been sources of biological contamination - Occupant activity control Occupant activities may generate odor and may cause VOCs to be released into the air. People and pets also produce microorganisms and allergens in the indoor air.

- Building maintenance Materials, products, furniture, and HVAC systems need regular maintenance, cleaning, and inspections to ensure that they function as designed and to prevent indoor contaminants from developing in these locations.

49

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Life cycle assessment Life cycle approach seeks to analyze all environmental effects of the building (resource efficiency options), starting from materials, energies, natural resources. Life cycle seeks to balance environmental concerns with traditional issues (function, performance, aesthetics, cost).

Principles - Minimize natural resource consumption during the building life cycle in terms of energy and materials.

- Minimize pollution and environmental releases during the building life cycle.

- Protect the environment - Create healthy and comfortable spaces - Balance environmental, cost and economic performance Materials Resource quantity A important strategy for resource-efficient building is to build less and use smaller quantities of materials in the construction process.

Reused materials Many durable products, eg.: doors, cabinets and some architectural metals and glass, can be readily salvaged and reused.

50

Â

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Recycled content Many building products are now available with a high content of recycled materials.

Local content and reduced transportation Specifying products made with local materials and labor can contribute to low embodied energy consumption and life-cycle cost for building materials.

Resource recovery and recycling Once a material has completed its initial service in a building, it potentially has additional use as a resource and can later be recovered and recycled.

51

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Passive design vs resource saving house Criteria Â

Passive design

Resource Saving

Concept

Reduce costs and the carbon footprint

Minimize natural resource consumption during the building life cycle in terms of energy and materials

Focus

Energy efficiency

Resource efficiency

Strategy

Renewable sources of energy (day lighting, natural ventilation, solar energy)

Reduction of energy demand, optimize construction methods, life cost of housing

Considerations

To local climate and site conditions & indoor air quality

Indoor air quality

Factors

Orientation, thermal mass, insulation, general shading, windows, daylighting

Materials, ventilation and source control

52

Â

Chapter III III.IV Comparison of concepts Passive design vs resource saving house

Conclusion of comparison of concepts An integrated approach is required for successful application of these concepts to the project. See the building as a complete system, with the building siting, shape, envelope, systems, and contents simultaneously interacting together and fitting their setting in nature.

The resulting building will perform as a resource-efficient and cost-effective system designed to enhance occupants productivity and health.

Combining the use of renewable resources and conventional energy-efficient strategies can be achieve by all aspects of the energy use in a building (lighting, cooling, heating, ventilation).

The basic idea is to allow daylight, heat and airflow into the building when is necessary; Control the entrance of sunlight and air flows to the interior at appropriate times Store and distribute heat and cool air so it can be when is needed.

53

Â

Chapter III III.V Elements to achieve

Sustainable buildings are structures that are design, built, renovated, operated and reused in a resource efficient and ecological manner.

The objectives are to protect the occupant health, improve productivity; using resources more efficiently and reducing the impact to the environment.

Site Protect and retain existing landscaping. Selection of plants that have low water and generate minimum plant trimmings.

Sustainable site planning and design identify the ecological characteristics of the site and design ways to integrate the building with the site. The intent is to use natural characteristics of the site to enhance human comfort and health.

Preservation of site resources and conservation of energy and materials in construction and building operations are important results of good site design.

54

Chapter III III.V Elements to achieve

Analysis data: - Determine site characteristics that influence building design (form, shape, materials, skin-to-volume ratio, structural systems, mechanical systems, access and service, solar orientation and finished floor elevation) - Analyze specific characteristics of climate zones and existing air quality - Examine existing vegetation to inventory significant plant populations.

- Diagram existing pedestrian and vehicular movements.

- Review architectural style of the area for incorporation into building - Identify topographic and hydrological impacts of proposed design and building use - Orient building to take advantage of solar energy for passive and active solar systems.

55

Â

Chapter III III.V Elements to achieve

Energy efficiency Approximately 50 percent of the energy use in buildings is devoted to producing an artificial indoor climate through heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting.

Passive design strategies can affect building energy performance. Measures like building shape and orientation, passive solar design and natural lighting are ideal.

Use of a properly sized and energy efficient heat-cooling system. Maximize light colors for roof and wall finishes; use minimal glass on east and west exposures.

Alternatives of energy sources; photovoltaics and fuel cells are ideal.

Computer modeling is very useful in optimizing design on electrical and mechanical systems.

Materials efficiency The selection of materials are vital to evaluate some important characteristics; reused and recycle content, zero or low toxicity, durability, longevity and local production.

Use of dimensional planning, these reduce the amount of building materials needed and reduce costs.

Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials.

Careful selection of site construction materials can reduce energy consumption and waste, increasing human comfort without excessive environmental costs.

56

Â

Chapter III III.V Elements to achieve

Water efficiency Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or grey water system that recovers rainwater or non potable water for site irrigation.

Minimize waste water by using low-flush toilets and shower heads.

Use recirculation systems for centralized hot water distribution.

Use micro-irrigation (eg. sprinkles) to supply water in nonturf areas.

Collect and use harvested water (stormwater and irrigation runoff) Collect and use precipitation from a roof or other catchment area, to take advantage of natural site resources, to reduce site runoff and the need for runoff-control devices, and to minimize the need for utility-provided water.

57

Â

Chapter III III.V Elements to achieve

Occupant health and safety The purpose of a building is not only to provide shelter, but also to provide an environment conducive to high performance of all intended occupant activities.

Good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate of diseases and building symptoms, enhancing work performance.

The selection of construction materials and interior finishes products with low or zero emissions can improve indoor air quality.

Provide adequate ventilation and high efficiency.

Building operation and maintenance Building commissioning includes testing and adjusting the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Proper maintenance ensures that the building continues to perform as designed and commissioned.

58

CHAPTER IV Â IV.I Guideline backgrounds IV.II Tools & rating systems IV.III Comparison of each systems IV.IV Building metrics / site metrics / other indicators IV.V Requirements: Socially & environmentally appropriate Architecturally appropriate Accesible & adaptable Safe, secure & health Affordable & durable Resource efficient Â

Chapter IV IV.I Guideline backgrounds

Â

Guidelines, environmental assessment and ratings systems are an important role in transforming more sustainable building practices around the world. These systems define criteria for sustainable building and may be used as a basis for establishing requirements. Voluntary guidelines also may be viewed as a precursor to formal changes.

Most guidelines address the building scale, the introduction of new ones represent and evolution. These include the expansion into new scales of development, phases of the process, and new version for specific types of buildings.

Most guidelines consist of a mix of recommended processes, better practices and performance outcomes.

Most common ways to obtain a single rating is point-based rating systems. This does not lead to rigorous assessment or results. The point-bases systems can simply become reflect a subjective weighting of the various environmental practices and impacts.

60

Typical Sustainable building guideline issues Source: Sustainable BuildingTechManual

Energy efficiency and renewable energy - Building orientation (for solar access, shading, natural lighting) - Effects of micro-climate on building - Thermal efficiency of building envelope - Alternative energy sources Direct and indirect environmental impact - Integrity of site and vegetation during construction - Use of native plants for landscaping - Effect of materials choice on resource depletion and air and water pollution - Use of indigenous building materials - Amount of energy used to produce building materials Resource conservation and recycling - Use of recyclable products and/or recycled material content - Reuse of building components, equipment - Minimization of construction waste and demolition debris through reuse and recycling - Easy access to recycling facilities for the occupants - Minimization of sanitary waste through reuse of graywater and water-saving devices - Use of rainwater for irrigation - Water conservation in building operations - Use of alternative wastewater treatment methods

61

Chapter IV IV.I Guideline backgrounds

Indoor environmental quality - VOC (Volatile organic compound) content on building materials - Minimization of opportunity for microbial growth - Adequate fresh air supply - Adequate acoustic control - Access to daylight and public amenities Community issues - Access to site by mass transit and pedestrian or bicycle paths - Attention to culture and history of community - Climatic characteristics as they affect design of building or building materials - Local incentives, policies, regulations that promote sustainable design

62

Chapter IV IV.II Tools & rating systems

RESET - Requirements for Sustainable Buildings in the Tropics l Costa Rica RESET is a standard developed in Costa Rica by the Institute of Tropical Architecture (IAT), focusing to expand the sustainability requirements to a wide range of buildings. Prioritizes design capacity and potential of sustainability that has the architecture.

(17)

The main concern to the IAT was to have legislation arising of the office of architecture and its potential to provide viable and inexpensive solutions to achieve buildings that were certified, but for their bioclimatic solutions that incorporate technologies.

"Sustainability with more architecture technologies" is what has guided the formulation of the standard RESET. That is to exhaust the potential of design before resorting to the use of technologies and use them sparingly when necessary. Thus technology conceived as a complement to the design and not as a substitute. Enhance the design of architecture and engineering as a tool to achieve sustainability, provide economies, independence and adaptation to the place.

63

Adapting to climate recovering from it its attributes and renewable resources, strengthening the local economy by promoting the use of local labor and materials and strengthening the culture that is updated and enriched with contemporary architecture, which arises from the traditions.

Convinced that the impact of the construction sector will be reduced only when most of the buildings to access sustainability certificates, RESET was created to be a standard within the reach of majorities and scope of the massive construction, which undoubtedly represents the most high percentage of building area on the planet.

The tropical latitude land areas covering 108 countries, home to more than 35% of the population comprises 70% of existing forests and spans 40% of the planet's surface, representing a considerable extent.

With RESET, Costa Rica has an original standard that is part of its environmental vocation that allows to incorporate into their policies and strategies to the construction sector and the city as a built complex that it is desirable to move towards a reduction of their impact environmental.

Standard RESET (Requirements for Sustainable Buildings in the Tropics) was created by the Institute of Tropical Architecture and donated to the College of Architects of Costa Rica and INTECO (Technical Standards Institute of Costa Rica) that was established as a national standard, with the participation of other organizations.

64

What evaluates the standard RESET that certifies sustainable buildings?

The Reset standard analyzes the projects at each stage: whether its design, construction or operation.

A sustainable certification is one that achieves a balance between financial, social and environmental requirements.

"It is requested that profitability is friendly to the environment and the social environment. Is not the same buy local materials to be imported, because the environmental footprint of an imported material is much higher,” Alexandra Rodriguez, director of Standardization Inteco .

The standard evaluation includes seven fields: socioeconomic aspects, environment and transport, spatial quality and welfare, soil and landscaping, materials and resources, water efficiency and ultimately energy optimization.

One of the aspects that differentiate it from other certifications is that it is focused on constructions carried out under the climatic conditions of Costa Rica.

"Establishes requirements tailored to the tropics ... For example, the standard establishes how we can harness the sun to ensure sustainability. We have plenty of water, then the standard sets, with characteristics of how we can ensure the collection of water to help that sustainability, ” Rodriguez.

65

When evaluating a project, Reset takes into account several design criteria.

It examines whether within the building are implemented concepts in landscape design, "that promote biodiversity ecosystems that allow considering the areas of local life.”

It examines whether the design allows the building to operate during daylight hours without the use of artificial light in both weather conditions make this feasible.

It examines whether the design facilitates a link between people and the environment. For example, if there are gardens, patios, terraces, balconies, nurseries.

Another point is whether the design values "takes into consideration the traditional architectural style of the place."

Regarding the use of materials, it is checked whether paints, coatings, carpets, adhesives, sealants and low agglomerates in volatile organic compounds (such as benzene, for example) are used and that do not emit chemicals harmful to the health of those who inhabit the property .

The standard also takes into account whether the building uses recycled materials and if recycled or recovered debris and waste materials arising from the construction.

66

Â

EDGE EDGE is a green building certification system for new residential and commercial buildings in emerging markets.

(18)

Enables design teams and project owners to assess the most cost effective ways to incorporate energy and water saving options into their buildings.

EDGE is a fast and easy to use mass market transformation tool. It empowers developers and builders to quickly evaluate and compare estimated costs for design strategies targeting reductions in energy use, water use, and embodied energy in materials. Cost effective strategies integrated into the project design are verified by an EDGE Auditor and certified by GBCI. The drivers behind EDGE are financial, but the results are environmental. EDGE helps mitigate climate change by encouraging resource-efficient development.

EDGE creates a new global standard by requiring that a green building achieve a projected minimum reduction of 20% in energy and water usage, and embodied energy in materials as benchmarked against a standard building.

67

LEED for homes l North America LEED for Homes is a new LEED rating tool that was finalized in 2008.

(19)

LEED for Homes attempts to streamline the certification process with fewer documentation requirements.

In addition, the system shifts much of the documentation burden away from the architects and builders to third party “Green Raters”, who perform most of the technical performance testing, and a designated third party “LEED for Homes Provider” responsible for overseeing the certification.

There are five areas assessed in LEED: water efficiency, sustainable sites, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and energy and atmosphere.

Although most credits are still prescriptive in nature, LEED for Homes adds a performance-based “path” towards certification in the energy section: rather than fulfilling a series of prescriptive credits, a home can score points by demonstrating a certain level of energy performance. In an innovative attempt to account for the extra resources required to build and condition large homes, the rating system forces large homes to earn more points to achieve a certain rating. Homes that are smaller than a defined “neutral size” are required to earn fewer points to achieve the same rating.

68

 Austin Energy Green Building l USA The Austin Energy Green Building program is a long-standing green building rating tool, run by the city-owned utility, Austin Energy.

(20)

AEGB is also one of the largest green building programs in the U.S. Staff members provide second party certification services, including an innovative series of meetings that teach integrated design and guide homeowners, designers, and contractors through the certification and construction process. Second party certification is supplemented by a suite of performance tests conducted by third party testers, which are now a mandatory part of the city’s building code.

However, the rating system in general is not performancebased, with most credits offering prescriptive measures to reduce energy use, water use, and improve indoor environmental quality. At this time there are no performance benchmarks for overall energy use, water use, or carbon emissions, and there is no post-occupancy monitoring of any kind. But implementation of DOE-2 energy modeling during the home’s design phase is planned for the near future, which will provide energy use estimates and assist in benchmarking energy performance.

69

 Living Building Challenge l North America

(21)

The innovative concept of a building that has no negative impact on the environment is advanced by the system's allmandatory set of performance requirements: no net energy use, no net water use, no new land use, management of 100% of wastewater and storm water on-site, high rates of recycling and material re-use, and use of the highest indoor environmental quality standards.

These performance benchmarks are some of the most challenging anywhere in the world, and The Living Building Challenge has not been achieved to date; however, is inprocess.

In addition, the tool is designed to break into modules (water, energy, materials, indoor quality, etc) which have been completed individually. Second party certification is offered by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council (part of the USGBC) and is contingent on one year of post-occupancy monitoring that clearly demonstrates compliance with the mandatory requirements. The demanding level of the performance targets requires an integrated, holistic approach to all stages of project development - from design to construction to occupancy - spurring real innovation in building design, systems engineering, and sustainable living.

70

 SBtool l North America

(22)

SBtool is essentially an educational and research tool designed to help local sustainable building organizations develop their own assessment systems.

SBtool provides a wide range of criteria that can be selected and weighted according to the needs and goals of the local organization, while maintaining an assessment structure and language common to systems around the world. Well-known in academic circles, SBtool has been under continuous development since 1996 and has been used as the basis for numerous assessment tools including Korea's GBCS. SBtool is flexible to accommodate the various needs of sustainable building organizations around the world; for example, it is structured to recognize 18 different building types, can be used for first, second, or third party certifications, and can be adjusted for use during different phases of a building's life cycle.

The sustainable building organization responsible for developing their version of SBtool can determine the final documentation requirements and set exact benchmarks for relevant performance indicators. SBtool is remarkable for its use of performance indicators that measure performance in terms of annual person hours, an important metric that no other assessment system uses on a consistent basis.

71

Green Globes l North America

(23)

The Green Globes rating system originated in Canada based on the BREEAM™ system from England and was introduced to the U.S. market by the Green Building Initiative.

Some of the points can be designated as not applicable to a particular project and the ratings calculated based on the remaining points. This means that a particular site or building type is not penalized if points are not achievable, and the development of multiple ratings systems for special purposes is not as necessary.

Similar to other rating systems, points are given for processes, practices, and performance outcomes. Performance indicators are given for energy and water use, storm water, solid waste, light pollution, and carbon footprint, including an integrated LCA module that calculates the environmental impact of building materials and assemblies. As an alternative to the short performance-based criteria in the energy and materials topic areas, Green Globes offers alternate “paths” that rely on lists of prescriptive measures.

To make the system easier to use, Green Globes utilizes an innovative web-based tool that guides designers through the early and latter stages of design and feedback.

72

 Nabers l Australia NABERS Home is a performance-based rating and assessment tool for single and multifamily homes without stacked units.

(24)

Homeowners enter utility information regarding energy and water use, and the tool compares the performance to other homes in the region using a large national database. The tool also calculates carbon emissions based on average emission rates for power sources in the region.

Ratings are based on a comparison of absolute energy and water use, regardless of home size. While this makes it difficult to judge the energy and water efficiency of a home on a square meter basis, it promotes the goal of smaller home size while suggesting absolute limits on energy and water use per household. These are appropriate measures in a country already faced with severe water shortages and worsening prospects under global warming. Since the rating tool is a selfassessment meant to assist homeowners in tracking energy and water performance, no official certification is offered.

73

Chapter IV IV.III Comparison of each systems

Qualities to be consider in the comparison of the systems Approach Performance and features of a sustainable building, framed by anthroponcentric (performance benchmarks with historical baseline) vs biocentric tools (performance benchmarks measured in terms that can be sustained by the biosphere).

Type 3 main categories are described: - Guideline: building guidelines lack scores and ratings, sustainable building guidelines are written as recommendations.

- Assessment: A building assessment measures performance based on predetermined criteria. the assessment covers a wide range of criteria from construction methods and materials to energy and water use. The goal of a building assessment is to accurately determine the environmental impact of a particular project -  Ratings: Rating systems attach importance to the power of labeling. Rating systems are often point-based, which helps them group building performance, to increase market value and public recognition.

The goal of rating systems is market transformation through the acknowledgement and public recognition of superior building performance and design.

74

Year A few pioneering systems developed in the 1990s have rapidly diversified and spread around the world.

The evolution of guidelines has been driven by a desire for regional variation as well as the desire to accommodate new building types and new sustainable building knowledge.

New Buildings (NB) Non-residential (N-R) Multi-Single housing (M-S H) Building Scale (BS) Renovation (R) Existing Buildings (EB)

Application The guidelines, rating systems, and assessment tools chosen address housing either as a sole focus or as part of a broader approach to sustainable buildings.

Every guideline, rating tool, and building assessment addresses the building scale, defined as a single building or connected complex.

Guidelines, rating tools and assessment systems can also be divided into those that address new buildings, existing buildings, or existing buildings that are undergoing major renovations.

Post Occupancy monitoring Post occupancy monitoring involves collecting data on building performance and occupant behavior once the building is occupied and used in a consistent manner.

Post-occupancy evaluation has been a small or non-existent component of sustainable building assessment/rating systems.

75

Innovation(I) Awareness and Education (A&E) Cultural aspects (CA) Economic aspects & life cycle costs (EA&LCC) Function & service quality (F&SQ) Operations & Maintenance (O+M) Integrated design & project planning (ID&PP) Location, transport & neighborhood design (L+T&ND) Site design, ecology and storm water (SD+E+SW) Waste (W) Occupant health (OH) Materials & Resources (M+R) Water use (WU) Energy use & Building emissions (EU + BE)

Topics The topics provide the general organization for the tool or system, and are used to differentiate between different sets of credits or criteria.

These topics are considered the basic elements of any reasonably comprehensive sustainable building assessment, guideline, or rating system Type of indicator Exist two types of sustainability indicators: performance and prescriptive indicators.

Indicators are usually used to specify the action or performance goal that must be met to satisfy the criteria of a particular credit or topic area.

Prescriptive indicators specify a certain set of actions that must be taken to satisfy the criteria or credit. Chosen in advance by the organization that developed the rating tool, guideline, or assessment.

Performance indicators are used to measure the outcome of a set of actions. The set of actions is not prescribed. It is up to the architect, engineer, etc to decide how the desired outcome will be achieved. The performance indicator also determines how the outcome will be measured.

76

Chapter IV IV.III Comparison of each systems Matrix of tools & rating systems

Qualities

Approach Type Application

Reset

Edge

Anthroponcentric

LEED Homes

Anthroponcentric

Guideline

Rating

NB / N-R / M-S H

NB / N-R / M-S H

Anthroponcentric

Tools & rating systems Austin Energy Living Building challenges

Anthropocentric

Rating NB / BS / M-S H

Rating NB / BS / M-S H

Year

2007

2015

2008

1992

Post Occupancy Monitoring

No post-monitoring

No post-monitoring

No post-monitoring

No post-monitoring

Topics

A&E/ID&PP/L+T&ND/SD+E+SW/W/ OH/M&R/WU/EU&BE

Land use/solid-waste/water&energy use

(Prescriptive & performance)

Biodiversity/Heat island effect/Human health/storm-water/water&energy use

Green Globes

Nabers

Anthroponcentric

Anthroponcentric

Anthroponcentric

Rating

Assessment/Ra;ng

R / NB / M-S H / BS

Rating/Assessment/ Guideline M-S H / N-R / BS / R / NB

R / NB / BS / M-S H

EB / BS / M-S H

2006

2003

2004

2005

Biocentric Assessment

Full monitoring

A&E/ID&PP/L+T&ND/ I/ID&PP/L+T&ND/ I/A&E/ID&PP/L+T&ND/SD+E A&E / C&PP/O+M/ L+T&ND / SD+E+SW/W/OH/ SD+E+SW/W/OH/ +SW/W/OH/M&R/WU/EU&BE W/OH/M&R/WU/EU&BE M&R/WU/EU&BE M&R/WU/EU&BE

Types of indicator:

SB Tool

Land use/carbon footprint/ solidwaste/stormwater/ water&energyuse

Bio-diversity/Human health

Optional

No post-monitoring

A+E / F&SQ / O+M / CA / EA&LCC / F+SQ / ID&PP / L+T&ND / SD + E ID&PP / SD+E + SW / W/ + SW / W / OH / M&R / OH/M&R/WU/EU&BE WU / EU&BE

Carbon footprint/water & energy use

-

Carbon footprint/light pollution/Solidwaste / stormwater /water & energy use Bio-diversity / Land use / Heat island effect / Human health/waste water/energy use

Limited monitoring

O+M / WU / EU & BE

Carbon footprint/water & energy use

-

77

Conclusions on every quality Approach The majority take the bottom-up, anthropocentric approach.

LEED for Homes measure energy performance by estimating the percentage reduction in energy use compared to the 2006 IECC. NABERS measure energy use compared to a national average determined from a large database of existing buildings.

Austin’s Green Building program reduces energy use by prescribing better efficiencies for various appliances compared to standard installations.

The one that take a top-down, biocentric approach is the Living Building Challenge. This one avoids the difficulties involved in determining the earth’s carrying capacities for water and energy use by simply requiring that the building should not use any net energy or net water from off site.

Type Many of the systems are now placing high priority on the use of performance indicators. In some cases, these systems have simply replaced prescriptive indicators with performance indicators. The performance-based paths can be used to replace the prescriptive lists. For example LEED for Homes and Green Globes.

NABERS is the only system that takes actual measurements of human health and comfort. It does this through post-occupancy monitoring. All other systems rely on prescriptive lists such as unhealthy materials to avoid, or prescribed ventilation rates and daylight factors.

78

Year A few pioneering systems developed in the 1990s have rapidly diversified and spread around the world and several local programs such as the city of Austin’s Green Building Program.

These systems became the basis for many of today’s best known systems such as LEED and SB-tool.

Sweden's EcoEffect have developed innovative new performance indicators to measure outcomes in areas previously addressed with prescriptive measures.

Application In general, the systems can be broken down into 2 categories: single and multi-family housing and non-residential and larger multifamily buildings. Also can be divided into new buildings, existing buildings (mayor renovations). Eg.: SBtool takes flexible approach and allows to adapt it for any circumstance (new, existing building or renovation) Topics Topics provide the general organization for the system. Some systems attempt to cover the full range of sustainable building issues. The topic areas are: Energy, water, materials and resources, occupant health, waste and site, these are the basic elements of a sustainable building system. Other ones include transport, integrated design, education, operation and maintenance.

79

Post Occupancy monitoring Post occupancy monitoring involves collecting data on building performance and occupant behavior once the building is occupied and used.

Post-occupancy evaluation has been a small or non-existent component of sustainable building assessment/rating systems.

Limited monitoring includes systems that simply monitor energy and water use. The completed monitoring includes indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort.

80

Recommendations  The goal is to create an impact on global environmental and climate change problems in an effective way.

All guidelines and rating systems have advantages and disadvantages.

Guidelines are adopted by cities as basis for codes standards and incentives.

Guidelines more and more are moving for more requirements and focuses on performance outcomes (e.g.: energy consumption; carbon emissions.

Guidelines have been developed for neighborhood as for building scale projects.

In guidelines and ratings more and more are beginning to be included life cycle assessment of materials.

81

- Biocentric approach. Connect performance targets to the actual carrying capacity of the earth and impact reductions necessary for sustainability. Biocentric will lead to setting high standards.

- Focus on measurable performance indicators and make outcomes during design. Any guideline or rating system is ensuring that the results works in the desired outcomes.

Measurable performance indicators must be the foundation for any system.

- Combine mandatory requirements and voluntary approaches with incentives. In every country is different and not always possible to set high mandatory requirements. Voluntary systems should be linked to incentives and a combination of these ones is necessary.

- Track building performance during operation. Compare actual performance to benchmarks and manage for continuous improvement and improve to future designs/ - Provide sustainable design knowledge. It is important that design information systems allow designers to understand research and learned from other projects. Facilitate information very effective and synthesis. The knowledge should contain critical information; such as sustainability performance indicators, overview of guidelines and standards, tools and study database for continuous improvement.

82

Chapter IV IV.IV Building metrics / site metrics / other indicators

Â

A metric should be calculated during the design process and can be measured during operation.

The main focus is on environmental and human health effects.

One of the key mid-point indicators, Global Warming Potential (GWP), results from operating energy in buildings and transportation energy related to the location, site and design.

Also from water and waste water treatment, solid waste disposal and life cycle impacts of building materials.

On the site, vegetation and soil can also influence (GWP). The goal of sustainable design is to impact the end-point indicators.

83

Sustainability Performance Metrics & Indicators Source: Center for Sustainable Building Research, University of Minnesota

Site metrics

Building metrics

Mid-point indicators

Transport

Operating energy

Primary energy

Biodiversity loss

Physical activity

Potable water

Global warming potential

Eco toxicity

Vegetation

Waste water

Ozone depletion

Land use effects

Storm water

Solid waste

Acidification

Human health cancer effects

Soil

Materials

Eutrophication

Human health noncancer effects

Heat island

Indoor environmental quality

Photochemical Smog

Night sky

Particulate matter

Food

Weighted raw resource use

End-point indicators

Target species

84

Chapter IV IV.V Requirements

 Socially and environmentally appropriate The type of accommodation, should be appropriate to the needs of the people to be accommodated. The project, should support environmental and economic sustainability policy objectives for the area and promote the development of appropriately integrated spaces.

Architecturally appropriate Provide a pleasant living environment, which is aesthetically pleasing and human in scale. The project should understand and respond appropriately to the context, so the development will enhance the neighborhood and respect its cultural heritage.

Accessible and adaptable There should be ease of access and circulation for all residents, including people with impaired mobility, to gain access to the building.

The project should be capable of adaptation to meet changing needs of residents during the course of their lifetime.

85

Chapter IV IV.V Requirements

 Safe, secure and healthy The project should be a safe and healthy place in which to live.

It should be possible for pedestrians to move within and through the area with reasonable ease and in safety.

Affordable & durable The project should be capable of being built, managed and maintained at reasonable cost, having regard to the nature of the development.

The key elements of construction should have a service life in the order of sixty years without the need for abnormal repair or replacement works.

Resource efficient Efficient use should be made of land, infrastructure and energy.

The location should be convenient to transport, services and amenities. Design and orientation should take account of site topography, control negative wind effects, optimize the benefits of sunlight, daylight and solar gain; optimum use should be made of renewable sources of energy.

86

CHAPTER V Â V.I Prototype design V.II Design process l Guideline Structure V.III Site investigation V.IV Relating the brief to the site V.V Schematic design stage V.VI Detailed design stage Â

Chapter V V.I Prototype design

‘Refugio’ Retreat in English. A place to be safe and comfortable. A place to meditate. Connection with nature.

Part of the research is to create a project which is part on a sustainable area where natural resources can be harnessed properly and that the project can be self-sufficient.

The project arises in a place where it is not developed, there are limitations as water in dry season, this leads to select it as an important part to take into account, in addition to be located within an area that is still more than 90% green area (undeveloped) isolated from the city.

Visualize new ways to build spaces that provide a better quality of life for its users and their environment.

Integrate sustainable design strategies, and low-cost intervention of the site.

• • • • • •

Renewable energies Water saving mechanisms Natural illumination Cross ventilation Rain water harvesting Waste management both for organic and inorganic materials.

88

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Influences, advantages from the comparison of each theory matrix Passive design vs resource saving house

Passive design vs resource saving house Criteria

Conclusion

Concept

Integrated approach

Focus

Resource-efficient and cost-effec;ve system

Strategy

The building as a complete system (si;ng, form, envelope, interac;ng and fiYng with nature)

Considerations

Enhance occupants produc;vity and health. Combine the use of renewable resources and conven;onal energyefficient strategies

Factors

Natural ven;la;on, materials, orienta;on, day ligh;ng, thermal mass

89

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Influences, advantages from the comparison of each theory matrix Passive design vs resource saving house

Aspects from the Adobe house and tropical architecture Adobe House

Tropical architecture

Use of in wood in frames and walls

Recycling and energy efficiency

Corridor around the house

Water / rain water management Roof: Large eaves and steep slopes

Regional influences

Perforated facades (cross ven;la;on)

Local material / local workers

Passive design elements: sunshades, insula;on, cavity walls Openness / Naturalness: shade, cooling effects, sunlight (warmth, energy, light)

90

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Influences, advantages from the comparison of each theory matrix Case of studies Case of studies Walls

Wood / Concrete /Stone

Windows

Wood / Steel frames

Roof

Clay ;le / PVDF white

Materials

Modular systems / reforested and cer;ďŹ ed wood / Steel / stone / concrete

Energy

Thick walls (thermal capacity)/ photovoltaic panels/hydroelectric system/natural cross ven;la;on

Water

Rainwater collector

Site

Sloped and at

Others

Adapta;on with surroundings / Light soil interven;on / shading strategies/less invasive project

91

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Influences, advantages from the comparison of each theory matrix Conven;onal and Sustainable design Energy source

Renewable

Materials use

reuse, recycling, exibility and durability

Pollution

Minimized

Toxic substances

Use in very special circumstances

Ecological on action

Built in; cycle of the project

Ecology and economics

Long run view

Design criteria

Human and ecosystem health, ecological economics

Sensitive to ecological context

Integrated design; solu;ons grow from the place

Biological, culture & Economic diversity

Maintains biodiversity

Response to sustainability crisis

Views culture and nature as poten;ally Symbio;c

Knowledge base

Integra;on of mul;ple disciplines

Spatial scales

Integrated design across mul;ple scales

Whole systems

Integrity and coherence

Role of nature

Design intelligence for a heavy reliance

Underlying metaphors

Ecosystem

Level of participation

A commitment to clear debate

Types of learning

Nature and technology are made visible

92

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Resources and systems selection

Elements to achieve Elements

Site

Type of resource

Use of natural characteris;cs of the site to enhance human comfort and health 100% na;ve vegeta;on. Na;ve plants require lijle water, no toxic fer;lizers or herbicides and they mi;gate erosion.

Analysis data

Orienta;on, climate, topography

Energy efficiency (88% of Costa Rica’s energy supply is from renewables)

Solar panels Wind turbine Gas (kitchen)

Materials efficiency

Reused and recycle content, zero or low toxicity, durability, longevity and local produc;on

Water efficiency

Rain water harves;ng, ultra-efficient water fixtures, grey water treatment and recycling for irriga;on

System

-

-

Costa Rica Solar Solu;ons

Adequate ven;la;on (Natural Occupant health and ven;la;on, shade by vegeta;on), high safety efficiency, spa;al orienta;on and efficient ligh;ng Daily processes

Symbology

Recycling compost

FSC Cer;fied wood

Costa Rican brand: Hidrovital

-

-

93

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Materials selection criteria

 Resource quantity. Build less and use smaller quantities of materials in the construction process.

Reused materials. Many durable products can be readily salvaged and reused.

Recycled content. a . Postconsumer material, generated by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities, that can no longer be used for its intended purpose. b. Recovered industrial process waste that cannot be reused in the same process c. Internally recycled materials from a manufacturing process, Renewability and use of sustainable management practices. Renewable materials include wood, plant fibers, wool, and other resources that are potentially replaceable within a limited time period after harvesting.

94

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Materials selection criteria

 Local content and reduced transportation. Products made with local materials and labor can contribute to low embodied energy consumption and life-cycle cost for building materials.

Regionally appropriate materials. Some types of construction and materials are more appropriate in one region than another because of climatic differences.

Life-cycle cost and maintenance requirements. Over the useful life of a building, some materials will require maintenance and replacement more than once.

Resource recovery and recycling. Once a material has completed its initial service in a building, it potentially has additional use as a resource and can later be recovered and recycled.

95

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Matrix material selection prospect for Nosara region

Matrix material comparison for Nosara region Criteria

Wood

M2

Concrete

Metal / Steel

Recycled shingle

Drystone

Glass

Resource Quantity

✔

✔

✗

✔

Reused material

✔

✗

✔

✔

✔

✔

Recycled content

✔

✗

✔

✔

Renewability and use of sustainable management practices

✔

Local /Transportation

✔

Regionally appropriate materials

✔

✔

Life-cycle cost and maintenance requirements

Resource recovery and recycling

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✗

✔

✔

✔

✔

96

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Matrix material selection prospect for Nosara region

Matrix material comparison for Nosara region Criteria

Location aspects

Conditions

Climate aspects

LCA general aspects

Health aspects

Wood

Resistant to rotting and termites, if treated.

M2

Less environmental impact. Not well received in damp environments

If it not used for structure: Modular, less cost breathable wooden installation, fire louvers, shutters, or railings. Use resistent, recyclable of local plantation species

Low heat storing. Natural insulator Thermal insulation

Concrete / Drystone

Metal / Steel

Recycled shingle

Damp from condensation, It can be very noisy in a heavy rain and Algae and fungal growth, causing algae or hot in sunny conditions. Mold resistance if not treated mold growth

Strong to earthquakes

Metal roofs are relatively inexpensive.

Low long-term cost

Quieter than metal roofing, fire resistant, durability

Warms up slowly and cools down White, if available, is much cooler.

Better in cooler climates slowly, Natural materials can be used inside to rather than in hot provide sound or heat insulation temperature damp air will wet it frequently

Low energy consumption and Wood is a renewable building The cement reduced CO2 resource, but being renewable is industry is one of not the same thing as being emissions. the three primary sustainable. Transportation: local reduced by almost producers of carbon plantation, KmO. low carbon 60% to traditional dioxide, building respect CO2 footprint production

Steel is the world's most recycled material. Less waste and less emissions

Source of dangerous air pollution.

It helps lower heart rate and Not release toxic or Steel construction is dry construction, stress responses and encourages harmful substances low-emitting materials, controlled and Substances on greater interaction between and is completely concrete can cause safe process people. inert and leads to high quality architecture health concerns due to toxicity and radioactivity

Reduction to extract and process raw materials, which lowers energy consumption and reduces pollution. “waste” materials

-

97

Wood

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Material selection prospect for the project

- Structure - Walls & flooring - Doors & windows

Resource efficient: Determine whether domestic wood is produced through sustainable forest management.

Wood flooring: New wood flooring materials include a wide range of veneered and laminated products that have a plywood or MDF core with a hardwood surface. Very durable, low-maintenance finish. These are a resource-efficient choice, but are less repairable than solid wood.

98

Melina Wood

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Material selection prospect for the project

Melina wood was introduced in Costa Rica since 1975 and is currently the most widely used species in commercial reforestation. It is estimated that in the country there are about 65 thousand hectares reforested with this species, a very high figure for the territorial extension of Costa Rica.

At present the country is giving full use to the melina trees of the forest plantations, the logs of the lower part of the tree are being used in the furniture industry and manufacturing plywood, while the wood of the middle of the tree is used in the construction industry, and the thinner logs for the manufacture of packaging and wood in roll for the construction of rustic huts.

Distribution and habitat It is found naturally in tropical areas and subtropical.

Is a tree from medium to large, deciduous, than in good sites and well managed plantations has a long, straight and clear shaft, with a me and a well-formed cup. Melina Is recognized as a species timber with a extraordinarily fast growth.

Melina wood is covering a growing missing of raw material for the industry timber industry in Costa Rica, in relation to a light and easy to work material, ideal for multiple uses in the construction and furniture.

99

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Material selection prospect for the project

Concrete - Structure l Foundations Resource efficient: Using low-waste formwork.

Systems such as modular steel forms, slip forms, and preformed blocks can substantially reduce waste material from concrete forming.

Recycled shingle - Roof Resource efficient: These are durable, and some contain recycled content. Good choice for Durability and resource efficiency.

100

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Material selection prospect for the project

Steel - Structure Resource efficient: Salvaged steel and aluminum beam and bar sections are also widely available from scrap dealers. These may be appropriate for some nonstructural uses

Drystone - Retention walls Resource efficient: Native stone or lightweight cultured stone made from cement and recycled aggregates are appropriate for some uses.

101

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Material selection prospect for the project

Glass (EFI) -  Windows Resource efficient: Made of natural raw materials, including sand and cullets (glass waste).

M2 (Emmedue 2) -  Interior panel Resource efficient: During production, no waste materials are produced and the panel production aims to optimize the cuts while minimizing waste.

102

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure Source. Bdcnetwork.com

Materials comparison Sustainability Attribute

Wood

Steel

Concrete

Total energy use

Greenhouse gases

Lowest

140%more 70%more

Lowest

45%more

81%more

Air pollution

Lowest

42%more

67%more

Water pollution

Lowest

Solid waste

Lowest

36%more

96%more

Ecological resource use

Lowest

16%more

97%more

1900%more 90%more

The comparison is from resource extraction, manufacturing, onsite construction, building occupancy, demolition and material’s disposal, reuse or recycling.

Wood’s high insulating properties, recycling and resource recovery rates and low pollution rates show wood to be a most sustainable and environmentally friendly building material of the three reviewed.

103

Chapter V V.II Design process l Guideline Structure

Materials selection ‘Refugio’ project takes place in ground floor and is built entirely of wood.

Each decision taken in this regard have to do with the maximum efficiency achieved spaces and exacerbation of outdoor life and contact with nature.

The separation of home soil, seeking guidance, views and cross ventilation and shady areas surrounding the house, are based on decisions that facilitate this contact, and finally the maximum energy, economic and potential resources savings.

The wood is used as structure, envelope and division, playing the lead role in the material logic of the project and at the same time as a search engine about new constructive alternatives, based on systems indigenously, with materials easy to manufacture and handling, existing throughout the national territory and adaptable to different geographical and climatic conditions.

Good quality of indoor air and, as a building material, are an ecologically sustainable and energy-efficient choice. Â

104

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Location

America

Central America

105

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Location

Costa Rica

Province: Guanacaste

County: Nicoya District: Nosara

106

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Location and geography

 The Nosara region is located on the North Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste about 100 miles west of the capital, San Jose.

The Ostional Wildlife Refuge borders Nosara and is the largest turtle nesting site in the world. The Nosara and Montana Rivers are two of the longest in Costa Rica and are also teeming with wildlife. The rivers meet the ocean in Playa Nosara.

The official town center of Nosara is located about five miles from the beach and is where most of the local, Tico population resides. It has medical facilities, supermarkets, a local airport, a pharmacy, banks, and a post office.

107

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Nosara (town)

 Nosara has in recent years developed a highly environmentally sustainable community. The objective of Nosara community is to set the trend for greater sustainability in Costa Rica on a micro level beyond ecotourism.

Recycling The efforts of the Nosara Recycling and Education Center aim to reduce the amount of trash in the Nosara garbage dump by 80% by educating the community about proper waste management and collecting and processing recyclables.

Sustainable Home Project While many hotels and businesses in Nosara have worked to develop sustainable practices, in the case of the houses it is on progress. The goal is to award homes that meet certain sustainability standards. The program has been adopted by the Ecological Blue Flag Program (PBAE), which works internationally to fight beach pollution and awards Blue Flags to organizations that meet their sustainability standards.

By offering these awards, it can resolve many ecological challenges in the Nosara community including waste management, water scarcity, and wasted electricity and water.

The goal is to create a culture that works towards decreasing consumption to promote a greener, healthier community.

108

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Nosara map

Project location 9°57'37.7"N LATITUDE 85°40'19.1"W LENGTH

Pacific Ocean

109

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Guiones and Pelada beaches

View from the forest/jungle

View from the sea

110

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Tropical climate

Tropics cover an area of approximately 40% of the total surface of the earth.

Extreme conditions are characteristic of the tropics; high mountains, the largest rivers, and the most pronounced deep sea.

Africa is the only continent that is almost within the tropics. Part of Asia, Australia, Oceania and part of North America and Central America and most of South America belong to the tropics.

The tropics are home to the greatest wealth of flora and fauna of any area of life on earth.

The tropics are the home of the largest flora in terms of number of species.

The weather can be divided into two climate groups: warm and humid-hot-arid.

In the tropics there are different factors that make differentiated temperature zones: extreme heat, lack of frost or snow and more hours of light during the day.

Approximately 40% of the world population live in the tropics with the highest growth rate. The tropics are areas with a better future in terms of natural resources.

111

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Nosara climate

 Like most of Central America, Nosara has a rainy and a dry season but enjoys warm weather year round. The dry season coincides with the highest season for tourism and runs from late November through April.

The jungle tends to be dry and brown but there is still plenty of wildlife to observe especially near the beach and river.

The rainy season begins in May and ends in November. During this time the jungle becomes green and the foliage comes into bloom, bringing tons of wildlife. It tends to rain during this time in the afternoon and evening.

The rainiest months are September and October when rain can fall all day.

112

Average minimum and maximum temperature over the year

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Weather data l Climate analysis Source: Weather spark

Warmest month is March Coolest month is October

Average monthly hours of sunshine over the year March is the most sunny June has the lowest amount of sunshine

113

Average monthly precipita7on over the year (rainfall)

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Weather data l Climate analysis Source: Weather spark

Rainy season from may to November Dry season from January to March

Average wind speed over the year The most wind is in February The least wind is in September

114

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Weather data l Climate analysis Source: Weather spark

Wind direc7on

115

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Weather data l Climate analysis

General informa;on

- On average, the temperatures are always high.

- A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the months: May, June, July, August, September, October and November.

- Nosara has dry periods in: January, February and March.

- On average, the warmest month is March.

- On average, the coolest month is October.

- September is the wejest month.

- February is the driest month.

116

Chapter V V.III Site investigation General requirements on the usage

Neutral Temperature = Aluciems formula

Neutral Temperature = 17.6 + .31 x monthly temperature

Guanacaste, Costa Rica Average temperature: 26.6 °C B- Neutral temperature = 17.6 + .31 x 26.6 °C C- Neutral temperature = 25.8 °C

Comfort range

Neutral Temperature = +2.5 °C o – 2.5 °C = 90% acceptance (*)

Guanacaste, Costa Rica Neutral temperature: 25.8 °C 25.8 °C - 2.5 = 23.3 °C

Comfort range Tolerance range of 5°C 25.8 °C + 2.5 = 28.3 °C

(*) Based on the average standard RP-884 of ASHRAE

117

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Site plan & site views Right view

Right Front view

Front view

Left Front view

Left view

118

Chapter V V.III Site investigation Topography l 3D project site

North

Entrance

View to the sea

Each level is 50m height

Section B-B

Section A-A

119

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Matrix of site use and site design aspects

Orientation

Air movement

Grading

The orientation of the site is East/ West. The direction of the project has two directions, mainly because of the view to the sea.

The direction of the wind is SW-NE. The west faรงade is mainly open and the division of the two modules, the terrace allows the ventilation to cross.

The site has 2 slopes mainly in the west side and north and south direction. The tree deck and balcony are going to be on the slopes.

120

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Matrix of site use and site design aspects

Plants

Circulation

Vegetation on site

The vegetation in the area is determined by palm trees and short bushes near the coast and up in the hill / forest is mainly big trees like; guacimo, cecropia and baba, those trees grow very quickly and leafy.

The main axis is connected with the view to the sea (open terrace), this one connects the vertical axis to the 2 separated modules (private and public)

The first layer on the site is clear of vegetation, the surroundings and mainly in the slopes the vegetation is with leafy trees.

121

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Matrix of site use and site design aspects

Configuration / concept

The project has 2 axis, the horizontal axis connects the project and the vertical axis has the private and public areas.

The vertical axis faced with the direction of the sun, however the axis is intersect by the horizontal axis to generate 2 separated modules and short facades facing the west.

The view to the sea is a very important aspect on the site to be consider, the balcony and terrace faced to the west direction to connect the modules, having always the view in the 2 different programs.

122

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site User profile

General informa7on

Couple +25 - +40 years old No children Engaged with the community Local business

Ac;vi;es: Traveling SurďŹ ng Yoga Adventure sports Connec;on with nature

House for rent / vaca;on house in the future

123

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Spatial configuration from the influences of climate and case studies

Orientation View to the sea and forest 180 degrees

Wind orientation SW – NE Longer facades for cross ventilation and perforated facades

124

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Spatial configuration from the influences of climate and case studies

Sun orientation Affects longer facades, mainly West facade

Short facades Division by 2 modules Separate modules for each space (public and private)

125

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Spatial configuration from the influences of climate and case studies

Openness between the 2 modules.

Extension of deck & corridor, connection to nature and connection of 2 modules with open terrace.

Short facades with perforated doors for natural ventilation and sun protection Long eave also for sun protection and rainwater management.

126

Chapter V V.IV Relation the brief to the site Spatial configuration from the influences of climate and case studies

Volume situated in a flat area, less invasive to the environment.

Upper part of the lot for the view and keep the trees untouched.

Separation of the project from the soil, less cost.

Long eave for sun protection and slope for rainwater management. Openness between roof and walls for cross and natural ventilation.

Extension of the corridor, connection to nature.

Selection of the wood, material for the structure walls and frames (shade, cooling effects). Local manufacture and regional influences.

127

Chapter V V.V Schematic design stage Matrix

128

Chapter V V.V Schematic design stage Organization chart

129

Chapter V V.V Schematic design stage Volumetry l ‘Refugio’ program

130

Chapter V V.V Schematic design stage 3D Volumetry l ‘Refugio’ program

One roof Connection of the 3 modules

Private module Connection / Horizontal module View to sea Entrance Terrace

Public module

Auxiliar module

Balcony hallway Connection of modules Connection to horizontal module

131

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ floor plan

132

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ Front Elevation

133

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ Rear Elevation

134

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ Lateral Elevation (Right)

135

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ Lateral Elevation (Left)

136

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ section A-A

137

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ section B-B

138

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ section C-C

139

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage ‘Refugio’ sections D-D

140

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage Resources and systems selection

Solar energy Solar panels

Shade / Cooling Long eaves Cross Ventilation Openess between roof and walls SW-NE wind direction Perforated facades Daylight & natural ventilation

Roof: One slope Rainwater management Rainy season: 6 months

Storage of rainwater

Light soil intervention Low cost Less invasive

141

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage Typical wall section

Wood is a versatile raw material and the only renewable construction material. Wooden structure is a combination of different components that together deliver the best possible load bearing (solid and tough material) capacity, acoustic and moisture insulation (absorbing humidity in damp conditions and releasing moisture in dry conditions), fire resistance and a long service life.

Structure: Wood frame construction Wood-framed wall systems: Structural capacity Insulation Acoustic properties Seismically rated Resistant structures Long-term performance and durability Natural insulating properties

Concrete walls and foundations option Concrete has durability and longevity as a material.

The production of concrete emits greenhouse gases and causes many environmental problems.

142

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage Typical wall section

Steel Framing option Steel has high embodied energy, due to the energy intensive mining and refining processes.

But it is a strong and durable material that can extend the life of a building.

Using recycled steel are some options for reduce the embodied energy of the building.

Wood is a natural and renewable material (Environmentally friendly resource) that is produced locally for minimum transport needs.

Requires less energy than most materials to process into finished products, and is low in toxicity and completely biodegradable.

Walls and doors Wood doors and windows: As a material, it has high strength in relation to its weight and electrical-insulating properties, and desirable acoustical properties.

143

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage Typical wall section

From an environmental point of view, wood takes significantly less energy to produce, compared to concrete, steel, cement, or glass.

Wood flooring and ceiling Longevity Wood floors can be rejuvenated with sanding and refinishing, which only needs to be done every 10 to 15 years or so, depending on usage.

And at the end of its long life, a wood floor is completely biodegradable.

144

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage Detail of upper wall section

145

Chapter V V.VI Detailed design stage Detail of doors and walls

146

Summary (Results and conclusions)

Â

Summary (Results and conclusions)

Successful sustainable design requires an integrated approach; sustainable design and operational practices are dependent on siting, solar access and light penetration, architectural design, and material specification. Sustainable buildings must take all of these factors into consideration on a whole integrated basis. This approach is circular and multi-dimensional.

Benefits: Reduced life-cycle costs: – First costs – Operating costs (energy, maintenance, repair) – Renovation, demolition, disposal costs.

A better building offering, including: – Energy efficiency; – Improved lighting; – Improved comfort; and – Healthier indoor environment.

Improved occupant productivity.

Increased stakeholder understanding and awareness of environmental issues and considerations as a result of the experience.

Potential identification of opportunities for new products, designs, and approaches.

148

Resource Saving House checklist

 Sustainable building design is reducing the impacts by designing buildings that are appropriate for the climate, have minimal environmental impacts and are healthy and comfortable for the users.

These guideline have been developed for the tropical climate and provide information of sustainable building design elements.

How we design and construct can affect the natural environment. Starting by placing the building through extracting resources to create the materials; emitting greenhouse gases in the manufacturing and transportation of materials to the site and using energy sources (eg. Electricity).

149

Resource Saving House checklist

 SITE, BUILDING ORIENTATION AND LAYOUT Properly oriented buildings take advantage of the sun’s seasonal movements Long facades facing to the north Use of local vegetation/native or low water (generate shades) Light soil intervention Use of modular systems for structure or walls (thick ones) Adaptation with surroundings ENVELOPE Glazing has a major impact on the energy efficiency of the building envelope.

Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow and is essential to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Health comfort Roof: Avoid no eaves or minimal eaves Window: Protection of windows in east and west facades Openness Efficient natural lighting Walls: Use of cavity walls Include insulation in roof, walls and floor

150

Resource Saving House checklist

 VENTILATION Natural ventilation = natural air movement, reduces the need for mechanical ventilation and air conditioning. It keeps fresh air circulating and prevents moisture, maintaining air quality.

Good natural cross ventilation Light coloured roofing (prevent heat) Ventilating roof through the ceiling ENERGY improve the environmental performance and reduce energy bills.

Use of energy-efficcient appliances Installment of renewable energy source. EG. Photovoltaic systems or solar hot water system.

Design the layout so can be close spaces to avoid the need of heat or cool the whole house.

MATERIALS EFFICIENCY Environmentally sustainable design aims to use materials efficiently in the construction of a building. Materials should be locally sourced and re-used on site.

Durable materials and zero or low toxicity Use of local materials Reused of materials on site Use rapidly renewable materials and recyclable. EG. Bamboo, timber, glass) Use timber from plantation or recycled Use materials with low embodied energy

151

Resource Saving House checklist

 LANDSCAPING Landscaping can provide economic and aesthetic solutions to climate control, including providing shade and glare control in summer.

Use of trees contribute to habitat for wildlife, filter of air pollution and traffic noise.

Vegetated areas reduce heat gain compared to paved areas Use a waterwise irrigation system.

WATER Simple changes can reduce the pressure on reticulated water supplies and reduce water bills.

Rainwater collection system Locate the hot water system and wet spaces (bathroom, kitchen, laundry) as close as possible.

Use water efficient technologies (low flow shower heads, dual flush toilets) Connect bathroom and laundry waste water to a greywater system for reuse of waste water for water irrigation.

152

Bibiiography

1.

D.M Roodman and N. Lenssen, A Building Revolution: How Ecology and Health Concerns are Transforming Construction, Worldwatch Paper 124, Worldwatch Institute, Washington, DC, March 1995, p. 5.

2.

Environmental Building News, Building Green on a Budget, Vol 8, No. 5, June 2016, www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/ Low_Cost/ Low_Cost.html#General

3.

William Fisk and Arthur Rosenfeld, Potential Nationwide Improvements in Productivity and Health From Better Indoor Environments, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, May 1998.

4.

Gottfried Technology, excerpt from Web site, www.buildingfutures.com/ p3.htm, June, 2016.

5.

“Architecture2030.” July, 2016. http://www.architecture2030.org

6.

“Climate Change 2007.” Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2007. November 2016.<http://www.ipcc.ch>

7.

Cole, Raymond J. “Editorial: Building Environmental Assessment: Changing the Culture of Practice.” Building Research and Information, July-August 2006. Volume 34, Number 4, 303-307.

8.

Cole, Raymond J. “Shared Markets: Coexisting Building Environmental Assessment Methods.” Building Research and Information, July-August 2006. Volume 34, Number 4, 357-371.

9.

10. “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.”

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 42/187, 1987.

11. Roodman, D.M., and N. Lenssen “A building revolution:how ecology and health concerns are transforming construction.” Worldwatch Paper 124.

Washington, D.C.: Worldwatch Institute.1995.

12. What is Passive Design?. August 2016. http://www.build.com.au/whatpassive-design 13. Costa Rica Solar Solutions. October 2016. http://crsolarsolutions.com/ solar-solutions/solar-systems/off-grid-solar-solutions/ 14. Achieving Sustainable Construction, Corus Construction Centre, UK (2003) 15. RESET - Requisitos para Edificaciones Sostenibles en el Trópico. August 2016. http://www.arquitecturatropical.org/docs/RESET_EN_1404.pdf 16. ¿Qué evalúa la norma tica que certifica edificios sostenibles. November, 2016. http://www.nacion.com/vivir/tendencias/exige-Reset-certifica-edificiossostenibles_0_1556644431.html 17. Casa EFC, July 2016. https://revistaimage.com/cabana-efc-espacioemergente-la-tierra/ 18. Casa Flotante. Benjamin Garcia. September 2016. http:// www.benjamingarciasaxe.com/

“Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Synthesis.” Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Washington DC: Island Press, 2016. <http:// www.millenniumassessment.org/en/Synthesis.aspx>

153

Bibiiography

19. A Forest for a Moon Dazzler. Benjamin Garcia. September 2016. http:// www.benjamingarciasaxe.com/

27. McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2009). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. London: Vintage.

20. Ocean Eye, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Benjamin Garcia. September 2016. http://www.benjamingarciasaxe.com/

28. Sustainable Building, Technical guideline. August, 2016. http:// smartenergy.illinois.edu/pdf/Archive/SustainableBuildingTechManual.pdf

21. K House, Datum Zero. September 2016. http:// www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/02-151593/k-house-datum-zero

29. Alfaro, M., November 2016. Melina: la madera del futuro. Revista Forestal Centroamericana.

22. Casa Iseami, Juan Robles Arquitectos. September 2016. http:// www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/02-50505/casa-iseami-juan-robles

30. Propiedades y utilizaciones de la madera de melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb) procedente de árboles plantados en Costa Rica. November 2016. http://revistas.tec.ac.cr/index.php/kuru/article/view/598/523

23. Tropical Architecture, September 2016. http://www.enchantingcostarica.com/destinations/tropical-architecture-in-costa-rica/ 24. Reproducción historia de una casa costarricense. August, 2016. http:// www.waterfallgardens.com/espanol/casita.php 25. Steel market development Institute. October 2016. http:// www.buildusingsteel.org/why-choose-steel/sustainability.aspx 26. “Understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for Wood (Current Problems and Future Possibilities),” The Sierra Club Forest Certification and Green Building Team, September 24, 2013

31. Athena Institute, Comparison of materials, 2016. www.bdcnetwork.com/ using-wood-sustainable-design-construction-1.com 32. Sustainable tropical building design. 2016. www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/ assets/pdf_file/0003/45642/BuildingDesign.pdf 33. Hidrovital. Water management. October 2016. http://www.hidrovital.com/ bajo-consumo.html 34. Emmedue material. October 2016. http://www.revistasumma.com/gruposur-abre-planta-de-paneles-para-construccion-en-costa-rica/

154

List of images

(1) K House. Lateral view of the house and interior perspective view from http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/02-151593/k-house-datum-zero (2) Casa Iseami. Exterior perspective from http:// www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/02-50505/casa-iseami-juan-robles (3) Casa Flotante. Exterior perspective and site perspective view from http:// www.benjamingarciasaxe.com/es/casaflotanta/ (4) A forest for a moon dazzler house. Night picture and day perspective view from http://www.benjamingarciasaxe.com/a-forest-for-a-moon-dazzler/ (5) Cabaùa EFC. Frontal view façade and aerial view from http:// www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/786267/cabana-efc-void (6) The Ocean Eye house. Pespective view and frontal view from https:// www.dezeen.com/2016/08/19/benjamin-garcia-saxe-ocean-eye-house-costarica-coastline-movable-wooden-walls/ (7) Indoor Air Quality chart image from Sustainable Building Techmanual (8) Reset image from http://www.uia-architectes.org/sites/default/files/ RESET_V16.pdf (9) Edge image from https://www.edgebuildings.com/ (10) USGBC. LEED image from http://www.usgbc.org/ ( 11 ) A u s t i n E n e r g y G r e e n B u i l d i n g i m a g e f r o m h t t p s : / / greenbuilding.austinenergy.com/ (12) Living Building Challenge image from living-future.org/lbc

155

List of images

(13) IISBE image from (14) Green Globes image from http://www.iisbe.org/ (15) Nabers image from https://nabers.gov.au/public/webpages/home.aspx (16) Solar Solution. Solar energy panels system from http:// crsolarsolutions.com/solar-solutions/solar-systems/off-grid-solar-solutions/ (17) FSC logo from h"ps://us.fsc.org/ (18) Wood texture image from http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/28-highresolution-wood-textures-for-designers/ (19) Concrete texture image from http://www.sycha.com/10-free-grungetextures-concrete-brick (20) Recycle shingle image from http://www.sparrowexteriors.com/blog/page/ 24/ (21) Steel image from http://allmetalsolutions.co.uk/10-things-yourcompetitors-can-teach-you-about-steel-beams/ (22) Drystone image from http://www.lughertexture.com/bricks-walls-texturesfree-hires/tilled-stone-bricks-wall-hires-textures/stone-dry-no-cement-1-630

156

List of images

(23) Glass image from (24) M2 (Emmedue 2) image from (25) View from the forest, aerial image of Pelada beach from http:// www.nosara.com/beaches/ (26) View from the sea, aerial image of Pelada Beach from http:// www.nosara.com/beaches/ (27) Weather spark. Temperature, sunshine, precipitation, wind speed, wind direction charts from https://www.worldweatheronline.com/nosara-weatheraverages/guanacaste/cr.aspx (28) Guayabo Monument. November 2016. http://areasyparques.com/ areasprotegidas/monumento-nacional-guayabo/ (29) Adobe house. November 2016. http://slideplayer.es/slide/6162923/ (30) National Theatre. November 2016. https://www.teatronacional.go.cr/ (31) Costa Rican Art Museum. November 2016. http://www.musarco.go.cr/ (32-38) Adobe house. November 2016. http://slideplayer.es/slide/6162923/

157

Glossary

Absorption. The process by which incident light energy is converted to another form of energy, usually heat.

Adobe: Clay and straw mass, molded in brick form and dried in the sun, used in construction.

Biodiversity. The tendency in ecosystems, when undisturbed, to have a great variety of species forming a complex web of interactions. Human population pressure and resource consumption tend to reduce biodiversity dangerously.

Blackwater. Wastewater generated from toilet flushing. Blackwater has a higher nitrogen and fecal coliform level than graywater. Some jurisdictions include water from kitchen sinks or laundry facilities in the definition of blackwater.

Cradle-to-grave analysis. Analysis of the impact of a product from the beginning of its source gathering processes, through the end of its useful life, to disposal of all waste products.

Cradle-to-cradle. Is a related term signifying the recycling or reuse of materials at the end of their first useful life.

Energy. All those energy materials and sources required to carry out and complete the process or series of activities for which they are inputs.

Fungi. Parasitic lower plants (including molds) lacking chlorophyll and needing organic material and moisture to germinate and grow.

Glare. The effect produced by luminance within one's field of vision that is sufficiently greater than the luminance to which one's eyes are adapted; it can cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.

Graywater. Wastewater that does not contain toilet wastes and can be reused for irrigation after simple filtration. Wastewater from kitchen sinks and dishwashers may not be considered graywater in all cases.

Indoor air quality (IAQ). Distribution of adequate ventilation air; control of airborne contaminants and maintenance of acceptable temperature and relative humidity.

According to ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, indoor air quality is defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and with which a substantial majority (80 percent or more) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction.â&#x20AC;?

Life-cycle. The consecutive, interlinked stages of a product, beginning with raw materials acquisition and manufacture and continuing with its fabrication, manufacture, construction, and use and concluding with any of a variety of recovery, recycling, or waste management options.

Life-cycle assessment (LCA). A concept and a method to evaluate the environmental effects of a product or activity holistically, by analyzing the entire life cycle of a particular product, process, or activity.

158

Glossary

Native vegetation. A plant whose presence and survival in a specific region is not due to human intervention. The term for plants that are imported and then adapt to survive without human cultivation Is naturalized.

Natural cooling. Use of environmental phenomena to cool buildings. E.g., natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and radioactive cooling.

Orientation. The relation of a building and its associated openings and interior surfaces to compass direction and to the location of the sun.

Passive solar design. Designing a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural elements to collect, store, and distribute solar resources for heating, cooling, and day lighting.

Photovoltaic. Generation of electricity from the energy of sunlight, using photocells.

Recycled material. Material that would otherwise be destined for disposal but is separated from the waste stream, reintroduced as material feed-stock and processed into marketed end-products.

Renewable. A product can be grown or naturally replenished or cleansed at a rate that exceeds human depletion of the resource.

Site. The natural location intended, altered, modified, and prepared to the point where construction activities for the structure can be initiated.

Solar radiation. The full spectrum of electromagnetic energy including visible light from the sun. When solar radiation strikes a solid surface or a transparent medium such as air or glass, some of the energy is absorbed and converted into heat energy, some is reflected, and some is transmitted. All three of these effects are important for effective passive solar design.

Sustainable. The condition of being able to meet the needs of present generations without compromising those needs for future generations.

Achieving a balance among extraction and renewal and environmental inputs and outputs, as to cause no overall net environmental burden or deficit. To be truly sustainable, a human community must not decrease biodiversity, must not consume resources faster than they are renewed, must recycle and reuse virtually all materials, and must rely primarily on resources of its own region.

Volatile organic compound (VOC). Chemical compounds based on carbon and hydrogen structures that are vaporized at room temperatures. VOCs are one type of indoor air contaminant.

159

Larisa Andrea Coto Villalobos Matriculation number: 2003378

I hereby declare

⃝ My agreement for inspection of my Master-Thesis by other persons ⃝ I do not agree

⃝ My agreement for copying of my Master-Thesis by other persons ⃝ I do not agree

⃝ My agreement that the Hochschule Wismar may provide my contact details in case that somebody is interested in purchasing my Master-Thesis

Location, date

Signature

The movement toward more sustainable design principles is based on the understanding that conventional development practices are not sustainable.

“Over the last 50 years, humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history, largely to meet rapidly growing demands for food, fresh water, timber, fiber and fuel. This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth” (MEA, 2005).

Sustainable development is the challenge of meeting growing human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future life and development.

Resource Saving House Guidelines for Sustainable House Concept Across Costa Rica 2016