Urban Energy Systems by Northeastern School of Architecture

uEn

urban energy systems

THIS PAGE IS BLANK WORK ONLY WITH PAGE SPREADS BELOW

“There is an ecology of bad ideas, just as there is an ecology of weeds and it is characteristic of the system that basic error will propagate itself.” -Gregory Bateson, Steps to an Ecology of Mind

ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR URBAN ARCHITECTURE The intent of this year-long research and innovation studio is to interrogate the important contexts and systemic operating logics of the production, manufacturing, infrastructure, and performance of architecture as the source for innovation that condition contemporary built environments. We thus aim for systemic innovations as the basis of meaningful and relevant evolutions of both built environments and the practice of architecture.

The focus in this graduate research studio is on energy systems as the basis of necessary and compelling transformations of urban architecture. This section will consider Embodied Energy, On-Site Energy Production, Thermally Active Surfaces, and Day-lighting Energy as primary systems and parameters that can direct integrated design innovations.

mo’ layers, mo’ problems: performative envelopes

air conditioning blows: thermally active surfaces

the shape of embodied energy: energy

let there be [day] light: day light

DAY LIGHT

HYDROLOGIES

got agency: agency and thermally active surfaces

EMERGY

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

bustle and flow: urban infrastructure

AGENCY

CONTENTS

bustle and flow Is it possible to change the dynamic of an urban realm

change. This includes urban heat island effect, and the

by adjusting its “street sandwich”? The goal is to create a

challenge of mobility. Addressing these four issues specifically

sustainable urban environment using close loop energy

we can start to develop a new system that enhances existing

systems and more thoughtful street planning.

conditions while reducing existing problems.

Similar to building systems, urban systems effect the way

The build up of Boston’s infrastructure over its evolution as a

an entire city runs. The city of Boston has experienced a

major metropolitan area shows a mass transformation from

plethora of issues most notably including outdated urban

water to landmass. This without careful mitigation of water

infrastructure and sea level rise. In addition to these, Boston

management combined with the increase in sea level rise and

experiences what other cities face as a result of climate

precipitation, can end in disaster when the capacity of that

Caption Title Short Caption text. Court Brevity.

1700

Caption Title

1800

Short Caption text. Court Brevity.

as well as an abundance of cars also contributing to city

if we experience a 100-year flood. In the year 2100, that same

warming. The pollution from these same endeavors are swept

flood would submerge much of the Boston area. In addition,

off city surfaces and find their way into our drains and water

the infrastructure can barely handle seasonal storms, and

supply. This all can be amended with careful planning, and

frequent backups occur within the sewer system throughout

implementation of more efficient, adaptable street sections.

the city. A surplus of dark impervious surfaces with a very

If current infrastructure is failing because it is relying on

high solar absorption and retention rate increases the effects

technologies of the past, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look to the future and respond

of urban heat islands. This raises the city temperature even

with goals of sustainability..

Flooded Boston

1900 in 2100 a storm surge could infiltrate

Current Solar Radiation

2000 surfaces UHI affects dark, absorbant

Mobility

Short Caption text. Court Brevity.

2100

AGENCY

DAY LIGHT

EMERGY

more than projected mean regional temperature rise as a result

HYDROLOGIES

FEMA projects that much of the city would be in great danger

ENVELOPES

of global warming. Energy released in inefficient buildings

THERMAL

system is met. Today, we are approaching that benchmark.

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

urban infrastructure

ROOFTOP SURFACES

CONDUIT SYSTEM

The city relies on the Fenway area, specifically the Fens, for most

Boston’s building footprint density has made a landscape of heat

of Boston’s urban infrastructure. The existing systems are from old

absorbing materials. These surfaces direct rainfall towards the urban

technologies and strategies that are unable to handle future flood loads

drainage system that is in constant overflow in most storms.

of the upcoming climate changes. In considering careful planning for implementing more efficient adaptable street sections, there are four major area’s for improvement within Boston’s urban infrastructure; rooftop surfaces, conduit system, greenspace and transit.

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL Due to the constant overflow of the Old Stony Brook Conduit (OSC)

In addition to the existing conduit system, the emerald Necklace plays

into the Fens, a secondary conduit was created (Stony Brook Conduit,

a dual role as natural drainage system and an urban park. However,

SBC) to mitigate overflow by surpassing it all together and flowing

because of the increase in precipitation it is no longer controlling the

directly into the Charles River. Unfortunately during times of heavy

rainfall and reverting back to swamp land.

rainfall the SBC floods the Fens. A third system was installed, the

EMERGY

TRANSIT

DAY LIGHT

GREENSPACE

Muddy River Conduit (MRC), to reduce this flooding. However, the in turn creates a greater need for updated systems.

AGENCY

MRC doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the capacity to keep the area from overflow which

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

urban heat island As a result of impervious surfaces, global temperature rise, and surface roughness (vertical city building creates a higher â&#x20AC;&#x153;roughnessâ&#x20AC;? which refers to the amount of building surfaces with which to absorb heat) Boston faces an

ever increasing risk to Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI). Currently, the city of Boston is built up of densely packed city streets and buildings, most of which do not provide any alternative to dark, absorbent, impervious surfaces. These surfaces in the city center do not emit by evaporative cooling as quickly

Annual Temperature Increase

as natural materials. As a result, the average temperature in the city stays hotter. Mitigation and stainability efforts could improve this issue by providing more green space and more urban canopy area for evapotranspiration (the process which greenery transpires and then evaporates into the air). In addition, energy uses

from buildings and transportation generate heat, resulting in Boston warming up to 7 degrees (F) higher than the surrounding climate. If emissions, building practice, and city mitigation continue at this trend, the infrastructure and economic damages could be devastating. Land Cover in Boston

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL EMERGY DAY LIGHT

Thermal Map of Boston: NIGHT

AGENCY

Thermal Map of Boston: DAY

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

flooding City conditions, sea level rise, and the increase in annual precipitation provide an unsavory condition for existence in Boston by the year 2110. Impervious surfaces increase stormwater runoff, adding to the water mass in the Charles River and the Boston Harbor. As precipitation increases due to climate change, it becomes essential to manage stormwater runoff without sending it through city infrastructure. Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 67% impervious surfaces can be reduced to prevent excess flooding.

By implementing

greenroofs of several varieties, runoff can be drastically reduced. Sea level rise should be expected and planned for. Perhaps extending current infrastructure by using sustainable

Precipitation Annual Increase, by Month and by Year

alternatives should begin to prepare the city for flooding. In 100 years, the 100-year flood, as projected by FEMA, will encompass more than 50% of Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban center.

The

problem zones include low-lying areas, and also the convergence of major city conduits. Storm water management is necessary to help prepare for a larger issue in the future.

Green Roof Retention

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL EMERGY

100 Year Flood in 2010

Projected Sea Level Rise

AGENCY

DAY LIGHT

Impervious Surfaces in 2010

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

mobility As population increases, improved transportation is imperative. The streets within the city are designed to accommodate vehicular traffic with little emphasis on bike lanes or meeting the needs of pedestrians. Due to the mass of cars driven throughout the day it has contributed greatly to the negative changes in our climate with CO2 emissions. Boston being a smaller city, has the potential to eliminate a majority of its vehicular traffic to promote means of travel more suitable for urban life. By re-arranging mobility zones there will be more space for sustainable infrastructure.

Grams of CO2 Emissions per Passenger Mile

AGENCY

DAY LIGHT

EMERGY

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

HYDROLOGIES

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

STREET POTENTIAL A KIT OF PARTS FOR SUSTAINABLE STREET SECTIONS

PERMEABLE STREETS

DISTRICT GEOTHERMAL

Replacing the impervious surfaces of the street can improve future

Rerouting stormwater through a district geothermal system can be

flood loads. By increasing the drainage surface it will reduce the

used as a renewable energy resource for adjacent buildings. Capturing

overflow on the streets and seep directly into the ground below.

runoff in peripheral drains and filtering it through a pervious pavement

Depending upon void space and paving materials the street has the

strategy or bioswale can collect up to 42 inches per square inch each

potential to be 100% absorbent. Density and speed of traffic should

year. This adds up to 8,400 square inches of rain per block with

be considered when choosing paving strategies for mobility zones.

an average length of 200 feet. The water can either be harnessed

Some permeable materials can decrease the contamination of ground

straight from the street, or the system could tap into existing rainwater

phosphorus by up to 40% annually.

infrastructure, relieving old drainage pipes of water over its capacity.

By lining the street periphery with bioswales it will help control runoff

This strategy is designed to improve the mobility zones of the current

by absorbing it naturally into an eco environment that is designed

street section. By separating the mass and speed of traffic it will

to filtrate the water and facilitate evapotranspiration. The rainwater

increase the safety and reduce the amount of vehicular traffic within

has the potential to flow into a sustainable drainage system to be

a street. The median creates another pedestrian â&#x20AC;&#x153;safe havenâ&#x20AC;? while

recycled and reused. The filtered water has significantly less levels of

also integrating green space within the street surface. Reducing traffic

nitrates and phosphorus making it usable for grey water systems. It

lane size by 50% will encourage lower average speed and other more

also provides greenspace into an urban environment and separates

sustainable modes of transportation.

HYDROLOGIES

TRAFFIC MITIGATION

AGENCY

pedestrians from vehicular traffic.

DAY LIGHT

EMERGY

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

BIOSWALE DRAINAGE

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

materials catalog Plant Species

Vegetated

Low Density

High Density Solar Reflectance Index of Various Materials

is similar to pervious concrete, and contains 18-20% void space due to the use of larger sand granules in the aggregate. In the northeast, it is especially feasible because the absorption quality of the material increases the temperature of the roads during winter months. This reduces the necessity for salting roads because it minimizes freezing road conditions.

Grass Pavers

is also used at a the lower density volume. The infrastructure includes an interlocking grid of plastic or recycled HDPE (High Density Polyethylene Plastic) supports that are filled with soil and grass seeds. The plastic grid is supported underneath by a stone and sand layer for drainage. The advantage of using grass pavers is that you have no impervious surface at all, and the whole area reduces or prevents stormwater runoff.

ENVELOPES

HYDROLOGIES can be implemented for low-density traffic lanes, parking, or multi-use open space. The benefit is that vegetation can still exist among the grid to reduce runoff and increase evapotranspiration. It is often used for erosion control, and is modularly available for maintenance.

THERMAL

Concrete Grid Pavers

EMERGY

pervious

Porous Asphalt

can provide varying degrees of stormwater absorption given the percent of openings between blocks. Runoff also depends on the frequency of channels to catch and absorb water. Standard block pavers have an average of 8% opening to ground layers below. Blocks can also be specified to include chamfers providing about 13% of open soil.

DAY LIGHT

porous

asphalt

Pervious Block Pavers

AGENCY

pervious

concrete

contains a larger aggregate so that more void space is achieved within the material. This leaves space for stormwater to be absorbed and released slowly into the soil below the concrete. This reduces stormwater runoff by delaying peak runoff and redirecting that water to be naturally absorbed rather than sent through the stormwater conduit.

concrete

Pervious Concrete

grass

existing

hard surfaces throughout the city have an intensely high heat absorption rate, and during the summer months retain heat to prevent night cooling. The percentage of asphalt in urban areas is a main contributor to the most harmful effects of UHI. Concrete and asphalt are minimally pervious and results in 100% of stormwater runoff draining into the existing infrastructure, commonly over exerting capacity.

concrete

Existing

grey

(ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the most common roofing material used in Boston. Usually, it is applied in black, which has a SRI of 5. The reflectance of this material is very low, contributing to its extreme heat gain during the day. When applied in gray or white the SRI increases to 21 and 84 respectively. While none of these membranes reduce stormwater runoff, the daily temperature range of a building can be greatly reduced by applying grey or white roofing membrane.

mid-range

Vegetated

gravel

intensive

extensive

black

white

EPDM

Roofs

can eliminate stormwater runoff, and helps with heating/cooling. An Extensive Green Roof includes a growing medium depth of 4-6 inches. Plants such as sedum, cacti, or any other shallow-rooting vegetation can be used to insulate and increase the SRI to 86. An Intensive Green Roof has a growing medium 6-12 inches deep, and should include native flowering plants, produce, shrubbery or trees. The reflectance of the roof increases, bringing the SRI to 107.

Gravel can be used as a roof covering

or on street level to delay stormwater runoff and increase the SRI (37).

asclepias

danthonia

materials catalog

seedum

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

danthonia spicata

also known as poverty oat grass, is a particularly resilient, ground covering plant. It is ideal for Northeast climate and for a shallow growing medium.

sedum album

not only survives in extreme dry and wet conditions, it also helps facilitate an environment for the survival of other plants. Sedums absorb and store water into their broad, bulbous leaves.

asclepias verticillata

is a type of milkweed that is native to a wide variety of regions. Its root system is particularly fibrous and good for rainwater retention. The a. verticillata is also known to colonise which is beneficial for groundcover.

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES

also known as the Eastern Teaberry is a shrub conducive to slightly deeper growing medium. It is a flowering, fruiting plant with broad leaves to assist with evapotranspiration and cooling.

THERMAL

cornus racemosa,

also known as the Gray Dogwood is a plant native to Massachusetts. This is a thickly-branched hedge that can grow up to 6’ tall. It can adapt to a variety of environmental conditions including other surrounding plants.

acer rubrum,

commonly known as Red Maple, is a widespread tree in the Northeast. It can adapt to many climates and is quite resilient. It’s deciduous qualities increase urban canopy, and can survive flooding in low-areas.

EMERGY

Bioswales

combine cooling effects of open greenspace with actual drainage infrastructure. By using vegetation to filter rainwater and then a drainage system to capture it, you can start to build a retention reservoir to reuse the stormwater for renewable energy systems.

gaultheria procumbens

DAY LIGHT

bioswales

Tree Planters

can help absorb some runoff before it gets to the street. It also provides more coverage for an urban canopy. It’s possible to use porous asphalt instead of a metal grate. This increases the pedestrian walking area, and functions the same way for absorbing and filtering runoff.

is a rhizomous broad leaf plant that can survive in cold weather. This is an ever green plant that flowers in late April, and is very useful as a groundcover.

AGENCY

acer rubrum

cornus

gaultheria Trees

epimedium planters

Planters

applied as a roof treatment or a sidewalk element reduces stormwater runoff and has cooling effects. Introducing vegetation in an otherwise impervious environment evapotranspiration and can increase the urban canopy surface area.

epimedium perralderianum

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

existing section: Back bay

Examining a street section through Commonwealth Avenue, it is

scale, and one utilized as a local corridor. Car traffic is also separated

revealed that much of the street section is being either under-utilized

but not mediated in a way that is safe for pedestrian crossing. Perhaps

or overworked. Great potential exists here in the wide span between

hatching out more specific zones for travel could assist pedestrian and

building faces along the boulevard. Currently there are two disjointed

vehicular safety, add a corridor for future transit, and provide more

pedestrian areas, one more focused on city connectivity.

sustainable infrastructure.

AGENCY

DAY LIGHT

EMERGY

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

HYDROLOGIES

potential

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

existing section: The fens

Examining a street section through Riverway and the Fens, the

stormwater runoff. With the installation of concrete grass pavers, the

vulnerability of pedestrians and bikers is revealed. It also shows how

street can be transformed into a mix-use, more pedestrian friendly

the drainage infrastructure of the water in the Fens is not being utilized

rainwater absorption zone. Adding a raised bike lane could encourage

to its greatest potential. Connecting the drainage potential from Fenway

bike ridership, and also provide a further separation between pedestrians

to the retention potential of the Fens could be beneficial to reduce

and vehicular traffic.

AGENCY

DAY LIGHT

EMERGY

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

HYDROLOGIES

potential

There exists a fundamental problem in the field of architecture; the building process has become over-organized. This bureaucratic approach to design

brick layers

capenter steel worker

carpenter union

masons union

structural engineer

builder

steel workers union

client

trades

moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; layers moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problems

lawyer

builder lawyer

client

architect

in our enclosures will facilitate an easier

wall section is a response to the overall organization of the building process. The architect is in a unique position to control this process through developing

code

process. The attempt to simplify the

CODE OF HAMMURABI

communication throughout the building

a more sophisticated design.

0-1900

1925

20 SHEETS 1927

Reducing the amount of layers that exist

THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE

promotion of largely inefficient buildings.

1911

in the construction method and the

cd set

a response to the build up of liability

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

construction methods we see today are

1500BC

enclosures. The current design and

10 SHEETS

has created a build up of layers in our

plumbing egineer

plumbing egineer pipe fitter

plumbing egineer plumber

1985

1992

1997

NEHRP

IFGC

ADA

FIRE PROTECTION CODE

1950 SBCCI BUILDING CODE

electrical union

mechanical engineer

electrician

1976

1950 SBCCI BUILDING CODE

electrical union

M&E

1975

electrician egineer

hvac

CABO

1950 BOCA BUILDING CODE

1950

pipe fitter

plumber

40 SHEETS

plumber

architect

thermal barrier

pipe fitter

electrician

FP - ADA

2000

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES

mechanical engineer

building inspector

THERMAL

electrician egineer

hvac

lawyer insulation installer

EMERGY

architect

thermal barrier

permits

client

DAY LIGHT

architect

glazing installers

building inspector

municipalities

builder

steel workers envelope union engineers

AGENCY

lawyer

NAFP lawyer

100 + SHEETS

client

ADA consultant

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION CODE 2001

permits

insulation installer

masons union

FP engineer fire protection

structural engineer

municipalities

builder

brick layers

2001

NAFP

carpenter union

2004

steel worker

concrete installers

INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

capenter

FP engineer

lawyer

steel workers union

client

lawyer

masons union

fire protection

structural engineer

municipalities

builder

carpenter union

brick layers

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

lawyer

concrete installers

INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE 2001

steel worker

masons union

structural engineer steel workers union

capenter

2001

carpenter union

brick layers

INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

steel worker

concrete installers

100 + SHEETS

capenter

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

layers in wall systems There are some real disconnects that exist in the construction of the envelope and these issues lead to the complexity of building and the architectural process. When looking at the graphics along the right, we can start to ask critical questions to the organization of the building process. Why don’t we focus more of our building budget on design of

the

enclosure systems than the design of the mechanical equipment? It is our opinion that if we adjust the organization that

80%

ONE OF THE MAJOR FACTORS THAT LEADS TO THE BUILD UP OF CODE AND DOCUMENTATION IS LIABILITY. OVER 80 PERCENT OF ALL CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS STEM FROM THE ENVELOPE AND FAILURES THAT OCCUR IN THE MULTITUDE OF TRADES AND LAYERS THAT WORK INDEPENDENTLY IN THE BUILDING PROCESS.

10% CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR WITH THE ENVELOPE IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT ONLY 10 PERCENT OF A TYPICAL PROJECT BUDGET IS DEDICATED TO THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENVELOPE.

exists in architecture today, we can start to answer the question with real solutions

50%

MOST OF THE PROJECT BUDGET GOES IN TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT THAT GOES IN TO THE BUILDING.

Typical Commercial Wall Section Thin facade, Thick ceiling to floor space.

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL EMERGY CONSTRUCTION COST INDEX

ENERGY COST INDEX

1890

1900

1910

1920

1930

1970’S BOOM

WORLD WAR II

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1980’S BOOM

1990

2000

AGENCY

GREAT DEPRESSION

DAY LIGHT

CURRENT BOOM

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

currnent layers of organization

architect construction mang. structural engineer mechanical engineer specialties

Looking at current building schedules and the organizational there is a lack of organization. The various sub-contractors enter the project as their specific task is required. There is little

plumbing electrical glazing

scale of importance

stategies in the design and construction process, it is evident

exterior panels

finishes

initial intergrated communication between these groups, which leads to more complicatied and lengthy building schedule.sacp building schedule timeline

typical project schedule 2009

2010

2011

JAN JANFEBMARAPR MAYJUN JUL AUG SEP OCTNOVDEC JANFEBMARAPR JAN MAYJUN JUL AUG SEP OCTNOVDEC JAN JANFEBMARAPR MAYJUN JUL AUG Planning Process Construction of Science & Project Closeout

layers in the building process

Foundations Structural System Heating and Cooling Systems Exterior Panel System Roof Electrical Systems Glass & Glazing Elevators Interior Fit Out MEP Finish Restoration of Site Testing & Inspections Commissioning Systems

Stereotypical Building Schedule Multiple layers entering at different phases of constrution.

office buildings that we see common place today. Alough revered for there ability to provide an open floor plan and free facade, they have also produced some of the most energy inefficent buildings. They has helped produce a

INTERIOR

HYDROLOGIES

The International style of design has produced the typical

construction method that is quick, layered and cheap.

How

can we re-work this method to produce a more preformative enclosure piece, as well as a new construction process?

EMERGY

LOAD BEARING WALLS

ENVELOPES

ENCLOSURE

typical methods of construction

THERMAL

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

DAY LIGHT

STRUCTURAL STEEL

Pepisco-center NY, NY 1951 Architect : SOM

AGENCY

SITE WORK

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

innovative layers of organization

architect construction mang. structural engineer mechanical engineer

There needs to be a more innovative approach to this process development to construction phase, an architect would be to think of these layers more succinctly and earlier in the

plumbing

scale of importance

which could help yield a more efficient building . From design

glazing

finishes

design process. Creating a more sophisticated enclosure system that integrates layers in the architectural process. building schedule timeline

compressed project schedule 2009

2010

2011

JAN JANFEBMARAPR MAYJUN JUL AUG SEP OCTNOVDEC JANFEBMARAPR JAN MAYJUN JUL AUG SEP OCTNOVDEC JAN JANFEBMARAPR MAYJUN JUL AUG Project Intergration Phase Construction of Project

layers in the building process

Project Closeout

Innovative Building Schedule Intergrating systems ealry in the design process.

Foundations Structural System Heating and Cooling System Enclosure System Electrical System Plumbing System Glazing System Finishes and Fit-out

construction method. The material used to accomplish a performative, thin concrete shell. This construction method no only is able to stream line the construction process and cut overall labor cost. Approaching enclosure with this thought behind

PREFORAMTIVE ENCLOSURE

material light and space is a much more sophisticated design and should be the expected standard in all future buildings.

THERMAL

PREFORAMTIVE ENCLOSURE

ENVELOPES

The Zollervin School of Management uses this single layer

EMERGY

PREFORAMTIVE ENCLOSURE

HYDROLOGIES

innovative methods of construction

DAY LIGHT

INTERIOR

SITE WORK

AGENCY

STRUCTURAL CONCRETE

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

the real layers in design interior electronics / stuff

It is apparent that there are an excessive amount of layers that exist in the construction of the envelope. Most of these layers can be combined or eliminating by paying attention to the actual layers that

interior finishes

exist in envelope design. The graphic

mechanical equipment

below and a brief study of the history of

sturcture

Crown Hall we see where these layers

thermal barrier

actually exist. These are the layers to

exterior envelope solar heat gain

Layers of Design Diagram How we design for a larger system of layers.

pay careful attention to when designing.

HYDROLOGIES

Meis originally designed Crown hall while thinking about these larger layers that exist in the design process. His intent was to use the landscape design of the rings around the building to best respond to the sun. this all glass facade. There are also hydronic radiant heat zones inside the floor plates to control comfort level from interior to exterior.

Crowne Hall 1965

ENVELOPES

Specifically how the sun would radiate on

The problems in Crown Hall arose when the above simple architectural solar and heating THERMAL

control designs were ignored. The interior became an inefficient space. The removal of the exterior landscape that responded to the sun as well as the introduction of computers and more

Crowne Hall - 1990

EMERGY

Crowne Hall - present

AGENCY

specifically latent heat created this difficulty.

The reintroduction of the exterior landscape DAY LIGHT

was one method to help combat the radiation that entered the building. The addition of a layer of film to the glass was also a new technological method to combat that solar radiation entering the building. They also reverted back to using the four original thermal heating and cooling zones Meis originally designed for Crown Hall. Thus restoring the appropriate design to the layers of enclosure.

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

to use for simpler performative envelopes. By looking at tools like Ashby charts and programs like WUFI, we can analyze how certain materials will perform. The point is to not over-design the performative envelope, but to select materials that are appropriate for the climate and the region. The Ashby chart on the left shows the relationship between the thermal conductivity and the thermal diffusivity (thermal lag) of the materials shown. The Ashby Chart on the right compares the strength and the embodied energy of the materials selected. WUFI is a program for calculating the coupled heat and moisture transfer in

Temperature [°F]

We have used a few tools to analyze the materials that would be best

104

Water Content [lb/ft3]

material selection

68 32 -4

19 13 6 0 2” Concrete

building components. The blue background represents the year long sample of where the temperature or water content lines have fluctuated.

More Strength

More Conductive

Metals

7” Concrete

Technical Ceramics

Woods Non-technical Ceramics

2.5” EPS Insulation

3/4” Interior Gypsum

Metals and Alloys

Glasses Porous Ceramics

Stone

Concrete

Polymers and Elastomers

Brick

Plastics

Epoxies

Elastomers

Foams Cork

Less Diffusivity

More Diffusivity

Less Strength

Less Conductive

Wood

Neoprene

Less Embodied Energy

Foams More Embodied Energy

designing for preformative enclosure. There are many design tools

Temperature Rel.Humidity Wind Speed

°C

Direct Solar Diffuse Solar Cloud Cover

MONTHLY DIURNAL AVERAGES - Boston, USA

W/ m²

1.0k

to use but some other tools like psychometric charts can also help

0.8k

us understand the ideal comfort zones in specific areas. They base

0.6k

there results off relative humidity and the temperature of the region. We used the region of Boston to help focus our research for the ideal

HYDROLOGIES

You must understand your location and climatic conditions when

LEGEND Comfort: Thermal Neutrality

0.4k

0.2k

-10

preformative enclosure for this region. Some things to consider are that

ENVELOPES

climate concerns

0.0k Feb

Jan

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

region has a severe climate. Boston has cold harsh winder and hot cold temperatures out design the winter, as well as let winter sun in.

heating dehumidfying

cooling

THERMAL

humidfying

humid summers. Designing for this region we want to keep heat in and

Psychrometric Chart

EMERGY

Location: Boston, USA Frequency: 1st December to 1st March Weekday Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs Weekend Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs Location: Boston, USA Barometric Pressure: 101.36 kPa Frequency: 1st December to 1st March © W e a th e r T o o l Weekday Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs Weekend Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs SELECT ED DESI GN T ECHNI QUES: Barometric Pressure: 101.36 kPa 1. passive solar heating © W e a th e r T o o l 2. thermal mass effects 3. exposed mass + night-purge ventilation SELECT ED DESI GN T ECHNI QUES: 4. natural ventilation 1. passive solar heating 2. thermal mass effects 3. exposed mass + night-purge ventilation 4. natural ventilation

Location: Boston, USA Frequency: 1st June to 1st September Weekday Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs Weekend Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs Location: Boston, USA Barometric Pressure: 101.36 kPa Frequency: 1st June to 1st September © W e a th e r T o o l Weekday Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs Weekend Times: 00:00-24:00 Hrs SELECT ED DESI GN T ECHNI QUES: Barometric Pressure: 101.36 kPa 1. passive solar heating © W e a th e r T o o l 2. thermal mass effects 3. exposed mass + night-purge ventilation SELECT ED DESI GN T ECHNI QUES: 4. natural ventilation 1. passive solar heating 2. thermal mass effects 3. exposed mass + night-purge ventilation 4. natural ventilation

Psychrometric Chart

30 30

25 25

DAY LIGHT

10 5 Comfort Comfort

Comfort

10 DBT(°C)

15 5

20 10

25 15

30 20

35 25

40 30

Boston Winter Physcometric Chart

45 35

50 40

DBT(°C)

10 DBT(°C)

15 5

20 10

25 15

30 20

Boston Summer Physcometric Chart

35 25

40 30

45 35

50 40

AGENCY

5 Comfort DBT(°C)

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

simpler wood envelopes

SIPs Wall Construction

Solid Wall Construction, New Zealand

vertical systems: SIPs panel walls

vertical systems: solid wood wall (no other insulation)

Woods

Metals and Alloys

Glasses Porous Ceramics

Metals and alloys

More Embodied Energy

More Strength

Technical Ceramics

Paper Foams

Glasses

Elastomers Less Strength

Less Embodied Energy

Foams More Embodied Energy

Less Embodied Energy

Plastics

Porous ceramics

Less Expensive

Oak MDF

Woods

Pine Balsa

More Expensive

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL EMERGY board,

Stick-Frame (left

right):

fiberglass

Wall

Section

Solid

Interior

gypsum

Layers

planks

Wall

Section

into air

The amount of layers in this wall over-

This wall type utilizes the thermal lag

This wall section may seem to be a layered

complicates the building process on site.

properties of wood, which are 2.5 times that

system, but the panels are created off-site,

While

exterior

wood

Panelized

Layers (left to right): SIP panel (osb,

system,

space,

solid

SIPs

layered

properties

precut

Section

Wood

exterior

insulatory

Wall right):

sheathing, building paper, exterior cladding.

the

insulation,

Wood (left

insulation,

osb),

exterior

cladding.

this

of concrete. In this case the wood acts as a

which simplifies the construction. These

wall type may be sufficient, the thermal

structural component as well as the insulation

panels are even pre-cut for electrical, reducing

lag (diffusivity) properties of wood are not

while acting as a heat source at night.

the time lost due to layered building processes.

utilized. This type is also very susceptible to problems with thermal bridges (studs).

DAY LIGHT

Layers

AGENCY

Typical

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

simpler concrete envelopes

House in Chur, Patrick Gartmann

Zollverein School, SANAA

vertical: air-entrained concrete; horizontal: hydronic tubing in concrete floor slabs

Woods

Metals and Alloys

Glasses Porous Ceramics

Metals and alloys

More Embodied Energy

More Strength

Technical Ceramics

vertical: concrete with hydronic tubing horizontal: raised floor panels, hydronic tubing, displacement volumes

Foams

Glasses

Less Strength

Less Embodied Energy

Foams More Embodied Energy

Less Embodied Energy

Plastics Elastomers

Porous ceramics

Less Expensive

Woods Concrete

Brick

Porcelain More Expensive

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL EMERGY Hydronic Radiant Concrete Wall Section

(left

Layers (left to right): Air-Entrained Concrete

Layers

(left

gypsum

board,

with

hydronic

insulation, Concrete

right):

concrete,

exterior sandwich

rigid

concrete walls

have

Interior foam

right):

Concrete

PEX

tubing.

layer. good

Air-entrained concrete walls have more air

Thermally active walls, like the ones in the

insulatory properties but the complication lies

pockets than normal concrete, increasing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Zollverein School, utilize the capabilites

in the building process. With this wall type,

capability to insulate. Patrick Gartmann uses

of concrete to act as a heat source. The

construction can take longer because the

only air-entrained concrete walls in his house

hydronic tubing circulates water from an

wall must be installed in layers of insulation

in Chur as structure and insulation combined.

underground water source at a constant

before the concrete layers are applied.

temperature

degrees

Farenheit.

DAY LIGHT

Solid Air-Entrained Concrete Wall Section

Layers

AGENCY

Typical Concrete Sandwich Wall Section

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

simpler brick envelopes

Kopenick Library, Bruno Fioretti Marquez

Marktoberdorf Gallery, Bearth & Deplazes

vertical system: 26â&#x20AC;? solid brick wall

Woods

Metals and Alloys

Glasses Porous Ceramics

Metals and alloys

More Embodied Energy

More Strength

Technical Ceramics

vertical system: hydronic tubing in triple wythe brick

Foams

Glasses

Less Strength

Less Embodied Energy

Foams More Embodied Energy

Less Embodied Energy

Plastics Elastomers

Porous ceramics

Less Expensive

Concrete

Brick

Porcelain More Expensive

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL EMERGY Hydronic Radiant Brick Wall Section

Layers (left to right): Brick

Layers (left to right): Brick with copper tubing.

This type of masonry wall also has an

The brick wall at Kopenick Library in Germany

This thermally active brick wall uses hydronic

overcomplicated building process due to

26 inches thick with no insulation cavity or

tubing to act as a heat source for the building. The

the steps needed to complete the wall. This

expansion joints necessary. This wall utilizes

hydronic tubing maintains an even temperature

type of wall is more susceptible to problems

the thermal properties of brick to maintain

and a balanced indoor climate, replacing

with thermal bridging and water permeation.

the atmosphere inside the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one-roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; library.

the need for elaborate mechanical services,

concrete block, vapor barrier, face brick.

reducing construction complexity even more

DAY LIGHT

Solid Brick Wall Section

Layers (left to right): Interior gypsum board,

AGENCY

Typical Masonry Wall Section

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

So the question remains; how can we solve the complexities

shearing layers

we have created for ourselves in the building process? Instead of designing these layers independent of one another, we should integrate these layers in to a more

Competing Layers in Design

5-15

5-20

interior plan

5-20

5-30

service

30-60

structure

60-100

skin

>bldg

site

100+

site

stuff

skin

5-15

stuff interior plan service structure

human

site

skin structure service interior plan stuff

site

skin

stuff interior plan service structure

human

skin structure service interior plan stuff

site

cohesive system, designed to last as long as possible.

>bldg

Lifespan of Layers

Intergrated Building Design

HYDROLOGIES

CURRENT BOOM CONSTRUCTION COST INDEX

ENERGY COST INDEX

1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980’S BOOM

1980

1990

2000

EMERGY

THERMAL

1890

1970’S BOOM

WORLD WAR II

ENVELOPES

GREAT DEPRESSION

Old Building Construction

Internation Style of Construction

Low energy-cost, high building cost.

High energy cost, Low building cost.

Low energy cost, moderate building cost.

These buildings were highly energy efficient

The international style helped streamline

New

because

methods

that

were

designed

with

out

the construction process. The enclosure

Chur and Zollervin look to combine the

systems.

However

time

system was able to become thin. Large

two important aspects of these building

has progressed the methods to construct

span of glass became common place. As

methods. The design looks to use material

these buildings are extremely inefficient

a result massive heating and cooling loads

and

to today’s building standards. The require

exist in most of our buildings today that

achieve both low energy cost for the building

specified

are designed based on these principles.

as well as low construction and labor cost.

mechanical

and

skilled

material

labor

cost

are

and

construction

relatively

high.

innovative

construction

methods

DAY LIGHT

construction

to AGENCY

they

Technological Infused Construction

AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS Conventional HVAC design, reliant on air for a thermal medium,

thermoregulation through radiant emission and absorption, is

is an inefficient system responsible for 35% of building energy

particularly responsive to radiant conditioning.3 Yet we invested

How has an insulating medium

much in a thermal comfort system that relies on the convection

consumption each year.1

become the dominant method for heating and cooling the built

of air.

environment? And, more importantly, is there a more rational

In fact, radiant hydronic systems could reduce energy

and architectural alternative to air?

consumption by up to 75% over conventional HVAC systems,4

Indeed there is: water! Water has a long history as a thermal

as well as improve occupant comfort and reduce the space

Water is

requirements of thermal comfort systems. Radiant hydronic

over 833 times more dense than air, and, as such, is capable

systems are based on the principle that: a) water is more

of carrying 3,200 times more heat in the same volume.

efficient than air at storing thermal energy; and b) thermally

Additionally, our skin, which is primarily responsible for our bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

tempering surfaces (instead of volumes) and relying on

medium in architecture, until relatively recently.

Reduce Energy Consumption by up to

75%

Heat Capacity of Water vs. Air 1 ft3 of Water = 3,200 ft3 of Air

decreasing individual buildings’ energy consumption is critical.

then select appropriate sources of renewable thermal energy.

Radiant hydronic systems are the next step towards a low-

At the urban scale, radiant hydronic systems offer the potential

energy architecture.

for geothermal heating and cooling.

The use of water as a thermal medium offers architects many

may lead to a reconsideration of programming and functional

opportunities to decrease building energy consumption. First, it

adjacencies both at the scale of building and city.

provides a logic to return to a thermally massive structure that

can modulate internal temperatures and act as the thermallyactive surface.

An architect may then use thermodynamic

Finally, these systems

“Buildings Energy Data Book, 1.1.4: 2006 U.S. Buildings Energy End-Use Splits, by Fuel Type,” US Department of Energy, accessed 10/25/2010, http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/ TableView.aspx?table=1.1.4 2 Kiel Moe, Thermally Active Surfaces (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2010) 3 Ibid, 69. 4 Ibid, 91.

HYDROLOGIES

Once a buiding’s heat load profile is defined, an architect can

ENVELOPES

energy consumption of the building sector continues to grow,

THERMAL

thermal envelope further modulates the internal heat load.

EMERGY

is a far more efficient thermal comfort system. As the overall

DAY LIGHT

principles to optimize the spatial arrangement. An efficient

AGENCY

radiation to exchange thermal energy with the human body

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

HISTORICAL PROGRAMMING 78 19.08 19.08

98 32.55 32.55

78 10.54 10.54

78 23.07 23.07

Architecture and energy have had a long relationship in the Northeast. From colonial houses such as the “saltbox”,

which

materials

with

used

vernacular

centrally

located

hearths, to masonry mill buildings with localized radiant heating, to modern offices buildings with more homogenous construction and ducted HVAC systems. Historically, the salbox houses and mill buildings used similar methods of radiant heating, localizing program around heat sources, or vice versa. It wasn’t until mid-century and modern building that the price of energy lessened the demand for efficient systems, in favor of open plans and maximum leasable space. Chart 1 100 75

Construction Method

- Heavy timber,

- Heavy timber, post and beam

post and beam

- Load-bearing masonry walls

Energy Systems

- Two thermally massive masonry fireplaces

- Ceiling-hung radiant panels

- Natural ventilation

Energy Source

- Wood burning

25 Oil

Electricity

Natural Gas

Heating Efficiency Price Per Million BTUs

Propane

Mill Buildings | 1700’s

Construction Method

Energy Source

Saltbox House | 1600’s

Plan Type - Cellular

- Oil furnace Plan Type - Open plan, distributed services

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL

Construction Method - Concrete encased steel frame

Energy Systems

- HVAC Forced Air

Energy Source

- Oil furnace

- Oil, Natural Gas, Electricity

Plan Type

- Open plan, central services

DAY LIGHT

Construction Method - Poured-in-place concrete

EMERGY

Modern- Office Tower | 1900’s

AGENCY

Office Buildings | 1800’s

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS Structural solutions to thermal surface design can collect, store and distribute solar energy without the use of mechanized systems. When the basic components of a structure, i.e. walls, floors, windows and ceilings, are designed as multifunctional elements with proper orientation, buildings Direct Gain

in the Northeast can provide 60 to 80 percent of their required heating. Direct gain, trombe walls, and sun spaces can be optomized with a 35% South glazing area in comparison to floor area. Trombe Wall Thickness Material

Thickness

Surface to Glazing ratio

Adobe

6 - 10 inches

1:1

Concrete or Brick

10 - 16 inches

1:1

Trombe Wall

Thermal Mass in Sunspace

Sun Space

Masonry Wall

Thickness

Surface to Glazing ratio

Noninsulated

8 - 12 inches

1:1

Insulated

4 - 6 inches

2:1

* â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heating, cooling, lighting: sustainable design methods for architectâ&#x20AC;? US Department of Energy, Robert Lechner, John Wiley & Sons, 2009.

low heat energy surfaces is what creates the feeling of asymmetrical comfort. In a thermally active spaces, glazing acts as a low heat energy surface,

20 10

Cool ceiling

Warm wall

5 4 3

drawing heat from occupants, which is why optimal glazing percentages are

crucial to efficient space design.

+ ++ + ++ + + + + + +++ + + + + + 15 20++ + +25++ 30 35 + + + Asymmetry Radiant Temperature + + + + + + + + ++ + + + +

F째

ENVELOPES

discomfort is minimized. The transfer of electromagnetic heat from high to

Cool wall

THERMAL

of radiant a-symmetry is eliminated, while energy use to overcome this

Warm ceiling

40 Percent of People Dissatisfied

surface locations. By surrounding occupants on all sides, the discomfort

HYDROLOGIES

80 60

A six sided heat source and sink strategy is the ideal configuration for thermal

+ + + + ++ + + + + + +++ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +++ + +++++ + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + ++ + + + + + +++ + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + +++ + + +

++ + + + + + + + + +++ + ++ +

+ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + ++

Radiant Ceiling + + + +++ + + +

+ +++ + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + ++ +

+ comfortable + + + + + + + ++ Somewhat + + + + + +

++ + + + + + + + +++ + ++ +

Radiant Floor +

Somewhat comfortable + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + +

+ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + ++

Radiant Walls + + + +++ + + +

+ +++ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + ++ +

+ + + + Comfortable + +

+ + + ++ + + + + + +++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + +++ + + + + + ++ + + +

6-Sided Approach Most comfortable

DAY LIGHT

Kiel Moe, Thermally Active Surfaces (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2010)

AGENCY

Vertcal temperature asymmetry <9oF temperature asymmetry <18oF

++ Horizontal + + + + + + + +++ + ++ +

EMERGY

Comfort Range for Radiant Asymmetry + + + + + + + + + + + + +++ + + +

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

POWER OPERATED SYSTEMS

10’-0” 1’-6”

PEX System and Parameters

Capillary Mats and Parameters

Cross linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing

Capillary mats provide a simple solution

Concrete Embedded A slab-embeded system is the most

efficient means of creating a power

underneath

operated thermal mass. Loops of tubing

connect zones of tubing (300Lft max

drywall, plaster or concrete. Water is

are layed before the slab is poured,

each) to a central control system. PEX

transfered through 1/16” diameter tubes

allowing the concrete to act as the

heating can be easily integrated into hot

spaced 1/8” apart. Because of their close

thermal

water systems, is quieter than forced air,

spacing, capillary mats have faster

embedded system, it is important to

and can be re-zoned as program

reaction times and higher efficiency.

pressure test the system to identify leaks

is a flexible material used in hydronic

heating systems. Manifolds are used to

embedding

changes.

retrofitting

existing

thin

mats

buildings

mass.

When

before the pour is made.

installing

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL

Similar to concrete, masonry embedded

Much like a concrete structured

In a typical wood framed building,

systems act as an efficient thermal

building, steel frame construction allows

access to the joist space and wal cavities

mass, holding an average of 25BTU/ft

3 .

the use of embedded tubing in concrete

allows for radiant systems to be installed

F, compared to concreteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity of

finished surfaces. Using this shallow

using either aluminum heat transfer

include

pour method requires a minimum of 3/4â&#x20AC;?

plates or plaster embeded tubing. Wood

brick, stone, tile, slate, terrazzo and

of concrete above the highest point of

typically holds 10-20BTU/ft3

marble. Control/expansion joints, and

the tubing. Aluminum panels can also be

floors via overpours or paneling are other

crack supression techniques required.

used as heat transfer plates.

means of creating a thermal surface.

30BTUs.

Efficient

mateirals

. o

F. Finish

EMERGY

Wood Frame

DAY LIGHT

Steel Frame

AGENCY

Masonry Embedded

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

THERMAL ENVELOPE The thermal envelope is one of the most important components of a building to consider

when trying to minimize energy consumption in

cold climates. The axonometric section details to the right exemplify the best practices in thermal envelope design. The section details may be characterized as representative of either massive (masonry, concrete) structure

or frame (wood, steel, glass) structure. Additionally, we have selected examples of concrete, and wood.

different enclosure material systems: glass,

Finally, the selected

examples demonstrate different levels of

complexity in the building envelope.

2 5 1

Radiant hydronic tubing

Rigid Insulatiion

Framed, thermally broken glazing

1 3

system

Air-entrained lightweight concrete

Concrete

Power-operated ventilated cavity

Glue-laminated timber wall

Kunsthaus Bregenz

Gotz Headquarters

Bregenz, Austria

Wurzburg, Germany

Architect: Peter Zumthor

Architect: Webler + Geissler Architects

1 3

5 3 5

HYDROLOGIES

ENVELOPES

3 1

THERMAL

House in Chur

Housing for Kripalu Center Yoga and Health

Private House

Chur, Switzerland

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Architect: Heinz and Nikolaus Bienefeld

Architect: Patrick Gartmann

Architect: Peter Rose and Partners AGENCY

DAY LIGHT

EMERGY

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS Hydronic radiant systems pump heated fluid from a storage tank

The simplest way to link energy systems to hydronic heating

through tubing within the active surfaces. Individual thermostat

is to pump the heat transfer fluid from the solar collector or

regulates the flow of heated water, ideally regulated between

geothermal loop directly through the tubing in the thermal

62 -79 F, per the Batiso System . Thermal energy systems allow

surfaces. This system can however be difficult to control, and

the fluid to be preheated using direct solar gain via solar-thermal

cause over/under heating. A regulator can be installed to control

panels, or solar heat stored within the earth via geothermal

the temperature fluxuation. Other systems pump the heated

systems.

liquid into a storage tank, passing through a heat exchanger to

transfer the energy to to water in a traiditional hot water tank. This water is also able to be pumped directly through the energy systems, without using a heat exchanger.

New England

CONVENTIONAL AIR CONDITIONING

Building Bioclimatic Chart

100%

80% 60%

COMFORT VENTILATION

40%

THERMAL COMFORT ZONE

INTERNAL GAINS

20% JUL

PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SOLAR

AUG JUN

CONVENTIONAL HEATING

CONVENTIONAL AIR CONDITIONING HIGH THERMAL MASS WITH NIGHT VENTILATION

MAY

SEP APR

OCT

MAR JAN

ºF

10º

20º

FEB

DEC

30º

40º

50º

GROUND TEMP

60º

70º

80º

90º

HIGH THERMAL MASS

100º

110º

120º

HYDROLOGIES

Geothermal | Ground Loop

Geothermal | Well

Average % of Daylight Hours** Chart 1

Monthly Insolation**Chart (BTUs per ft2) 1

60000

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

“Heating, cooling, lighting: sustainable design methods for architect” Untitled 1 US Department of Energy, Robert Lechner, John Wiley & Sons, 2009.

53446

40487

Ground Depth Temperatures** 0

Feb

Nov

Mar

15’

70ºF

Aug

30’

45’ Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct NovDec **

“Buildings Energy Data Book, 1.1.4: 2006. Untitled 1 http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/Charts.aspx

50ºF

AGENCY

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

- well depths specific to site 54746 57313 59279 - geothermal pilings

43841

EMERGY

- trenches dug 182086’-8’ deep 24637 37311 - average soil temperatures*: - 37o | very cold o 60 - 45 62 | cold 66 64 - 52o | moderately cold - ideal heat sink for cooling needs

DAY LIGHT

- approximate required panel size: (per person)* - 35ft2 | very cold 2 cold 58 - 25ft | 58 58 58 - 15ft2 | moderately cold

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

Solar-thermal

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

THERMAL LOAD PROFILES The relationship between a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program and thermal design is critical to understanding its thermal performance. Thermal loads may be divided into two broad categories: envelopedominated loads, and internally-dominated loads.

These categories help the architect

prioritize and focus their design strategy. In an envelope-dominated building, such as a single-family home, the thermal envelope should be robust and carefully detailed to minimize thermal bridging. Another strategy to reduce thermal transfer is to minimize surface area. The igloo is an example of a envelopedominated building in which the maximum interior volume is provided with the minimum envelope surface area, thereby reducing heat 40

an office building, the primary source of heat

is people, lighting and equipment, so much so

Paul Oliver, Dwellings (New York: Phaidon, 2007), 25

Electrical load

Heating load

Residential:

Commercial:

-Envelope-dominated thermal load

-Internally-dominated thermal load

-Load curve peaks in the morning and

-Load curve peaks in the early afternoon

evening

-Highly variable over course of day

11:00

12:00

9:00

8:00

Time of Day

10:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

4:00

3:00

2:00

1:00

12:00

9:00

11:00

8:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

1:00

11:00

12:00

9:00

8:00

10:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

4:00

3:00

2:00

1:00

12:00

9:00

11:00

8:00

10:00

Time of Day

10:00

effectively transfer that heat elsewhere.

7:00

6:00

year, and then implementing strategies to

5:00

over the course of a day, week, season and

4:00

3:00

2:00

to understand how the thermal load changes

1:00

4:00

winter. The challenge in these instances is

3:00

2:00

that in some cases cooling is needed even in

Energy Load

In an internally-dominated building, such as

Energy Load

loss.1

HYDROLOGIES ENVELOPES THERMAL 30

Mission Critical:

Assembly Space:

-Internally-dominated thermal load

-Load curve peaks in the early afternoon

-Load curve peaks tend to occur in morning, noon, or evening,

-Consistent load level

depending on facility, and are highly variable over the course of the day

AGENCY

12:00

9:00

11:00

8:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

4:00

10:00

Time of Day

3:00

2:00

1:00

12:00

9:00

11:00

10:00

8:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

4:00

3:00

1:00

11:00

12:00

9:00

8:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

10:00

Time of Day

4:00

3:00

2:00

1:00

12:00

9:00

11:00

10:00

8:00

1:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

4:00

3:00

DAY LIGHT

2:00

EMERGY

Energy Load

2:00

Energy Load

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

PROGRAMMATIC TYPES By

analyzing

historical

building

types,

Detached Residential

“Hotel” Confgurations

envelope design, programming, infrastructure and power operated, structural, and renewable energy systems, contemporary building types in the northeast have a variety of thermally active surface design parameters that should be matched to fit these standard types. The following building typologies (research/lab, manufacturing, residential, “hotel” and office tower) each have varying programmatic needs and typical construction methods, as well as energy requirements, which lend themselves

Heat Production: LOW

- Envelope dominated thermal load

- Cellular program spaces

- Envelope dominated thermal load

to a unique combination of strategies for appropriate and effective thermal surface

- Mixed use program Construction Method:

Construction Method:

- Wood frame, masonry

- Concrete, Steel Frame, Masonry

Structural System

Design Recommendations:

- Create tight thermal envelope to minimize heat loss and energy use.

- Utilize direct gain or trombe wall strategies for cellular program needs.

- Solar thermal integration is more efficient than photovoltaics in the Northeast.

- Integrate geothermal wells into pilings

Power Operated System

design.

Renewable Energy System

Manufacturing

HYDROLOGIES

Office Towers

- Open plan with centralized services

- Spatial flexibility and adaptability

- Internally dominated thermal load

- Internal and external thermal loads

- Envelope dominated thermal load

Construction Method:

- Concrete, Steel Frame, Masonry

- Steel Frame, Concrete

- Masonry, Steel Frame

Design Recommendations:

- Use thermal mass as heat sink to absorb heat during day and release at night.

- Integrate geothermal wells into pilings

- Capture excess heat from manufacturing

- Avoid direct gain by use of trombe wall or sunspace strategies on perimeter.

- Cature heat from mixed-use programming

- Utilize ground loop geothermal as heat sink

- Control direct gain into open floor plan

- Allow and control direct gain to interior to use structure as heat source.

EMERGY

Heat Production: HIGH

- Open plan with centralized services

DAY LIGHT

Heat Production: MODERATE/HIGH

- Controllable thermal environment.

AGENCY

Heat Production: MODERATE

THERMAL

ENVELOPES

Research/Lab Facilities

URBAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

THERMAL INFRASTRUCTURE

PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE PILE space, which could be treated as geothermal

fields and utilized as a heat source/sink. Here,

we have analyzed the Back Bay neighborhood

to demonstrate the thermal potential in the

city.

“Open Space Plan 2002-2006: Appendix 2,” Boston Parks and Recreation Department, accessed October 24, 2010. http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/openspace_doc.asp

THERMAL

-119 acres of open space -66.75 billion Btu potential EMERGY

Back Bay

DAY LIGHT

GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL

-6290 acres of open space1 -3.5 trillion Btu potential there remains a significant amount of open

AGENCY

300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’ 300’

Boston Even in a densely developed city like Boston, ENVELOPES

HYDROLOGIES

heat retention through super-insulated thermal envelopes and thermally massive structures - a static strategy inasmuch as buildings are static. However, the thermal environment is dynamic, composed of active heat sources and heat sinks. Framed this way, one may find opportunities - synergies - between programmatic elements. At right and below is a hypothetical commercial/residential mixed-use project. The residential function benefits at night from a shared thermal plane charged by the commercial use during the day. 40

Residential

Commercial

Energy Load

Average

Electrical 7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

6:00

7:00

12:00

5:00

6:00

11:00

4:00

5:00

Time of Day

12:00

3:00

4:00