NEXUM ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

ARCH 331 Environmental Controls I

PROFESSOR Eric Watson

FALL 2022

After the Climate Consultant analysis for Chicago, Illinois, the most optimal strategy for this structure is a combination of both passive solar shading and passive solar direct gain low mass. The middle third of the building contains a system of ramps enclosed by exterior walls with glazing and a louver system. This x-shaped louver system is designed utilizing Grasshopper scripts with specific times and dates of sun angles. Considering the ramp system is at the center of the building, it comes equipped with lowmass thermal floors to absorb solar radiation and keep the building warm during the winter season. From the thermal floors, heat is released at night through the open middle portion of the building. Shading is provided by the louver system as seen on the diagram, reducing the solar intake during the summer season and keeping the building cool.