Slip House Environmental Analysis by Rhiannon Laurie

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AA E+E ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY STUDIES PROGRAMME ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE MSc/MArch SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 2013-2014 AUTHORSHIP DECLARATION FORM TERM 1 PROJECT: URBAN CASE STUDIES TITLE: SLIP HOUSE NUMBER OF WORDS: 10168 STUDENT NAMES: GEORGINA CAMPBELL EDITH GONZÁLEZ RHIANNON LAURIE MARYIAM ZAKIAH DECLARATION: “I CERTIFY THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ENTIRELY OUR OWN WORK AND THAT ANY QUOTATION OR PARAPHRASE FROM THE PUBLISHED OR UNPUBLISHED WORK OF OTHERS IS DULY ACKNOWLEDGED.”

SIGNATURES:

DATE: 13_01_2014

LIVE WORK SLIP HOUSE TOWARDS A NEW TERRACE HOUSE PROTOTYPE

SUMMARY This Sustainable Environmental Design MSc / MArch Graduate Programme Term 1 Urban Case Study is an analysis of the Slip House by Carl Turner Architects, a three story, detached, mixed use property wrapped in a translucent glass skin. Located in Brixton, south London, the project was designed to act as a prototype for sustainable, flexible, live/work terraced housing. The following report dissects the project’s claim of being a “prototype” by testing various objectives the prototype is designed to achieve. The house is able to attain a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, which proves that in terms of the overall carbon footprint, the house had clearly reached a level of sustainability, due to the building systems used within the house. The focus of the report was therefore, understanding how the building performed in terms of function, comfort and program as well as which aspects could further contribute to the sustainability of the project. The house functions as a flexible workspace for the occupants while reducing the energy that would otherwise be used on a commute. The adaptability, in terms of space, for a project of its small size, is impressive due to its open plan and mobile rotating furniture. The first floor provides a stable thermal environment for the bedrooms and the second floor is a bright, naturally lit space with access to a roof terrace above overlooking the London skyline. Greater exposure on the second floor means that temperature fluctuates the most, but during the day it receives the most solar gains. In terms of both thermal and lighting performance, it was determined that the ground floor office space does not achieve an environment required to create optimal working conditions. Although the current occupants are satisfied with the functionality of the building, the adaptability or control of the space, regarding lighting and temperature, available to each occupant, does not reach its full potential.

The slipped or stepped form of the house creates unbalanced light levels on the ground floor, which is the primary workspace and therefore should be the area with the most balanced and effective light levels for working. Poor placement of the translucent envelope emphasizes this imbalance more by blocking the entirety of the ground floor east facing windows. The architect informed us that there were some teething problems regarding heating and that, in a house as airtight as the Slip House, it is hard to resist the temptation of opening a window instead of letting the house regulate itself. The house is fully glazed from floor to ceiling on both the east and west facades. The translucent glass envelope covers half the area of the windows, which obstructs any solar gains from entering. The house therefore has an unnecessarily large glazing to floor ratio, leaving a larger area for heat gains to escape. Skylights above both the primary workspace and kitchen area create potential for overheating in summer months. Compared to the average UK home, the energy performance of the house is far above that of its Victorian neighbours and the solar panels on the roof create more than enough power to run the house year round. As an exemplary sustainable, live/work housing model, the Slip House performs very well. However, it is less effective as a prototype for terraced housing. The Slip House is a three story detached office and home, and its glass envelope, beside providing an interesting aesthetic, disregards the possibility of adjoining properties in the future without having to remove it. Overall as a “prototype”, or experiment, for sustainable housing the Slip House has been very successful. For these particular occupants, the house acts as a live-in laboratory in which the effects of its design can be observed first hand. It is an enduring source of anecdotal and empirical evidence that can be used to test the various strategies employed in the Slip House to promote sustainability.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

2. OVERVIEW

FIELDWORK

SITE WEATHER DATA SITE HISTORY

OUTDOOR ANALYSIS

_CARL TURNER: OWNER / ARCHITECT CONCLUSIONS MALE 30-39

LITERATURE

“WE MOST LIKELY SHOULD HAVE PUT THE OFFICE AT THE OTHER END OF THE ROOM SO THERE IS LESS GLA

BUILDING

“MORE LIGHT COMES IN THROUGH THE MEETING ROOM AREA WHEN WE ROTATE THE FLEXIBLE PARTITION.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

FIELDWORK LIGTHING STUDIES THERMAL STUDIES MATERIALITY 1ST FLOOR -TEMPERATURE DATAENERGY LIGHTING ANALYSIS CURRENT PARAMETRIC STUDIES CONCLUSIONS THERMAL ANALYSIS CURRENT PARAMETRIC STUDIES CONCLUSIONS THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER

SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER

TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER

27 40 51 WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER

THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

2ND FLOOR 1ST FLOOR GROUND FLOOR

8. APPENDICES

7. REFERENCES

6. EPILOGUE

SOLAR RADIATION

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 3

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 4

5. CONCLUSIONS

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE

COMFORT ZONE

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

SUMMARY

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

CONTENT

ANALYSIS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Firstly we would like to thank and acknowledge Simos Yannas, the director of the MSc/March SED Masters programme and the rest of the programme teaching staff and visiting lecturers. Their guidance and input have been invaluable in putting together this report. We would like to thank Carl Turner, the architect and resident of Slip House and his wife Mary for allowing us into their home in order to perform measurements and assessments. We would also like to thank all the employees of Carl Turner Architects for offering up their time to perform interviews and complete questionnaires. With special mention of Lucy Norfield for providing us with drawings, bills and other useful information with regard to Slip House. Finally we would like to thank all our classmates for their assistance and encouragement throughout this project.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 11 2. OVERVIEW 2.1 SITE 13 2.2 LITERATURE 16 2.3 BUILDING 18 3. OUTDOOR STUDIES 3.1 OUTDOOR SPACES 23 3.2 SOLAR ANALYSIS 24 3.3 WIND ANALYSIS 25 4. INDOOR STUDIES 4.1 FIELDWORK 27 4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS 40 4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS 50 5. CONCLUSIONS 65 6. EPILOGUE 67 7. REFERENCES 69 8.APPENDICES 71

1. INTRODUCTION

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

INTRODUCTION This report is a culmination of research and analysis performed as part of the SED Term 1 urban case study project. The project was used as a means to apply tools taught during the first semester course. Measurements and simulations of both the indoor and outdoor environment were performed of the case study and conclusions were drawn from the results gained. The project chosen was Slip House, designed and built by Carl Turner Architects, a terrace prototype for flexible live/work typologies. Situated in Brixton, South London the house is designed to be one of the most energy efficient and sustainable homes in the UK. Annual weather conditions in London were interrogated to contextualize the project in its environment, determining what the critical aspects of this specific climate are and how they influence building performance. As an initial study into the case all literature, both published and online, was reviewed. This helped give a general overview of the project, as well as clearly defined its most significant aspects. From this a research agenda was loosely established. In order to firmly define the research agenda contact was made with the architect to set up visits to the house. In total three visits were made to the site during which measurements were recorded, observations performed and interviews undertaken. From the knowledge gained during these visits, it was decided that the study should focus on the thermal and daylighting conditions on the top and bottom floor of the building, as these floors had the highest daytime occupancy and the most diverse conditions. Further analysis of the daylighting conditions in the building was then performed using Ecotect as a simulation tool. This helped in determining how daylighting in the building is expected to perform under varying sky conditions. From this, parametric studies were carried out in order to determine how altering certain aspects of the current design impact on daylighting. Thus informed conclusions about the daylighting within the structure could be determined. TAS simulations were then used to perform a more detailed thermal analysis of the house. Cases with various outdoor weather conditions were simulated in order to project how the building performs throughout the year. Certain parameters of the design were then adapted, to determine how they impact on both indoor thermal conditions and heating load. From these results interesting and meaningful conclusions about thermal conditions in the building were reached. The following report outlines the detailed investigation, analysis and the conclusions that were drawn from the above process.

2.1 SITE

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

2.1.1 SITE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Slip House is located at 16 Clapham Park Terrace Lyham Road, Brixton, which is part of the Borough of Lambeth. This area is in the south of London and is predominantly residential with the typology of home generally being a traditional Victorian terrace. The Slip House itself is situated on an eastfacing road amongst traditional terraced homes and occupies one of four adjacent empty plots along the road. In terms of public transport the Slip House is located between the Brixton and Clapham Common Tube station and is approximately an 8-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk to each of these stations. Co-ordinates: 51°27’23’’N 0°7’42W Plot size: 122.5m2

SLIP HOUSE

FIG 2.1.1 Map of Aerial view of London, showing the location of the building. (Source: Google Maps)

2.1 SITE

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

SITE The site was previously deemed a brownfield site being part the garden of an old derelict house. The architect purchased the property and subdivided the garden in order to develop the site.

FIG 2.1.2 View of site, showing the sorroundings and its landmarks. (Source: Google Maps).

2. OVERVIEW

2.1 SITE

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

2.1.2 SITE CLIMATE

LATITUDE: 51° 27'23"N

LATITUDE: 51.47

Weather data Recorded weather data was collected from http://wunderground.com and used in fieldwork studies. The weather station accessed was IENGLAND358, located approximately 2km from Slip House. Meteonorm 7.0 was used to access annual weather data for the London area used for Ecotect and TAS simulations. Weather Station: London Gatwick LONGITUDE: -.12

SLIP HOUSE CLAPHAM PARK TERRACE LYHAM ROAD, BRIXTON LONDON, UK. SW2 5EA

Comfort band The annual weather data was then used to calculate an adaptive comfort band for the London climate. The ASHRAE 55 equation was selected to calculate the comfort band as this presented a comfort band that was closest to that of the occupants. The equation is presented below:

LONGITUDE: 0° 7'42"W

Tn = 17.8 + 0.32Tm

WEATHER STATION IENGLAND358

Where; Tn = The comfort temperature according to ASHRAE 55 (°C) Tm = The monthly mean temperature (°C)

FIG 2.1.3 Aerial view of London showing the location of the building and the closest weather station. (Source: Google Maps)

26%

27%

33%

29%

31%

36%

32%

38%

31%

27%

31%

44%

43%

41%

39%

38%

43%

45%

37%

47%

45%

42%

28%

31%

32%

28%

33%

26%

21%

23%

25%

22%

28%

27%

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

-4

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m2)

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

28%

Sky Conditions Satel-lite was then used to analyse and determine sky conditions used in daylighting simulations and predictions. It was found that the London sky is predominantly overcast or partly cloudy while sunny skies are experienced only 31% of the year. From this a best case sunny sky condition of 77 800 Lux that is exceeded for only 5% of the year was established, with the worst case overcast sky of 3000 Lux being exceeded for 85% of the year.

FIG 2.1.4 Graph showing the annual weather and sky conditions in London. (Source: Satel-Light)

2.2 LITERATURE

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

FIG 2.3.1 Chart showing some of the literature consulted. (Source: Various)

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

2.2 LITERATURE

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

LITERATURE AND PRIZES The Slip House has featured in multiple architectural literature sources where it is praised as being one of the most sustainable and energy efficient homes in the UK. It also appeared on an episode of Grand Designs in which the design and building of the home were documented. One of the aspects of the Slip House that appears often in the literature is that it is designed to be a prototype for terrace design and flexible urban living.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

In December 2013 the Slip House was awarded the RIBA one off architect of the year and was acclaimed by the judges as being the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;single most accomplished residence submittedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

FIG 2.3.1 Word diagram of the most frequently used words, in the literature studied. The slip house being a prototype for the future terrace typology is a common trend.

2.3 BUILDING

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

CARL TURNER ARCHITECTS Carl turner Architects is a small London-based firm that was formed in 2006. They aim to develop ‘high impact, low cost architecture’ that specifically focuses on sustainability. Many of their projects are residential however they are also interested in live/work typologies and their role in greater society. FORM Three slipped volumes placed on top of each other form Slip House. The slipped form gives a sculptural aesthetic to the building and is aimed at being a comment on how the building is ‘slipping’ away from a traditional terracing typology. EXTERIOR The majority of the façades of the Slip House are covered by tempered glass U-channels giving the home a striking aesthetic that contrasts to the surrounding buildings. The glass u-channels also help to disguise and provide privacy to the roof terrace. FIG 2.3.1 Diagram showing the main idea behind the form of the building. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

FIG 2.3.2 Exterior view of the building. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

2.3 BUILDING

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

PROGRAM The slip house, made up of three floors, is a live/work typology where the ground floor is an open plan architecture office. The middle floor is the private space and comprises of two bedrooms and a bathroom. The top floor is a living and kitchen space. There is also a terrace placed on the roof used by residents of the house.

LIVIN LIVIN G G

GROUND FLOOR -STUDIO WORKSPACE- 80M2

WOR WOR KING KING

FIRST FLOOR -BED ROOMS- 56M2

SECOND FLOOR -LIVING SPACE- 56M2

FIG 2.3.4 3d section of the house showing the programmatic layout.

THIRD FLOOR -ROOF TERRACE- 56M2

FIG 2.3.3 Floor plans of the house. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

2.3 BUILDING

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

FIG 2.3.6 Terrace. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

FIG 2.3.7 Kitchen/Living room. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

FIG 2.3.8 West bedroom. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

INTERIOR LAYOUT AND MATERIALITY The interior of slip house is open plan with no structural elements placed within interior spaces allowing for greater flexibility. Light and reflective surfaces have been used throughout and a minimalist interior design approach has been adopted. The interiors of the house are minimalist and monotonous. The interior walls throughout the house are white-painted, having a high reflectance. The floors and ceiling are exposed concrete slabs, without any carpets. All the furniture in the house is crafted out of birchwood and has highly reflecting surfaces. Most of the utility is enclosed in the cupboards, thus making the interiors look very uncluttered and clean.

FIG 2.3.5 Floor diagrams. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

FIG 2.3.9 Office space. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

2.3 BUILDING

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

GREEN SYSTEMS There are many green systems integrated into the design of Slip House in order for it to achieve greater sustainability, these include:

SKYLIGHT

-Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) panels placed on the roof terrace that are connected to the grid and provide hot water and energy for the home.

PHOTOVOLTAIC THERMAL PANELS

-A ground source heat pump that is integrated into the pile foundations and connects to an under floor heating system. The heating system works on a cyclic routine heating one floor at a time and only comes into operation if internal temperatures fall below 21°C.

ELECTRICITY OUTPUT 1147 KWh/YEAR

-Rain water harvesting system (2700 Litre capacity) that makes use of the green roofs and provides water for domestic use. SKYLIGHT RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM STORAGE CAPACITY 2700 L. MEETS 80 L/DAY WATER CONSUMPTION

GREEN ROOF

-A mechanical vent heat recovery (MVHR) system with 95% efficiency in order to help reduce heating needs in winter months. CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES Designed to meet CSH Level 5 (but not certified), Slip House shows what can be achieved when both passive design and active renewable technologies are thoughtfully incorporated into a design from the outset. The Code for Sustainable Homes is an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes. It is a national standard for use in the design and construction of new homes with a view to encouraging continuous improvement in sustainable home building (Code for Sustainable Homes, Technical Guide 2010). In order to achieve The Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 there are two key areas that need to be achieved.

TYPICAL

LEVEL 5 CSH

102

LEVEL 6 CSH

TYPICAL

LEVEL 5 CSH

114

102

FIG 2.1.11 Section showing the green systems utilized in the house. FIG 2.1.12 Code for sustainable home chart, showing the different ratings and the level achieved by a typical terrace house and the Slip House. (Source: Code for sustainable homes)

LEVEL 6 CSH

112

1: There needs to be a 100% reduction in CO2. This measurement is based on the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER), which is the estimated carbon dioxide emissions in kg per m2 per annum arising from energy used for the heating, hot water and lighting of the actual dwelling, over the Target Emission Rate (TER), which is the maximum emission rate permitted by building regulations. 2: 84 credits need to be achieved in total from within the 9 assessment categories of sustainable design: • Energy and CO2 Emissions • Water • Materials • Surface Water Run-off • Waste • Pollution • Health and Wellbeing • Management • Ecology Within these categories there are mandatory sections that must be achieved such as the potable water usage allowed for each dwelling.

3.1 OUTDOOR SPACES

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

LEISURE

EMPLOYEES & OWNERS

LEISURE

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

PARKING AREA & TRANSITIONAL SPACE

OWNERS GENERAL Outdoor Studies The outdoor spaces on the property of Slip House comprise of three separate areas. The first area being a parking space on the eastern side of the property, it is a graveled area and is situated in front of the main entrance to Slip House. Apart from acting as a parking area it also functions as an area utilized for rainwater harvesting. The next outdoor space is the roof terrace a 56m2 area that covers the entire roof of the top floor. It serves as a useful space for placement of the PVT panels as well as an outdoor space for the residents. Although being private, as it is contained by the glass u-channels, it also provides interesting views of the city. Finally, there is a small outdoor area placed adjacent to the office on the western side of Slip House. Bound by a fence, this area offers the office workers a private outdoor space for their breaks. However, when interviewing the workers it was found that this space is very rarely utilized.

FIG. 3.3.1 Diagram showing the different outdoor spaces in the house.

3.2 SOLAR ANALYSIS

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

Summer Solstice In the morning hours, the front/eastern façade of the building is exposed to the sun, however, the form of the building means that the overhangs shade part of the first and ground floor façade. At noon, when the sun is at its peak the roof terrace is almost completely exposed to solar radiation as is the southern façade. In the afternoon the western façade receives radiation while the eastern façade comes under shadow. The outdoor space situated on the west of the building only receives solar radiation from midday onwards however, is partly shaded by the tree in the neighboring property. Winter Solstice In the morning only a small proportion of the eastern façade receives solar radiation as neighbouring buildings overshadow it due to the sun being so low. While at noon a greater proportion of light falls on the buildings southern, eastern and western facades, portions of these areas are still overshadowed by neighbouring properties. Finally in the afternoon, only a small portion of the top floor is exposed to solar radiation. Throughout the day both the roof terrace and Western outdoor space are overshadowed in the winter. Equinox In the morning most of the eastern façade receives solar radiation, while the western façade is completely exposed in the afternoon. The southern façade of the building receives solar radiation throughout majority of the day. The area of the roof terrace receives solar radiation throughout the day with patches of overshadowing. The western outdoor area is overshadowed in the morning, however, receives solar radiation from midday onwards but is partially shaded by the tree in the neighbouring garden. Throughout the year the northern façade of the building is cast in shadow. FIG. 3.2.1 Annual sun path for the site. (Source: Ecotect)

FIG. 3.2.2 Exterior sun patch diagram south west view at different times of the year. (Source: Ecotect)

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

3.3 WIND ANALYSIS

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

Using Winair plugin in Ecotect, the prevalent wind direction was found out to be South-west, exceeding 400 hours annually. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to analyze the wind speed during a typical summer and winter day, and it was observed that the Wind speed ranges from 0 to 1 m/s at the ground level, increasing towards the street and forming a micro-wind tunnel effect. The height of the terraces, forming an Urban Canyon, can be seen as the major reason for this effect. This can be observed in the CFD Flow Rate Analysis.

FIG. 3.3.1 Air flow vector simulation of the site. (Source: Ecotect)

FIG. 3.3.2 Prevailing wind direction. (Source: Ecotect)

CONCLUSIONS The Slip House is a fairly insular project with three main outdoor spaces integrated into the design. High walls surround all three spaces that reduce the impact of wind and increase privacy. These areas are infrequently inhabited for recreational use, however, serve well as functional spaces for parking, storing bikes, rainwater harvesting and PVT cell placement.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK In order to gain a more holistic understanding of the environmental conditions within Slip House, multiple visits were made to the building. During these visits, both observations including interviews and equipment audits were undertaken as well as lighting and thermal measurements.

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

_CARL TURNER: OWNER / ARCHITECT MALE 30-39 “WE MOST LIKELY SHOULD HAVE PUT THE OFFICE AT THE OTHER END OF THE ROOM SO THERE IS LESS GLARE ON OUR SCREENS”

_OWNER FEMALE 50-59

“MORE LIGHT COMES IN THROUGH THE MEETING ROOM AREA WHEN WE ROTATE THE FLEXIBLE PARTITION...” “WE HAD TO GET USED TO LETTING THE HOUSE REGULATE THE TEMPERATURES ON ITS OWN DURING WINTER, WITHOUT JUST OPENING A WINDOW...”

“WE WANTED THE HOUSE TO BE VERY MINIMALIST. ALL OF OUR CLUTTER IS HIDDEN AWAY BEHIND SLIDING PLYWOOD DOORS”

“IN SUMMER WE OPEN WINDOWS AND LET THE BREEZE COOL US DOWN.”

_EMPLOYEE MALE 30-39

2ND FLOOR 8:30 - 10:30

1ST FLOOR 10:30 - 11:30

“OUR BOSS IS THE ONLY ONE WHO ALTERS THE THERMOSTAT...”

INTERVIEWS

As an initial step to the fieldwork, interviews were performed with both the residents of Slip House, as well as the office workers. This helped in both establishing the routine of the occupants within the building and their attitude towards the building. The routine that was established was that the couple that occupy the top two floors are generally absent for most weekday daylight hours. The wife leaves the building for work while her husband goes downstairs to the ground floor office. In the evening they then spend a few hours on the top floor before retiring to their bedrooms in the middle floor. On the ground/office floor occupancy increases to 3-5 people during weekday working hours and is generally empty for the rest of the time.

OFFICE WORK

GROUND F. 9 :30 - 7:30

“WHEN I FEEL COLD, I JUST PUT MY JUMPER ON...”

FIG. 4.1.1 Diagram showing some thoughts of the occupants and their occupancy patterns.

1ST FLOOR 7:30 - 8:30

BED TIME

BREAKFAST

_EMPLOYEE FEMALE 20-29

2ND FLOOR 9 :30 - 7:30

MORNING ROUTINE

OUT 1ST FLOOR 9 :30 - 7:30

DINNER

“IN THE AFTERNOON I GET GLARE ON MY COMPUTER SCREEN...”

EVENING ROUTINE

“EVERYONE CAN HEAR US ON THE PHONE AND ITS GETS QUITE LOUD & ECHOEY...”

From resident interviews it was found that the residents, being the designers of the home, are very proud of their home and seem to enjoy living there. They expressed that while there were teething pains experienced when first moving in, especially during winter months, that this was part of the experience of living in a ‘green’ home and was worth the sacrifice. In general, interviews with the office workers showed that they are happy with the working environment. However, some issues were expressed when it came to glare on computer screens and a lack of control over the environment as the boss/home owner is the only one who is able to control the thermostat. Another problem that was noted was that due to the minimalist design of the space and exposed cement floors it seems to create a loud and echoey atmosphere that can be quite awkward.

4.1 FIELDWORK

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

ADAPTIVE OPPORTUNITIES Working area

Adaptive opportunities in the working space include the following: •Large openable window for ventilation •Rotatable LED ceiling lights •Ceiling to floor blinds on glazed windows •Access to an outdoor area •Access to hot drinks and snacks as there is a kitchenette •A rotating partition which is able to alter how the space is organized

8 ROTATING LED LIGHTS

NO BLINDS ON SKYLIGHT

Some limitations to the adaptive opportunities in the working area are that no independent desk lighting exists, both the window with skin and the skylight have no blinds and the boss is the only person who controls the thermostat. Due to the heating system being very sensitive opening of the sliding windows is discouraged during the heating season.

CEILING TO FLOOR BLIND NO BLINDS ON WINDOWS WITH SKIN

“OPEN” LACK OF CONTROL OF THERMOSTAT

view through partition

LARGE SLIDING WINDOWS FOR VENTILATION

ACCESS TO OUTDOOR SPACE

“CLOSED”

NO DESK LIGHTING

partition blocks view ROTATING PARTITION

FIG. 4.1.2 Diagram of the rotating space partition found in the working area.

FIG. 4.1.3 Picture showing the adaptive opportunities found in the working space. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

ACCESS TO HOT DRINKS AND SNACKS

8. APPENDICES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

8 ROTATING LED LIGHTS NO BLINDS ON SKYLIGHT

NO BLINDS ON WINDOWS WITH SKIN

Living area

GLASS SCREEN DIFFUSES LIGHT FROM SKYLIGHT

Adaptive opportunities in the living space include the following: • Large openable windows for ventilation • Rotatable LED ceiling lights • Ceiling to floor blinds on glazed windows • An open-plan flexible design A limitation to the adaptive opportunities in the living area is that the skylights and windows with no skin do not have blinds.

LARGE SLIDING WINDOWS FOR VENTILATION

MINIMALIST DESIGN RESONATES SOUND

EXPOSED FLOOR RESONATES SOUND

FIG. 4.1.3 Picture showing the adaptive opportunities found in the living space. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

FIG. 4.1.3B Floor plan showign the second floor open plan.

4.1 FIELDWORK

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

“Zero carbon shimmering glass house” Carl Turner

“I will describe it as a beacon of light, because the glass is very important feature, and probably the major feature.” Owner

The Slip House has often been referred to as the ‘Glass House’ or the ‘Ice Cube House’, for using the Glass channels generously on the External Façade. This facade is created with Linit glass manufactured using an oxygen-fired melting furnace, which is currently the most ecologically sustainable method. LINIT channel shaped glass – an alkali-lime glass consisting mainly of sand, lime, soda and dolomite – is a special form of moulded glass. The glass channels have an individual optical character, which gives the effect of a lively, light-refracting glass façade. The U-profiled glass has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.81 W/m2K and thermal permeation resistance of 0.007 m2K/W. The Linit uncoated single glazed glass has a U-value of 5.7 W/m2K. The glass channel has been mostly used in large scale projects like museums, hospitals, shopping centres etc.

SLIP HOUSE: 208 m2 COVERED WITH U-CHANNEL GLASS 21% COVERING TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS 50% COVERING ENVELOPE

FIG. 4.1.4 Picture of the glass envelope used. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

FIG. 4.1.5 Diagram of the U channel glass envelope used in the project.

FIG. 4.1.6 Detail of the glass U- channels. (Source :Lamberts Lint)

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

MATERIALITY To meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, Slip House has an extremely highly insulated External Faรงade. The external walls on the longer axis on the ground and first floor have Phenolic insulation on both sides of the Prefab Structural wall, which also has a layer of mineral wool insulation. An air-tightness membrane protects the layers of insulation from being exposed to moisture. These walls achieve a U-value of 0.11 W/m2K. The U-channel Linit Glass covers more than half of the East and West Faรงade on all the floors and also covers the perimeter of the House on the Second Floor and continue untill the Parapet Level. The air-gap between the Glass Channels and the internal wall have a micro-trombe wall effect due to which the internal walls on the Second Floor have less insulation. These walls achieve a U-value of 0.18 W/m2K.

EXTERIOR

DECK

EXTERIOR

DECK

On the East and West Faรงade, there are Sliding Windows and Fixed Glazing. The Windows are triple glazed having a U-Value of 0.8 W/m2K, and the glazing has a U-value of 0.6 W/m2K. CONCRETE SLAB

All the internal floor slabs are pre-fab concrete slabs, having a U-value of 0.11 W/m2K, and the roof slab in combination with the wooden deck on the terrace achieves a U-value of 0.09 W/m2K.

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

CONCRETE SLAB

EXTERNAL WALL U-VALUE = .11 W/m2k

INTERIOR

INTERIOR EXTERNAL WALL U-VALUE = .09 W/m2k

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

U-CHANNEL GLASS RENDER BOARD

BREATHABLE MEMBRANE

RIGID INSULATION

STRUCTURAL WALL PANEL / MINERAL WOOL INSULATION

PLASTERBOARD

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW

MINERAL WOOL

AIR TIGHTNESS MEMBRANE

EXTERNAL WALL U-VALUE = .14 W/m2k

EXTERIOR

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW U-VALUE = .6 W/m2k

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

U-CHANNEL GLASS RENDER BOARD

BREATHABLE MEMBRANE

RIGID INSULATION

STRUCTURAL WALL PANEL / MINERAL WOOL INSULATION

PLASTERBOARD

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW

MINERAL WOOL

AIR TIGHTNESS MEMBRANE

EXTERNAL WALL U-VALUE = .11 W/m2k

FIG. 4.1.7 Diagram showing the U-Values of the different constructive elements.

TRANSLUCENT WALL U-VALUE = .6 W/m2k

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

ENERGY AUDIT

41%

8. APPENDICES

STRUCTURE

21% ENVELOPE

20%

An energy audit was performed to understand the energy consumption in the house and also to use this data later for Thermal simulations,. The various electrical equipments were mapped both in the office and living areas, and the occupants were questioned about their usage. It was observed that the lighting used in the house are mostly very energy efficient LED lights. The maximum appliances are in the office, because of the working stations, printers etc, followed by the living area which has heavy utility appliances like the refrigerator and washing machine. The total energy consumption in the house is about 4400 kWh/ year.

7. REFERENCES

28%

Embodied energy The Slip House produces its own energy using a Hybrid PV-T System. The PV-T system gives an electricity output of 1,147 kWh/year and the Solar Thermal Water heating has an output of 2,253 kWh/year.

6. EPILOGUE

18%

WINDOWS GLASS ENVELOPE

121,612 MJ

TOTAL ENERGY OF MATERIALS ATRIBUTED TO THE GLASS ENVELOPE

TRANSPORATION TO SITE

ENVELOPE

STRUCTURE

*PRODUCTION PHASE

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS

GLASS ENVELOPE

MATERIAL EXTRACTION WINDOWS 11180 MJ

TRANSPORTATION TO FACTORY

PRODUCT MANUFACTURING

41%

LAMBERT U CHANNEL GLASS

ENERGY ON TRANSPORTATION FOR WINDOWS

TRANSPORATION TO SITE

FIG. 4.1.8 Diagram showing the embodied energy calculated for the building.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

An energy audit was performed to understand the energy consumption in the house and also to use this data later for thermal simulations. The various electrical equipments were mapped both in the office and living areas, and the occupants were questioned about their usage. It was observed that the lighting used in the house are mostly very energy efficient LED lights. The maximum appliances are in the office, because of the working stations, printers etc, followed by the living area which has heavy utility appliances like the refrigerator and washing machine. The total energy consumption in the house is about 4400 kWh/year.

FRIDGE 50.4 kWh

OVEN/STOVE 6 kWh

HAIR DRYER 2.1 kWh

STRIP LIGHT .63 kWh

COFFEE MAKER 3.15 kWh

574 Kwh ENERGY USED WITHIN PROPERTY

COMPUTER 41.4 kWh

WASHING MACHINE 4 kWh

574 Kwh ENERGY EXPORTED TO GRID

KETTLE 6 kWh

KETTLE 4.4 kWh

SPEAKERS 1.4 kWh

LAPTOP .56 kWh

SPOT LIGHT 2.24 kWh

STAIR LIGHT .14 kWh

SPOT LIGHT .22 kWh

PRINTER .45 kWh

PHOTOCOPIER .45 kWh

RADIO .5 kWh

APPLE TIME MACHINE 1.55 kWh

STRIP LIGHT .1 kWh

SPOT LIGHT 2.88 kWh

STAIR LIGHT .01 kWh

2,253 kWh SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING OUTPUT

The Slip House produces its own energy using a Hybrid PV-T System. The PV-T system gives an electricity output of 1,147 kWh/year and the Solar Thermal Water heating has an output of 2,253 kWh/year.

4400 kWh

ENERGY SCHEME

FUSEBOX

1,147 kWh ELECTRICITY OUTPUT

FIG. 4.1.9 Diagram showing the annual energy consumption.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK LIGHTING MEASUREMENTS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

1ST FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

2ND FLOOR

Spot measurements were taken for lighting conditions within Slip House in order to gain a quantitative idea of how daylighting performs within the building. In total, twenty-one separate measurements were taken throughout the house on all floors, giving an understanding of how lighting levels fluctuate from space to space. Readings were taken on three separate days; 17th October, 24th October and the 31st of October all between 14h00 and 15h00. The ground floor office is the area in the house that is most critical in terms of lighting. As it is a workspace, a minimum lighting level of 300 Lux is expected (CIBSE guide) for optimum working conditions. In terms of natural day lighting, it was found that this requirement was not met in the majority of the office, however, office workers still seemed pleased with the lighting levels. It was also observed that the west side of the office was much brighter compared to the east due to the skylight bringing in extra natural light.

300 LUX

The top floor, being the most exposed to daylight, with east and west facing windows and two skylights, experienced the highest illuminance levels.

ILUMINANCE (LUX)

The middle floor had high variations in lighting levels as partitions inhibit natural light from entering deep into the plan. Daylighting however was not of great concern on this floor as it is very seldom occupied during daylight hours.

06 01

08 20.3º C

20.3º C

FIG. 4.1.10 Section illustrating the average iluminance levels (lux) during October

06 07

SITE VISIT 1 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

20.5º C

17.3º C

SITE VISIT 3 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

20.3º C

SITE VISIT 1 SPOT NUMBER 07 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

05 20.5º C

SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

1217.3º C

17 19

SITE VISIT 3 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

17 19

SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

SITE VISIT 1 02 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

SITE VISIT 3 SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER FIG. 4.1.11 Graph comparing the spot measurements different days in October, illustrating iluminance THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER taken 13 levels (lux). 03 on three 17.3º C 07 05 20.5º C

FIG. 4.1.12 Floor plans showing where the spot measuremenst were taken.

16 19

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.3 FIELDWORK GROUND FLOOR

1ST FLOOR

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

THERMAL MEASUREMENTS

2ND FLOOR

Spot measurements Spot measurements for the thermal conditions throughout the building were carried out on three separate visits; 17th October, 24th October and the 31st of October all between 14h00 and 15h00. Both air temperature and radiant temperature of the floor were recoded, these measurements helped give an idea of the thermal conditions within the building. The air temperature and radiant temperature were then combined to get the operative temperature using the following equation: To = (Tr+ Ta)/2

OPERATIVE TEMPERATURE (ºC)

Where; To = Operative temperature Tr = Radiant temperature Ta = Air temperature

20.3º C SITE VISIT 1 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

20.3ºSPOT C

20.3º C

SITE VISIT 1 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

20.5º C

NUMBER

SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

20.5º C

17.3º C

SITE VISIT 1 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

Calculating the operative temperature is useful in this case as air movement is minimal and it integrates both the effect of air temperature and radiant temperature on comfort. To do, this the calculated adaptive comfort band was then related to the results. It was found that all measurements expect one (spot 20) fell within the comfort band and thus the house is seen to be thermally comfortable. The outlying reading at spot 20 was ignored as it was caused by radiation directly hitting the floor at that point, forming a greater than 4K difference between the air temperature and radiant temperature thus giving an unmeaningful result.

SITE VISIT 3 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

SITE VISIT 3 SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER THURSDAY OCTOBERtaken on three different days FIG. 4.1.13 Graph comparing the spot24TH measurements in October, illustrating operative temperature (ºC) 17.3º C 20.5º C

17.3º C

SITE VISIT 3 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

FIG. 4.1.14 Floor plans showing the average temperatures in the house during October

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER

TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER

LIGHTS OFF

BLINDS DOWN

LOWER BLINDS

BLINDS UP LIGHTS ON EMPLOYEES ARRIVE SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 28 OCTOBER

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER

EMPLOYEES LEAVE

Data Loggers In order to further investigate thermal conditions within Slip House, six data loggers were placed throughout the house (two on each floor) for the week 24th-31st October. These loggers recorded both air temperature and humidity readings every five minutes.

GROUND FLOOR -TEMPERATURE DATA-

THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

8. APPENDICES

THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

2ND FLOOR 1ST FLOOR GROUND FLOOR

One day of this week, Monday 28th October, was then chosen to analyse how occupation and activity in the space relate to thermal conditions. It was found that temperatures are higher during the occupied daylight hours due to a combination of internal gains (occupants and equipment), under floor heating and solar gains. The blind on the west facing window is also utilized in the afternoon to help avoid discomfort from direct solar radiation.

DL2

23:00

22:00

21:00

20:00

18:00

19:00

17:00

16:00

15:00

14:00

13:00

12:00

11:00

10:00

9:00

8:00

7:00

6:00

1:00

The loggers on the ground floor were placed one close to the east side of the room and the other on the west side of the room. The temperatures recorded from both the loggers were very similar to each other showing uniformity in temperature throughout the space. Temperatures were relatively stable throughout the week with a maximum fluctuation of 2,5K and stayed within the adaptive comfort band throughout the period. It was also interesting to note that the indoor temperatures seemed to be independent and unaffected by varying outdoor conditions. Sudden increases in indoor temperatures were noticed in the mornings when the under floor heating is automatically switched on.

5:00

UNDER-FLOOR HEATING COMES ON IN THE MORNING

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

COMFORT ZONE

4:00

FIG. 4.1.15 Graph illustrating data obtained from data loggers placed on the ground floor.

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE

3:00

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 2

2:00

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 1

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

SOLAR RADIATION

DL1

FIG. 4.1.16 Graph illustrating data obtained from data loggers placed on the ground floor, in a single day, overlaping it with the ocupants patterns.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

PEOPLE GET HOME

-TEMPERATURE DATA-

THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER

SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER

TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

PEOPLE LEAVE

1ST FLOOR

5. CONCLUSIONS

THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

2ND FLOOR 1ST FLOOR

DL1

23:00

22:00

21:00

20:00

18:00

19:00

17:00

16:00

15:00

14:00

13:00

12:00

11:00

9:00

10:00

8:00

7:00