1. Site Plan 2. Materials and Construction 3. Passive Thermal (Solar & Ventilation) 4. Electricity & Telcom 5. Water & Gas Supply 6. Water Recycling and Drainage 7. Heating 8. Cooling 9. Design for Resilience 10. First Rate Assessment
ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS University of Melbourne | BENVS | Semester 1, 2017 836139 NICOLE REN Adrian Chu (Tutorial 10 - Thursday 9AM)
1. SITE PLAN CLIENT PROFILE A married couple with a three and six-year-old baby. They both work odd jobs so at least one of them is always home with the children. They enjoy travelling, camping and hunting – quite the outdoorsy family, meaning occasionally the house is unoccupied for a few days. Therefore, they would very much prefer a green, self-sustaining house with little need for maintenance. Especially because they will be home with the children a lot, daylight into the house and a view is essential for them to watch the children when they play outdoors.
HARSH WINTER WINDS
SUMMER SUN
NEIGHBOURS Two double storey houses on the right block most of the morning sunlight and windflow to the house, hence a distance of around 10m away from the double storey houses. A single storey to the left does not have as great an effect. SITING & ORIENTATION The living room and kitchen face North where the most time is spent during the day. Less surface area faces West, reducing heat gain from the hot summer sun. The house is set in a little from the curb for sound insulation as well as slightly to the West so the morning sun can shine onto the house.
GARDEN
VEGETATION EVERGREENS are planted far away from the house and in a way as to funnel wind to the house, helping it cool down in the summer; then blocking harsh winds from North-West in the winter. They would also block the hot Southwesterly summer winds and keep the house cool. Evergreens stay green throughout the seasons, shielding the house all year round and giving privacy from the neighbours.
PERGOLA WITH DECIDUOUS VINES 30° SKILLION ROOF
HYDRONIC EVACUATED TUBES
DECIDUOUS trees are fast growing and are placed to the East and West. Like the vines on the pergola, they provide extra shade and protection from the West sun in summer, whilst during winter when it loses its leaves it will allow in the sun and warm up the house.
SOLAR PV PANELS
A GARDEN is planted to help with stormwater and greywater treatment.
ROOF EQUIPMENT Installed on North facing roof SOLAR PV PANELS (30° pitch) help reduce living costs and to live a greener life as requested by the client. 20 panels are installed to provide 5kW of electricity for the family. It can be manually adjusted throughout the year for optimal solar access. EVACUATED TUBES (57° pitch) This is for the solar hot water system, separate to the solar PV panels. They heat the water as it passes through the tubes on the roof. 30 tubes are installed to provide enough hot water for the family. SERVICES The plan indicates the different connections the house makes to external services. The water mains and gas mains use the same trench to minimise labour, whilst the electricty and gas are kept well away from each other as per regulation requirements.
Legend
HOT SUMMER WINDS ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:200 @ A3
COOLING AUTUMN WINDS N
PROPOSED EVERGREEN TREE
SEWER LINE
GAS METRE
SIDE ENTRY PIT
WATER LINE
WATER METRE
PROPOSED DECIDUOUS TREE
GAS LINE
SEWER PIT
POWER LINE STORMWATER LINE
TELECOM PIT
EXISTING EVERGREEN TREE
JUNCTION PIT LEGAL POINT OF DISCHARGE PREVAILING WINDS
SEWER CONNECTION WATER CONNECTION GAS CONNECTION
SITE BOUNDARY
ELECTRIC POLE W/ STREET LIGHT
ELECTRICITY CONNECTION BROADBAND CONNECTION RAINWATER RUNOFF CONNECTION
WINTER SUN PATH SUMMER SUN PATH
2. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
WINDOW SCHEDULE
WALLS External walls are 300mm thick and made of hempcrete (with timber stud frame). It is a bio-composite material used for thermal mass and insulation.Thermal mass is a strong factor in deciding the material for the external walls because most of Melbourne’s energy is spent on heating up the home because of its mainly cool weather. It works as a temperature regulator, helping keep the space warm in winter and cold in summer as it absorbs heat in the day and releases it at night.
W01
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E
W02
W03
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E
1300mm
1100mm
1800mm
200mm
800mm
800mm
HEMPCRETE - has excellent thermal mass and low embodied energy - is biodegradable, lightweight and carbon negative, which means that it slowly absorbs carbon dioxide as it cures. W04
TIMBER STUD
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E 400mm
W05
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E
W06
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E
W07
1500mm
1000m
800mm
TIMBER CLAD W/ ALUMINIUM FIXED WINDOW DOUBLE GLAZED + LOW-E
HEMPCRETE 500mm
FIBREGLASS INSULATION
800mm
2100mm
Close-up of Hempcrete wall *not to scale
W07
W06
W01
W01
HWS
W03
W01
W02
1100mm
WINDOWS (manufactured by Stegbar Pty Ltd, STG-051-03 Uw = 2.3, SHGC = 0.51; FirstRate Uw = 3.0, SHGC = 0.56) A composite frame of aluminium and timber allows it to be more durable and weather-proof. This means an increased thermal performance as timber acts as a thermal dampener. Timber will also help reduce heat loss through conduction. Low-e (energy tech) glazing helps to reduce infrared radiation into the house whilst still allowing in light. This helps to reduce heat gain in the summer. Double glazing on all the windows works as an insulator and ensures minimum heat loss or heat gain. ROOF A skillion roof is employed so clerestory windows facing the south can be added. This is to allow in more in direct sunlight into the back of the house to minimise daytime lighting and indirect sunlight is good for studying. Terracotta tiles are used instead of the more common colorbond because they are better insulators and most heat loss occurs through the roof space.
W04
W02
ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:100 @ A3
W05
N
FLOOR Concrete slab on ground. No coverings in order to maximise its thermal mass feature. Like the hempcrete walls, heat stored and released when neccessary. CSOG will also allow for in-slab heating (refer to HEATING page)
SOUTH FACING CLERESTORY WINDOWS ALLOW IN MORE INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
3. PASSIVE THERMAL (SOLAR & VENTILATION) SUMMER SUN
SUMMER SUN AT 79째
WINTER SUN WINTER SUN AT 29째
PERGOLA WITH DECIDUOUS VINES
The pergola is detached and acts as a sheltered outdoor space. It is a good addition for openings and windows facing West because despite facing the hot afternoon sun, the pergola allows the air to cool before entering the house. This helps the house in the summer with cross ventilation in the living room.
As the summer sun is at 79째 whilst the winter sun is at 29째 the pergola louvres are calculated to be at an angle which block the sun in the summer but allows it in during winter.
EAVE SHADING - NORTH SIDE
SOLAR ACCESS Larger windows are placed in the North to maximise sunlight during the day. The eaves shade the windows in the summer and allows for greater solar access and heat gain in the winter. SOLAR ACCESS - SHADING The client would prefer not to manually adjust the shading, so the eave of the roof is used as a simple shading device. There is shading in the North, East and West whilst shade in the South is kept minimal as the sun does not shine there. VENTILATION When windows are opened, cross ventilation occurs. Ventilation through doors is unlikely as they are often closed. Therefore ventilation is accessed and maximised through clerestory windows.
HWS
STACK VENTILATION IN BATHROOMS
Windows facing the West are greatly minimised because of the hot summer sun. Hence, the bedrooms on the west have single ventilation toward the North or South. Two sliding doors placed near the kitchen and living room provide immediate access to the pergola or to the North garden. These doors can be kept open in the summer to for cross ventilation throughout the living room. CLERESTORY WINDOWS - SOLAR ACCESS + VENTILATION Located in the South side of the house, they aid in stack ventilation. Hot air rises and is pushed out as a sort of thermo chimney is created. They face South to optimise indirect sunlight, which is good for studying - something the children will do alot of in the near future. Keeping these windows closed in winter will reduce heat loss.
LEGEND
Also facilitated in the bathrooms where it can get humid, it allows the pressure to escape.
AIRFLOW THROUGH VENTILATION ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:75 @ A3
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HOT AIR RISES THROUGH STACK VENTILATION
4. ELECTRICITY AND TELECOM LIGHTING - LED DOWNLIGHTS LEDs are more energy efficient. They use 75% less energy compared to traditional incandenscent lights. They are also longer lasting, hence saving money in the long term. LEDs emits less heat (helping prevent minor heat gain in the summer).
2
2
2
Several surface mounted LEDs are installed in the ceiling so on dark days or when guests are over, the spaces can be fully lit. Ceiling fans with lights are installed (further explained in COOLING). This reduces the need for extra components or penetrations in the ceiling. EXHAUST FANS Located in areas of higher condensation and/or evaporation (kitchen and bathrooms). It allows more efficient ventilation of the space.
HWS
2
SMOKE/ FIRE ALARMS Two located in the corridor outside the two bedrooms on West and the master bedroom.
2
2
SWITCHES AND POWERPOINTS These are scattered extensively throughout the house to optimise access to electricity. Power points are often places two at a time for plugging in additional lighting or charging devices. SWITCHBOARD Located inside the house, next to the entrance for easy relocation in a blackout. It controls the energy output of the house.
2
TESLA
INVERTER
PCD
PVM
2
ELECTRICITY STORAGE Electricity is stored in a battery for future use (TESLA POWERWALL). This is so that electricity is still available during a blackout, and as the client’s family occassionally travels, extra energy can be sold back to the main grid. As there is a battery, a central inverter will have to be used. Although cheaper and easy to install, it has a single potential point of failure.
FROM ELECTRIC MAINS
TESLA ENERGY STORAGE DIAGRAM 1
PV METER It records and stores information about the amount of energy harvested and how much is sent and used, to and from the main power grid.
DC
2 INVERTER
AC
3 2
INTER FACE
TESLA
TESLA ENERGY STORAGE DIAGRAM 1. PVs - Energy converted from sun into electrical direct current (DC) 2. Inverter - DC converted into AC for consumption OR Interface sends DC to battery storage for future consumption 3. DC kept in the battery until required
ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:75 @ A3
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SURFACE MOUNTED LED LIGHT
TELECOM/ BROADBAND Several data cabling points are placed throughout the house for easy access. Wires are installed through the walls of the house to the specific locations for aesthetics and to minimise exposed wiring. As the children are still young, the couple prefer to minimise mobile usage and to have a landline (three installed in the master bedroom and living room).
LIGHTING CALCULATIONS INDOORS 14 LED downlights = 14 x 8W = 112W Total area = 95.3 m 2 112W / 95.3m2 = 1.18W/m 2 PERGOLA Area = 18.11 m 2 16W / 18.11m2 = 0.88W/m 2 As regulations limit 5W/m 2 of lighting indoors and 4W/m 2 in outdoor areas, this is acceptable.
LEGEND
TESLA
EXHAUST DOWN LIGHTS SWITCHBOARD SINGLE SWITCH MULTIPLE SWITCH POWER POINT TESLA ENERGY STORAGE
SMOKE AND FIRE ALARM 2
DOUBLE POWER POINT WEATHERPROOF POWER POINT ELECTRIC POLE ELECTRIC METER HANGING LIGHT FIXTURES
PCD NTD PSU
PVM
TELECOM PIT DATA CABLING POINTS PREMISES CONNECTION DEVICE NETWORK TERMINATION DEVICE POWER SUPPLY UNIT LANDLINE PHOTOVOLTAIC METER
5. WATER AND GAS SUPPLY
GARDEN for stormwater treatment It is on a lower gradient so water flows into the space easily
Stormwater runoff
RAINWATER SYSTEM - UNDERGROUND TANK Rainwater system to collect and reuse rain water. Only used in the bathroom sinks, as the family feels rainwater may not be clean enough for the children to use in the bath. The toilet flush would be linked to the greywater system (refer to WATER RECYCLING). The tank is also connected to the main water line just in case of a drought. It is also linked to the stormwater drain (LPD) in case of overflow and to avoid pressure build up.
RAINWATER TANK DIAGRAM
The 1500L tank is kept underground for asthetic purposes, however the downpipes will still be visible along the exterior of the house. Being kept underground also keeps the water cool during summer. A pump and filter is installed below the deck of the pergola (out of sight) to help push the water through the pipes as it will be lying stagnant when not in use. To bathroom sinks To the garden Overflow to LPD
FILTER
FILTER
WATER PUMP
HOT WATER SYSTEM The water pipes are run through the walls for ease of future maintanence and practicality. Pipes outside the house will cool quickly in the winter. The hot water uses an electric heat pump (with evacuated tubes) where the electricity is obtained from the solar panels and is gas-boostered, just in case there is not enough energy produced.
PUMP
HWS
The client would like to minimise gas dependency/ usage because it is a finite resource, hence using solar energy as the primary fuel for the HWS. The second HWS is for closed loop hydronic heating (refer to HEATING).
WM
GAS SUPPLY Only connected to the gas stove and the gas boostered HWS. All connections are flued. Although cheap, gas is a finite resource and so the client wants to reduce its dependency and usage as much as possible.
HWS
M
DRY SYSTEM (left) This is used because it is a skillion roof, and water is collected from one side of the roof. The downpipes are dry when there is no rain, reducing the need to drain the downpipes like in the wet system.
GM
overflow of rainwater in storage directed to LPD
As the client is not always around, this reduces the need for maintanence and it is better not to have stagnant water.
Water mains
LEGEND
Gas mains
LPD
LPD ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:100 @ A3
LEGAL POINT OF DISCHARGE
M
WATER METER
GM
GAS METER GAS FLUE
N
GAS LINE WATER LINE RAINWATER LINE HOTWATER LINE COLDWATER LINE
PUMP RAINWATER FILTER
6. WATER RECYCLING AND DRAINAGE
Lowest point on site
SEWER CONNECTIONS Only the toilets and the kitchen sink are connected to the sewer system, because they produce blackwater which is highly contaminated and needs to be extensively chemically treated before it will be able to be used again. There is not enough waste produced by the household and so a blackwater system would not be viable as a sustainable measure. The neighbourhood may get a collective one, however it does require maintanence and is quite costly. The client does not want to bother with blackwater too much and feels that it should be properly treated at a plant instead of their home, hence they do not want to consider other options like the dry composting toilet. The client would prefer a low maintenance system that is self-sustaining.
GARDEN for greywater treatment It is on a lower gradient so water flows into the space
From their respective locations, the toilets and kitchen sink attach onto the main sewerage pipe running through the house. Sewage collects towards the lowest point of site. There are no right angles in the piping allowing for smooth flow through the system with the help of gravity. SEWER VENTS Two are located along the system, this helps keep the pipes ventilated. The ventilation will dry out solids so they can peel off. It also prevents pockets of sewer gases from accumulating as a build up of these gases can cause an explosion.
HWS
GREYWATER SYSTEM Showers, sinks and the washing machine are connected as greywater input into the system. When they are used, their waste water (greywater) will enter the system then exit to be used to flush the toilet or reused to water the garden. For toilet flushing and above-ground irrigation, the greywater system treats the water so that it is fit for domestic use. Greywater also cannot be stored for more than 24 hours.
WM
HWS
Like stormwater, excess greywater will then also be filtered by the vegetation. The client does not plan on growing their own vegetables, so greywater would suffice for the garden. This is an efficient water system that aids in garden maintenance and reduces water consumption form the mains. As per clients request, the kitchen sink is not included in the greywater system because of its oily, contaminated nature which may cause harm to the garden as well as smell. The children will be playing outdoors and it would not be as sanitary if they came into contact with waste water from the kitchen sink. Any overflow will be directed to the sewer pipes, this prevents the overwatering of vegetation which may cause irreparable damage to them.
X
GREYWATER SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Overflow to sewer line
From bathroom sinks
X
Greywater system with internal pump and tank
From washing machine
To garden and toilet flush
LEGEND INTO GREYWATER SYSTEM
X ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:75 @ A3
SEWER VENT GREYWATER SYSTEM
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OUT OF GREYWATER SYSTEM SEWERAGE CONNECTION
7. HEATING Melbourne experiences mild winter temperatures, winter normally lasting a large majority of the year. So heating is an important part of the domestic household, in terms of livability as well as comfort.
SOLAR HYDRONIC SYSTEM DIAGRAM (closed loop)
DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM DIAGRAM (gas boosted) From gas mains
HWS
65°C
HYDRONIC PANELS
MANIFOLD (bring water down to 40°C)
EVACUATED TUBES
Water from mains
HWS
55°C
To selected taps and appliances
IN-SLAB HYDRONIC HEATING MANIFOLD adds cold water
SOLAR HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEM This is a decoupled system where the evacuated tubes located on the North facing 30° pitched roof are angled at 57° to recieve optimum° solar heat gain throughout the year. If there isn’t enough solar energy, the system will be boosted by the gas mains and heat will be produced.
HWS
A separate HWS is included because domestic and hydronic heating run at different temperatures. Domestic at 55°C, hydronic panels at 65°C and in-slab heating at 40°C. Domestic hot water is also on an open loop, whilst the hydronic heating is closed loop.
WM
HWS
HYDRONIC PANELS These are scattered throughout the house in locations most used by the family. They are joined in a parallel series, meaning they can be used individually. Each panel is fitted with its own tap, meaning the power of the heater can be adjusted individually for the different spaces. THERMOSTAT This is placed at head height away from concentrated sources of heat or cooling and direct sunlight. They are included in the living room and bedrooms to check the temperature. The heating systems are not controlled by it as the family prefers to do it manually. IN-SLAB HYDRONIC HEATING As there are children present in the house, in-slab heating was chosen because they spend most of their time playing on the ground. Although the response time of this system is slow, the children and a parent would usually be in the house majority of the time. Once it is heated up, it transfers heat through conduction and radiation. Then when it is turned off at night, because of the high thermal mass of the concrete slab, the floor would still be warm for a few hours after turning the heat off as it releases all the stored energy. LEGEND THERMOSTATS
HYDRONIC PANELS
HWS
CLOSED LOOP HWS
HOT WATER FOR HYDRONIC PANELS COLD WATER FOR HYDRONIC PANELS HOT WATER FOR IN-SLAB HYDRONIC HEATING
ADDITIONAL HEATING The family has portable space heaters that they can use instead of the hydronic paneling or in-slab system. Sometimes a more concentrated heated space is required.
COLD WATER FOR IN-SLAB HYDRONIC HEATING ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:100 @ A3
The system is a closed loop system where the same water is recycled over again. The water just needs to be drained and replenished perhaps once a year, it is low maintanence enough for the family to deal with. In-slab hydronics use a different temperature to the hydronic panels, and so a manifold must be attached to add cold water to the hot water to cool it down to 40°C. The slab’s maximum surface temperature is 28°C.
N
HYDRONIC PANELS UNDER THE WINDOW (reduce stratification)
Slab edge insulation is installed as per law regulations for in-slab heating. Concrete slab
Hydronic pipes
Reinforcement bars
Concrete screed
CONCRETE SLAB CROSS-SECTION
Insulation is placed below the concrete slab to prevent heat loss through the floor. Insulation
8. COOLING The client is not too worried about heat and would prefer to use fans as the primary cooling system and not air conditioners. To save money in the long term, and as it is only a relatively small single storey house, additional cooling systems are not neccessary. They would rather keep cooling simple and focus on heating.
FANS IN SUMMER These fans have built in lights. They are located in the living room and bedrooms as that is where the family will spend most of their time. Three fans have been placed in the living room just in case more air circulation is needed if the family hosts events sometimes. The fans are to aid the passive cooling strategies employed by cross and stack ventilation. Although not too neccessary for Melbourne’s weather, a few days throughout summer with heatwaves where the fans will help to move the air and cool the room down. The fans do not actually cool the air down, but rather circulates it and creates a vaccum like convection, drawing in cool air from the surroundings. The motion of the fan then pushes the air down into the space below, giving the perception of cooling the room.
HWS
WM
HWS
STACK VENTILATION ONLY
FAN + STACK VENTILATION
FANS IN WINTER As the client specified that they wanted to focus on heating, the fans are able to spin in reverse mode slowly so that the hot air that rises is pushed back down into the living space.
LEGEND AIRFLOW WITH FANS + VENTILATION
ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:75 @ A3
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9. DESIGN FOR RESILIENCE When in drought, power outage and heatwave... GREEN ROOF DESIGN - EXTENSIVE ROOF Advantages: - The family is not always home to maintain constant care of their plants. This means that this limits the variety to moss, sedums, herbs, a few grasses and succulents. These are all extremely low in maintenance and can withstand droughts and heatwaves. - Extensive green roofs weigh almost a tenth of the weight of an intensive green roof. Its shallow depth means less resources and money spent. - It is efficient in stormwater management, absorbing 15-90% of the rooftop stormwater runoff. - The green roof does provide an extra layer of insulation and helps to keep the interior cool during summer as it absorbs the summer heat. - They also avoid the urban heat island effect and provide a cool space in a dense urban environment. - They provide good sound proofing (e.g. muffles thunderstorms) - Approximately reduces energy consumption by 38% and 17.2% of water runoff - They are a natural filter, detoxifying the air and water, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. - They look aesthetically pleasing. - The structure of the house will have to change to concrete in order to bear the load of the green roof. Concrete also has good thermal mass.
RAIN GARDEN Advantages: - Designed to aid in stormwater treatment - Helps filter pollutants, reduce soil erosion and slowly releases water which prevents flooding. - Located where the land naturally slopes down so gravity will guide the stormwater there. - Inexpensive and easy to build. - A large mass of water near the house helps it keep cool in the summer as the water is a good thermal regulator and absorbs the heat. - A mini eco-system and microclimate will is produced as it is a natural system that can easily maintain itself. The client likes self-sustaining systems. - Like the green roof it creates a habitat for animals and insects to reside and attracts them too. Disadvantages: - If not done properly, it can accumulate stagnant water and increase soil erosion. Rain garden
Disadvantages: - It can reduce rainwater collection and may make the rainwater collection system redundant. (Greywater system can still replace it) - High costs of installation - Plants below the PV panels should not need direct sunlight. - Need to use concrete structural systems in order to ensure security and stability for the green roof.
The drainage layer helps the soil maintain a comfortable moisture level even though it does not rain. The roots of the plants may grow down to seek out water in a drought and will find the little pools of water collected by the drainage layer. ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | Scale: 1:100 @ A3
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UNDERGROUND HOME Clerestory windows provide sunlight into the home as well as stack ventilation.
Stepping stones (some landscaping)
Advantages: (many similar to having a green roof design) - Provide a safe refuge from many natural disasters - High energy efficiency as it can be constructed out of recycled materials. - Ensures good fire-proofing as well. - The exterior requires little maintenance - There is no need for foundation work, meaning cheaper labour and construction costs - Less insects and pests enter the house because there are less openings. - It is a safer house from robbers, with only one side to protect instead of four. - It is also possible to make the house safe from radioactive fallout of nuclear explosions (or other explosive situations) and air-tight in case of a biological attack. Disadvantages: - Unconventional, and hence need proper planning - Care needs to be taken to keep moisture out during construction and the life of the house or the structure can deteriorate easily. - It may be difficult to position furniture/ applicances normally designed for straight walls. - Complex ventilation systems are required.
Extensive green roof (succulents) Solar PV Panels
Extensive green roof (grasses)
OVERALL The current design with a Tesla battery, works well if there is a power outage and so to design for further resilience, the home is placed underground to counter heatwaves and also possible radioactive nuclear or biological attacks. Underground keeps the place cool and clerestory windows aid in the ventilation process. The roof of the house is therefore a green roof, where an extensive system is employed and succulents are grown. Succulants are known for their steadfastness during droughts and heatwaves ensuring a self-maintaining system. A rain garden is also added to the plot to help stormwater/ greywater treatment and to provide efficient thermal massing for winter and summer.
10. FIRST RATE ASSESSMENT
ABPL20036 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING SYSTEMS Semester 1, 2017 | Assignment 1 - Emu House | 836139 Nicole Ren | A3 N