Slip House Environmental Analysis

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TERM 1 UR 2013-2014

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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THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ENTIRELY OUR OWN WORK AND THAT ANY QUOTATION OR PARAPHRASE FROM THE PUBLISHED OR UNPUBLISHED WORK OF OTHERS IS DULY ACKNOWLEDGED.”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

13

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

2. OVERVIEW

23

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

71

8. APPENDICES

69

7. REFERENCES

67

6. EPILOGUE

SOLAR RADIATION

65

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 3

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 4

5. CONCLUSIONS

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE

COMFORT ZONE

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

SUMMARY

11

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.

11

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)

13

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).

14

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%

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

32

4500

28

4000

24

3500

20

3000

16

2500

12

2000

8

1500

4

1000

0

500

-4

0

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m2)

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

36

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)

15

2.2 LITERATURE

2. OVERVIEW

3. OUTDOOR STUDIES

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

16

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 ‘single most accomplished residence submitted’.

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.

17

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)

18

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)

19

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.

20

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

80

LEVEL 6 CSH

TYPICAL

LEVEL 5 CSH

114

102

79

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.

21

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.

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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)

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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.

25

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.

27

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.

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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.

29

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)

30

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

31

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

32

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.

33

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

02

03

04

05

06

07

08 20.3º C

20.3º C

06

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

04

06 07

05

02

01

03

SITE VISIT 1 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

04

01

20.5º C

02

12

17.3º C

SITE VISIT 3 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

12

11

12

13

14

20.3º C

15

SITE VISIT 1 SPOT NUMBER 07 THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

05 20.5º C

SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

16

1217.3º C

17

11

21

20

14

17 19

16

19

20

03

SITE VISIT 3 THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

11

08

10

09

14

17 19

10

09

18

SITE VISIT 2 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

20

08

13

11

10

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.

34

09

01

04

16 19

15

21

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

35

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.

36

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

6:00

Loggers on the middle floor were placed with one in the west facing guest bedroom and the other placed more centrally in the corridor between the bathroom and main bedroom. In this case the temperature readings from the two separate loggers were almost identical showing thermal uniformity on this floor.

Out of all three floors this was the most stable with virtually no temperature fluctuations, a slight peak was experienced on Tuesday 29th of October due to it being a sunny day. It is hypothesized that this extreme thermal stability is due to the middle floor being contained between the top and bottom floor and thus having minimal exposed envelope.

1:00

FIG. 4.1.17 Graph illustrating data obtained from data loggers placed on the first floor.

5:00

COMFORT ZONE

4:00

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE

3:00

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 4

2:00

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 3

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

SOLAR RADIATION

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

GROUND FLOOR

DL2

When looking at the occupancy on this floor it can be seen that during the occupied hours temperatures stay within the adaptive comfort band.

FIG. 4.1.18 Graph illustrating data obtained from data loggers placed on the first floor, in a single day, overlaping it with the ocupants patterns.

37

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER

SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER

TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER

PEOPLE LEAVE

PEOPLE LEAVE

MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

COOK BREAKFAST

2ND FLOOR -TEMPERATURE DATA-

THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER

2ND FLOOR 1ST FLOOR GROUND FLOOR

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

9:00

10:00

8:00

7:00

6:00

5:00

1:00

The first data logger on the top floor was placed nearby the east-facing window while the second was placed in the west side of the room. Temperatures recorded from the two separate loggers, although following a similar trend differed by almost 2 K in some cases. This shows how a temperature difference exists across the space i.e. temperatures closer to the windows are more sensitive to outdoor conditions than those in the center of the space. Out of the three floors this floor showed the most varying temperatures throughout the week with lows of almost 18°C (below the adaptive comfort band) and highs of 22°C. It would be suggested that this higher variability of temperature is due to the top floor having the most highly exposed building envelope out of all the floors.

TEMPERATURE (ºC)

FIG. 4.1.19 Graph illustrating data obtained from data loggers placed on the second floor.

SOLAR RADIATION (W/m²)

COMFORT ZONE

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE

4:00

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 6

3:00

TEMPERATURE DATA FROM LOGGER 5

2:00

SOLAR RADIATION

DL1

When observing the occupancy in the space, it was found that the times that were occupied were when temperatures were lowest, which is not ideal for thermal comfort.

38

FIG. 4.1.20 Graph illustrating data obtained from data loggers placed on the second floor, in a single day, overlaping it with the

ocupants patterns.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.1 FIELDWORK

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

SLIP HOUSE CARL TURNER ARCHITECTS COMPLETION_2012 FLOOR AREA_200 M2

DESIRED END

“UNIVERSAL PROTOTYPE FOR FUTURE LONDON TERRACED HOUSING” CARL TURNER

CONCLUSIONS From the fieldwork results it was found that the middle floor is the most thermally stable with the lowest daytime occupancy, while the top and bottom floors had the biggest range in program causing interesting fluctuations in environmental conditions. Due to these observations it was decided that continued research would focus on the top and bottom floor in order to critique whether it is possible to have a sustainable prototype. In order to do so the research agenda was further defined to concentrate on both thermal and daylighting properties in the working and living spaces. These properties were to be analysed both with regard to occupant comfort as well as energy use.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE PROTOTYPE?

?

?

?

?

TEST THE CURRENT MODEL VARIABLES

THERMAL PROPERTIES LIGHTING PROPERTIES

MATERIALITY

WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

ORIENTATION

ATTACHED

ENERGY CONSUMPTION AFFECTING

FORM

OCCUPANT COMFORT 39

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

METHODOLOGY The sun path diagram was used to get a good initial understanding of the orientation of the Slip House and how the sun moves around it. Slip House is oriented so that all windows are facing directly east or west. There is no fenestration on either the north or south facades.

The Slip House was modelled in 3D using Ecotect to then conduct multiple illuminance level analyses throughout the building. All building materials were set: walls were white and furniture, except seating, was plywood.

The light levels in the house were analysed using an overcast sky of 3000 LUX, meaning that sun path or orientation of the house would not be contribute to the results. Planes were placed on the three floors to see how much light would be received across them. A section gave a clear picture as to how the house functioned in terms of light and where problem areas were.

FIG. 4.2.1 Sun path diagram, for the project’s location. (Source: Ecotect)

40

FIG. 4.2.2 Section illustrating the daylight factors throughout the house, for overcast sky. (Source: Ecotect)

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

4.2.1 BASE CASE Ground floor The sun patch diagrams of the ground floor illustrate that direct sunlight hits the primary work desk beneath the skylight most of the year except winter.

This is also shown by the rays hitting the desk in the sun-ray diagram.

9:00

13:00

15:00

21ST MARCH

9:00

13:00

15:00

9:00

13:00

15:00

The ground floor, office area, had the most problems regarding lighting.

This confirmed what was found by initial spot measurements. As mentioned earlier, a minimum lighting level of 300 Lux is expected (CIBSE guide) for optimum working conditions. On the west side of the room, west facing windows and a skylight above the primary work space, created potential for glare, occurring when lux levels are above 2000 (CIBSE guide). On the east side of the room the first floor overhang above, paired with the fact that the east facing windows were covered by a layer of u-channel glass, meant that the space was dark and LUX levels were always below 300 and therefore not optimal for working.

21ST JUNE

21ST DECEMBER

FIG. 4.2.3 Sun patch diagrams for the ground floor for different times of the year (Source: Ecotect)

FIG. 4.2.4 Diagram showing the incident solar radiation coming from the ground’s floor skylight during the summer solstice at 3:00 pm. (Source: Ecotect).

41

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4. LIGHTING ANALYSIS

Rotating room partition There is also a large plywood rotating room or partition in the middle of the ground floor. When positioned to be “open” there is a clear view through it from one side to the other. Then when it is rotated 90°, it becomes “closed” and therefore blocks out the view of half of the room. At first it was assumed that if the partition was “closed” it would cause illuminance levels to drop as it was acting as a barrier between the two sides of the room. The Ecotect results actually showed the opposite. When “closed”, the two large lightly coloured plywood walls reflect light back into the two spaces and increase the illuminance slightly.

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

WEST FACING

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

EAST FACING

PARTITION OPEN

9

6 14

25

PARTITION CLOSED ROTATED 90º

9

6

6

14 LUX

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

600+

FIG. 4.2.5 Diagram showing the effects that the middle partition on the working space has in daylighting. Iluminance levels with an overcast sky of 3000 lux.

(Source: Ecotect)

42

25 FIG. 4.2.6 Diagram showing the daylight factor of the working space with the patition in two different orientations. (Source: Ecotect)

0

1

2

5m

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

WINDOWS AND SOLAR EXPOSURE -LIVING SPACE-

9:00

13:00

15:00

21ST MARCH

9:00

13:00

15:00

21ST JUNE

9:00

13:00

21ST DECEMBER

15:00

Second floor The daylight studies of the second floor showed that it was the brightest of the three. It has two skylights, one above the kitchen / dining area, and one at the top of the stairs up to the roof terrace. As it is the main living space, it is arguably best to have a lighter space as long as there is the option to block it out if necessary.

FIG. 4.2.7 Sun patch diagrams for the ground floor in different times of the year. (Source: Ecotect)

LUX

FIG. 4.2.8 Interior views illustrating the lighting conditions on the second floor. (Source: Ecotect)

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

600+

FIG. 4.2.9 Diagram showing the iluminance levels of the second floor, with an overcast sky of 3000 lux. (Source: Ecotect)

43

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

WORKING AREA EQUIDISTANT PROJECTION

HR

INCIDENT SOLAR RADIATION

22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

Windows and solar exposure Ecotect was employed in order to determine at what time of day and when during the year solar radiation falls on various windows in the building.

For the office space the only two fully exposed windows are on the western side of the building, thus they are completely overshadowed in the morning and both receive direct sunlight from midday onwards, however this is limited during winter months when the sun is shaded by the exterior wall.

Due to the combination of the form of the building and lack of windows on the eastern faรงade very little natural light enters the ground floor during the morning hours.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

HR 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

In the living space there are exposed windows on both the eastern and western faรงade as well as two skylights. Thus the floor is highly exposed to solar radiation and at least some part of the room is always receiving some form of direct solar radiation throughout the year during daylight hours.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

LIVING AREA

4.2.2 PARAMETRIC STUDIES FOR DAYLIGHTING From the Ecotect simulations it was further confirmed that insufficient Daylighting in the Office area, Glare on the worktop in the Office and Second Floor and lack of adaptive opportunities regarding Daylighting were the key issues to deal with in the parametric Studies.

The studies were structured to see the effect of Form, Materiality and simple techniques like Blinds and Shading devices on the improvement in Daylighting and reduction of glare for both overcast and sunny sky conditions.

FORM

MATERIALITY

EQUIDISTANT PROJECTION

INCIDENT SOLAR RADIATION HR 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

HR 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

W/M2

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

ORIENTATION

SHADING TERRACED (ATTACHED)

44

HR 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

FIG. 4.2.10 Diagram showing the incident solar radiation in every window and skylight. (Source: Ecotect)

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

FORM FORM Two new forms were tested on ecotect to see if reducing the “slip” of the house would improve the lighting levels. The first aligned the bottom two MATERIALITY floors but maintained the second floor slip. This meant that overshadowing from above floors was reduced on the ground floor. The second form aligned all floors, this removed overshadowing completely so light levels increased in the first floor bedroom and even further on the ground floor.

UNSLIPPED

SLIPPED

WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

SEMI-SLIPPED ORIENTATION

TERRACED (ATTACHED)

0

1

2

5m

LUX

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

600+

FIG. 4.2.11 Diagram illustrating the iluminance levels for the different “slipped” scenarios, . (Source: Ecotect)

45

4. INDOOR STUDIES

FORM

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

In terms of lighting the u-channel skin actually hinders the use of the light on the ground floor, therefore removing it increases the light levels. Thermally it is beneficial to remove the skin and replace the same area with wall as it reduces the window to floor ratio. Therefore, tests were done to see how WINDOW this would impact the light on the other floors. On the second floor it reduces the light levels but maintained LUX levels above 300 in areas that might need it such as the kitchen work surface and the living room table.

CURRENT STATE

TO FLOOR RATIO

60

7. REFERENCES

GROUND FLOOR EAST FACING

GROUND FLOOR WEST FACING

ORIENTATION

TERRACED (ATTACHED) 9

0

6. EPILOGUE

MATERIALITY

MATERIALITY / WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

LUX

5. CONCLUSIONS

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

6

14

600+

25

REDUCE WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO AND REMOVE SKIN

15

LUX

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

600+

10

12 23

FIG. 4.1.12 Chart comparing current scenario and changing the materiality of the building, showing how this change affects the iluminance levels (floor plans) and daylight factor (interior views) (Source: Ecotect)

46

8. APPENDICES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

SECOND FLOOR EAST FACING

SECOND FLOOR WEST FACING

CURRENT STATE

10 18

14

9

LUX

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

600+

REDUCE WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO AND REMOVE SKIN

7 18

11

7

LUX

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

420

480

540

600+

FIG. 4.1.13 Chart comparing current scenario and changing the materiality of the building, showing how this change affects the iluminance levels (floor plans) and daylight factor (interior views) (Source: Ecotect)

47

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

SHADING There are three skylights in the house, one directly over the work plane and two on the second floor. They are the main locations that receive glare in the house. Both rotating louvres and rolling blinds were tested on the ground floor skylight using Ecotect and it was concluded that the rotating louvres would allow for greater control better distribution of light further into the room. Shading should cover all windows if need be, not just the ones without the u-channel skin.

UNSHADED SKYLIGHT

USEFUL DAYLIGHT ILLUMINANCE > 2000 LUX NO GLARE

GLARE ON DESK 40% OF YEAR

ROTATING LOUVRES AT 45° ANGLE

SOLUTION

ROTATING LOUVRES

100% SHADED - ROLLING BLINDS OR ROTATING LOUVRES

ROLLING BLINDS

FIG. 4.2.14 Diagram illustrating the solution for glare in the office space. Showinw iluminance levels during the summer solstice at 12:00 pm. (Source: Ecotect)

48

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.2 LIGHTING ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

WINDOW TO FLOOR RAT

EAST WEST

NORTH-SOUTH

ORIENTATION

CHANGE IN ORIENTATION

As the Slip House is a prototype for terrace living, it was necessary to test how the house would perform in various orientations as if it were placed in different terrace rows. If the house was rotated 90° it would mean that one side of the house would be very bright and the other side very dark. The TERRACED (ATTACHED current orientation distributes the light more evenly across the floors.

FORM

MATERIALITY LUX

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

FIG. 4.2.15 Diagram illustrating the iluminance levels for the current orientation (East-West) and for a North-South orientation. (Source: Ecotect)

SHADING One of the simplest, but most effective solutions to improve adaptive opportunity and reduce glare in the house would be to implement more shading, especially on skylights. Rotating louvres on skylights would provide the most control while maintaining distribution of light across the floor. Floor to ceiling roller blinds should be used on all other windows to provide maximum adaptability.

FORM

FORM

FORM

MATERIALITY

Removing the skin and reducing the window Unslipping the house would improve the to floor ratio creates better lighting in house lighting of the ouse by removing the ground than “unslipping”. It allows for more light to floor skylight, reducing glare, and any enter the ground floor where it is currently overshadowing from above floors, allowingMATERIALITY very dark and reduces the amount of light for more light. Although it improves it in around the workspace that currently suffers some senses, the current model has a larger from glare. It also maintains the slipping form percentage of useful daylight illuminance of the house, which gives it its name. across the floor that provides optimal working conditions of above 300 LUX.

WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

WINDOW TO F

4.2.3 CONCLUSIONS

MATERIALITY

ORIENTATION

In terms of orientation, positioning the house on the east / west axis provides the best distribution of light on all floors throughout the day.

WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

ORIENTATION

TERRACED (

ORIENTATION 49

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

4.3.1 CURRENT MODEL Passive cooling During the summer months in Slip House a passive cooling technique is utilized in order to reduce high indoor temperatures. The windows on both the eastern and western facades of the building are fully opened in order to cause a through draught that reduces indoor temperatures.

In order to further investigate how effective this process is the mean indoor temperature (MInT) calculator was used to perform some simple thermal calculations. In order to mimic the summer situation the number of air changes per hour were incrementally increased and the effect this had on the indoor temperatures were recorded. It was found that this increase in air changes had a significant effect on reducing high indoor temperatures caused by internal heat gains and solar radiation.

FIG. 4.3.1 Section showing the direction of predominant winds

50

FIG. 4.3.2 Graph that illustrates the relationship between ventilation and heat gains

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

Figure 4.3.5 shows the breakdown of heat gains and losses for the base case office and living area when it is free-running. Figure 4.3.3 shows the rates of heat losses and gains which were calculated from the MInT calculations.

From Figure 4.3.5 it was found that the highest heat gain in the office and living area is from solar gains, 30 kWh/m2 and 43 kWh/m2 respectively and the highest heat loss in the office area was 33 kWh/m2 through the walls and 35 kWh/m2 through glazing in the living area. Ventilation losses are significantly less due to the MVHR system.

HEAT GAINS LIVING WORKING

FIG. 4.3.3 Diagram showing the rates of heat gains and heat losses within the property

0

HEAT LOSSES FIG. 4.3.4 Graph to show how the internal heat gains effect the mean indoor temperature rise f

or both the living and working areas of the Slip House.

FIG. 4.3.5 Graph to compare the heat losses and the heat gains in

both the workin and living area.

51

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS TAS In order to get a better idea of how Slip House performs throughout the year TAS simulation programme was utilized.

Calibration The first step to gaining meaningful results from the TAS simulation was to calibrate the model. This was done by comparing the measurements recorded by the data loggers to the results generated from TAS during a week with similar outdoor weather conditions. For initial calibration the office space was used. Firstly a free-running scenario with no ventilation was modeled, this was then adapted to include occupant ventilation, as we know that Slip House has a MVHR system and then finally heating was added to the model. The results gained from TAS were not as stable as the measured results and seemed to be more reactive to outdoor conditions, however modeled temperatures generally stayed within a 2 K range of measured temperatures and it was decided that this was acceptable.

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

TAS CALIBRATION

In order to further verify the TAS calibration a TAS run for the top/living floor was compared to the measured results for the top floor and this gave a pleasing result. Temperature fluctuations in both cases followed a similar pattern although again in some instances there was a temperature disparity of 2 K. The calibrated TAS model included the following inputs : Office Infiltration: 0.1 ach Ventilation : 0.4 ach U-values: walls -0.11, windows -0.8, glazing -0.6, internal floor -0.11 Weather data: London Gatwick, Meteonorm Heating Schedule: 6.00 -9.00 am Occupancy Schedule : 8.00 – 18.00 on the weekdays Appliances: Dependent on occupancy, Setback Value of 2.0 W/m2

FIG. 4.3.6 Graph showing under which parameters cas was calibrated with the data logger data.

TAS PREDICTIONS

Living Infiltration: 0.15 ach Ventilation : 0.75 ach U-values: walls -0.15, windows -0.8, glazing -0.6, Roof -0.09 Weather data: London Gatwick, Meteonorm Heating Schedule: 18.00 -21.00 pm Occupancy Schedule : 7.00 – 9.00 am, 18.00 – 21.00 pm on the weekdays and 7.00 – 9.00 am, 18.00 – 23.00 pm on the weekends Appliances: Dependent on occupancy, Setback Value of 3.0 W/m2 Bedroom Infiltration: 0.15 ach Ventilation : 0.4 ach U-values: walls -0.11, windows -0.8, glazing -0.6, Roof -0.09 Weather data: London Gatwick, Meteonorm Heating Schedule: 19.00 -21.00 pm Occupancy Schedule : 18.00 – 9.00 am on the weekdays and 17.00 – 8.00 am on the weekends Appliances: Dependent on occupancy

52

FIG. 4.3.7 Graph that illustrates the prediction of the calibration in the second floor (living space)

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

LIVING SPACE

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

Typical Summer Week The TAS simulation was then used to predict what summer conditions in the house would be like. Weather conditions of what is deemed to be a ‘typical’ London summer was selected for this simulation, with temperatures getting down to 10°C at night and up to a maximum of 26°C during the day.

Two separate runs for the living and for the working area of the house were run. The results for both these areas showed that indoor temperatures are always slightly higher than outdoor temperatures. Nighttime temperatures never drop lower than 20°C. While the peak daytime temperature difference is roughly 2 K, thus pushing indoor temperatures up to 28°C in some cases.

If this is then related to the comfort band one can see how these high midday temperatures may lead to discomfort, this is especially noteworthy in the office space where comfortable working conditions are expected at midday.

It is also a problem that is amplified when examining the future climate of London and the effect of climate change on further increasing summertime temperatures.

WORKING SPACE

Typical Winter Week TAS was once again used to simulate the thermal conditions and energy consumption for heating in the house during a typical winter week. The week that was selected had maximum temperatures of 14°C and lows of -2°C. A free-running simulation and a simulation that included the heating regime for both the living and working area were run. This was done in order to investigate how the heating effects thermal conditions in the house as well has how much energy is required for heating. The results for the working area showed that the heating system makes a significant difference by increasing temperatures by about 2 K and thus keeping the space thermally comfortable. While in the living area the heating system makes less of a significant difference, however it does increase temperatures in the space for the times it is occupied (evening). If both the free-running cases for the living and working area are compared to each other it can be seen that the living area is generally always warmer than the working area in winter. It is hypothesized that this is due to the living area being able to make better use of useful solar gains as it is more exposed whereas the working area is often overshadowed.

FIG. 4.3.8 Graphs showing a typical winter week and a typical summer week for FIG. 4.3.9 Graphs showing a typical winter week and a typical summer week, in

the living space, predicted with TAS

the working space, predicted with TAS.

53

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

4.3.2 PARAMETRIC STUDIES Basic Parametric Studies To assist in the initial parametric studies for the Slip House the Energy Index Spreadsheet (Yannas 1994) was utilized. This spreadsheet was useful in simply showing the effect that changing various parameters has on the energy performance of the house. A variety of cases were assessed and compared to the current base case.

The following factors were noted as being useful in reducing the energy index; •Reducing the window/floor ratio from 42,5 •Changing the orientation of the house •Reducing the thermostat set temperature from 21°C •Increasing the internal gains in the home These results were then used as a basis for further parametric studies.

Case 1 – Base Case Window/Floor ratio: 42.5 Window Orientation: 50% East/50% West U-Value (Windows): 0.8 W/m2 K U-Value (Opaque): 0.11 W/m2 K Air Exchange Rate: 0.15 ac/h Whole House Temperature: 21°c Internal Heat Gains: 5400 kWh Case 2 -Window/Floor ratio: Case 3 -Window/Floor ratio: Case 4 -Window Orientation: Case 5 -Window Orientation: Case 6 -U-Value (Windows): Case 7 -U-Value (Windows): Case 8 -U-Value (Opaque): Case 9 -Air Exchange Rate: Case 10 -Air Exchange Rate: Case 11 -Whole House Temperature: Case 12 -Whole House Temperature: Case 13 -Internal Heat Gains: Case 14 -Internal Heat Gains:

54

Case Number

FIG. 4.3.10 Comparison of the cases assessed, acording to the energy index

15 6

30 50% North/50% South 50% SW/50% NE

7/9

2 W/m2 K 1.5 W/m2 K 0.25 W/m2 K

10 8

0.5 ac/h 0.25 ac/h 18°c 20°c 3500 kWh 7000 kWh

1 3 2

13 5 4/12 14 11

FIG. 4.3.11 Comparison of the cases assessed, acording to the energy index and heat loss rate.

8. APPENDICES

4. INDOOR STUDIES

4.3 THERMAL STUDIES

Temperature (°C)

WORKING

6. EPILOGUE

14000

20

12000

16

10000

12

8000

8

6000

4

4000

0

2000

-4

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

0

Heating Load (W)

24

24

14000

20

12000

16

10000

12

8000

8

6000

4

4000

0

2000

-4

FORM

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

FORM

UNSLIPPED Altering the form of the house by ‘unslipping’ the three volumes reduces the MATERIALITY exposed envelope of the house and thus reduces the heat loss coefficient of the building. This is intern is expected to increase internal winter temperatures as well as reduce energy consumption with regard to heating.

A TAS simulation was run in order to assess the effect this would have on internal winter temperatures and heating energy. The results showed that ‘unslipping’ the form had aWINDOW minor effect on increasing internal temperatures TO FLOOR RATIO but had a more significant effect on reducing energy required for heating.

This was especially noticeable on the office floor where the annual energy required for heating dropped from 1265.16 kWh to 1059.89 kWh (16.22%).

ORIENTATION

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

0

Heating Load (W)

Temperature (°C)

LIVING

5. CONCLUSIONS

TERRACED (ATTACHED)

16.22%

2.22%

7.77%

FIG. 4.3.13 Comparison of the anual heating loads for the base case

and the unslipped case FIG. 4.3.12 Simulation of the unslipped model during a typical winter week.

55

FORM

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

4. INDOOR STUDIES

FORM

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

MATERIALITY

LIVING REDUCING THE WINDOW/FLOOR RATIO AND REMOVING SKIN

MATERIALITY WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

From initial parametric studies it was found that the high window/floor ratio of Slip House contributes significantly to heating energy consumption as the low thermal insulation of the windows leads to unnecessary heat loss. Thus WINDOW FLOOR RATIO ORIENTATION a further study on reducing the window/floor ratio by replacing windows co- TO vered with the glass panels with the standard insulated wall was carried out.

A TAS simulation was run for both the living and working space during both winter and summer.

The results gained for the winter weeks were very significant and showed ORIENTATION that by replacing the glass skin significant reductions in space heating can TERRACED (ATTACHED) be achieved. In the working area for a free-running case temperatures raised by roughly 1 K, while if heating were to be utilized a 8.84% reduction in energy use is expected. The most significant results were experienced in the living space where free-running temperatures were raised by 2-2.5 K thus bringing the space into an almost free-running situation as temperatures are within the comfort band for majority of the time. However if the heaTERRACED (ATTACHED) ting system were to still be utilized the annual energy consumption would drop from 3194.975 kWh to 2605.446 (18.45% decrease).

8.84% 24.75% 18.45% FIG. 4.3.14 Comparison of the anual heating loads for the base case

and case with reduced window to floor ratio.

56

FIG. 4.3.15 Simulation of the model with reduced window to floor ratio, during a typical winter week.

WORKING

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

LIVING

WORKING

An investigation into how the house would thermally operate during the summer under these new conditions was also carried out. It was found that changing the skin and reducing the window/floor ratio of the house did not have a significant effect on internal summer temperatures.

FIG. 4.3.16 Simulation of the model with reduced window to floor ratio, during a typical summer week.

57

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSISWINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

TYPICAL TERRACE

U-VALUES = 0.25W/m2K

U VALUE = 0.25W/m2K

ORIENTATION

BRICK INSULATION

TERRACING

The walls of the Slip House are around 30mm thicker than a typical terrace house and have 3 layers of insulation versus the one layer a typical terrace house has. This means that the u-value of the Slip House walls are lower, as shown in the diagram. A lower u-value, both of terrace dividing walls and exterior walls, means a lot less heat is lost compared to older terraced houses with higher u-values. The Slip House is therefore better at retaining heat.

18°C

2 W/m2

0 W/m2

20°C

10°C

2.5 W/m2

0.5 W/m2

OUTSIDE

OUTSIDE HOUSE 1

HOUSE 2

SLIP TERRACE

HOUSE 3

U-VALUES = 0.11W/m2K

U VALUE = 0.11W/m2K

10°C

10°C

18°C

0.9 W/m2

0 W/m2

20°C

OUTSIDE HOUSE 1

HOUSE 2

HOUSE 3

FIG. 4.3.17 Diagram showing a comparison of the heat losses of the Slip House in a terraced scenario and a typical terrace house.

FIG. 4.3.19 Slip Street, envisioned by Carl Turner. (Source: Carl Turner Architects)

10°C

1.1 W/m2

0.2 W/m2

OUTSIDE

FIG. 4.3.18 Graph showing the effect of terracing on the heat loss coefficient

of Slip House.

58

10°C

10°C

TERRACED (ATTACHED)

The way the house would function under terracing conditions was then investigated as it is meant to be a prototype for future terrace design.

Terracing obviously affects the heat loss coefficient of the building and thus its thermal conditions.

8. APPENDICES

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

LIVING SPACE

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

WORKING SPACE Slip Terrace heat transfer TAS simulations were run for both summer and winter conditions in the working and living space. The results proved what was hypothesized; internal temperatures increased by up to 2 K when fully terraced and the house becomes free running in some instances. The impact of terracing was more significant on the top/living floor than on the ground/working floor. If heating were to be utilized a decrease of 27.16% in annual heating energy is expected when fully terraced.

TAS simulations were also run for summer conditions in the house. In this case terracing had a very small effect on indoor temperatures, however slightly elevated temperatures were experienced in the working area.

FIG. 4.3.20 Graphs showing a typical winter week and a typical summer week for

the living space, predicted with TAS (Source: TAS)

FIG. 4.3.21 Graphs showing a typical winter week and a typical summer week, in

the working space, predicted with TAS. (Source: TAS) FIG. 4.3.22 Comparison of the annual heating demand of the base case, an end terrace and fully terraced house.

59

MATERIALITY 4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

WINDOW TO FLOOR RATIO

ORIENTATION Orientation Orientation is another important aspect that needs to be considered if the house is to be a prototype. To firstly get an idea of how orientation affects thermal properties in the house some simple soft computations were perTERRACED (ATTACHED) formed using the energy index calculator (Yannas, 1994). The results from these computations showed how the current orientation (east/west) is the least preferable in terms making the best out of solar gains while a north/ south orientation is the most preferential. A north/south orientation leads to the lower peak temperatures in summer yet benefits the most from useful solar gains in the winter.

FIG. 4.3.23 Graphs comparing the heat gains in different orientations

(Source: Soft computations)

60

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

4.3 THERMAL ANALYSIS

LIVING SPACE

4. INDOOR STUDIES

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

WORKING SPACE Based on this TAS simulations were then ran for an east/west orientation and a north/south orientation and compared to each other. From this it was found that a north/south orientation has higher indoor temperatures by roughly 1 K, while in summer peak temperatures are slightly reduced when in a north/south orientation. This further confirms what was found via the soft computations. The effect this had on energy use for heating was also analysed and it was found that by changing from a east/west to a north/ south orientation heating energy savings of 10% can be achieved.

13.8% FIG. 4.3.24 Graphs showing a typical winter week and a typical summer week for

the living space, predicted with TAS

7.59%

10%

FIG. 4.3.25 Graphs showing a typical winter week and a typical summer week, in FIG. 4.3.26 Comparison of the annual heating demand of the base case, and a

the working space, predicted with TAS.

north-south orientation

61

Thermal analysis conclusions Both from TAS simulations and fieldwork it was observed that generally thermal conditions within Slip House are comfortable and relatively stable.

During summer there is a slight chance of overheating due to the high solar exposure while in winter minimum energy is required in maintain acceptable temperatures.

Parametric studies performed in order to establish how certain factors influence thermal conditions in the building showed the following.

Unslipping By ‘unsliping’ the house and reducing the amount of exposed envelope of the building savings in terms of heating energy can be made during winter.

This improvement is specifically prevalent on the ground floor.

Reducing window/floor ratio and removing skin When reducing the window/floor ratio by replacing windows covered by the skin with the standard insulated wall significant saving in heating energy can be achieved, as winter thermal conditions form a close to free-running scenario. This result proves what can be achieved through careful selection and consideration of materials. During summer this change has an insignificant effect to thermal conditions.

Terracing The act of terracing a building by providing a form of thermal buffering helps maintain comfortable winter temperatures and reduce heating load. While in summer thermal conditions are relatively unaffected there is a higher chance of overheating when terraced.

Orientation With regard to thermal comfort a north/south orientation is preferable to a east/west (current) orientation. As a north/south orientation leads to lower peak temperatures during summer months yet benefits the most from useful solar gains in the winter.

Comparison with standard UK home.

FIG. 4.3.27 Comparison of the annual heating load of the base case and the parametric cases with an average home in the UK.

When comparing the current scenario to a standard UK home one notices that the Slip House has already made significant progress in developing a design that achieves thermal comfort with reduced reliance on heating. In light of this if we then compare the current scenario to the above alternate situations the improvements that these changes make seem less significant.

However it could be argued that these improvements are all important, as by combining all the factors that lead to reduced energy use and improved thermal comfort one can get closer to developing buildings that are no longer reliant on traditional heating and thus achieve greater sustainability.

5.1

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. EPILOGUE

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

CONCLUSIONS One of the simplest, but most effective solutions to improve adaptive opportunity, and reduce glare in the house, would be to implement more shading, especially over skylights. Through parametric studies it was found that removing the skin creates better lighting in house than “unslipping”. In terms of orientation, positioning the house on the east/west axis provides the best distribution of light on all floors throughout the day.

Through simulations and fieldwork it was observed that thermal conditions within the current design of the Slip House are comfortable and relatively stable. If the window/floor ratio were to be reduced, and the glass skin removed, significant savings in heating energy could be achieved, as winter thermal conditions form an almost free-running scenario. Other parameters were tested regarding the thermal performance of the house showing how various aspects of the design impacted heating load and thermal properties.

When comparing the current thermal efficiency of the Slip House to a standard UK home, one notices that it has already made significant progress in developing a design that achieves thermal comfort and reduces reliance on heating.

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.

The house is not currently certified for Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) but would achieve level 5 if it were to be assessed. The CSH has a minimum set of criteria that the property must fulfill if it is to reach each level but it does not grant merit when a building out-performs the requirements within each parameter. Therefore, there are a lot of the sustainable characteristics that are integrated into Slip House that do not contribute to its overall rating.

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.

65

6. EPILOGUE

6.1 PERSONAL STATEMENT

GEORGINA CAMPBELL Through this project I have learnt to appreciate that sustainable design goes much further than just reducing a buildings carbon footprint or incorporating ‘green’ engineering systems. Being much more complex in that it deals with multiple relationships formed between the climate, the functionality of spaces and the occupants comfort and behavior. Slip House being a developed prototype for sustainable living has provided a useful ‘laboratory’ in this sense.

Through testing and questioning which factors significantly contribute to a buildings environmental performance and occupant comfort we were able to assess claims made by the architect that it is to be a prototype for sustainable living. This lead me to question what it means to develop a prototype with regard to sustainable design and whether this is actually possible, as with sustainable design context and site become vital and necessary factors that are difficult to define for a prototype.

Through the study performed on the buildings skin, and the role it plays in altering the environmental performance of the house, I learnt that decisions that may be aesthetically driven and superficial in terms of sustainability actually have a large impact on defining the environment.

This served to further reinforce my view that absolutely every aspect of a design influences the environmental performance of a building and should never be overlooked when performing sustainable design.

Finally, through observing how the occupant’s behavior is determined and in some cases limited by living in such a ‘sustainable’ home I have begun to question the limitations to such designs that incorporate many ‘green’ systems. Asking things like how valuable a ‘sustainable’ building is if it leads to compromising the occupants’ comfort and freedom of lifestyle.

In conclusion I would say that this project has helped me develop a more holistic view of sustainable design, considering all facets that influence a buildings environmental performance.

EDITH GONZÁLEZ The lessons learnt from this project were infinite, week after week were introduced to new data and the necessary tools to investigate and evaluate the environmental performance of the building. These lessons helped us create a broader criteria regarding sustainability.

It was very exciting analyzing the Slip House and see if it actually was what the architect claimed “the most sustainable house in the UK”. We were able to see how this project being listed as a level 5, but without being certified, in the Code for Sustainable Homes, preformed, and by different simulations we could test how it reacts to the different parametric studies implemented, and which parameters will create a greater impact, in both thermal and lighting performance and how these will later have and effect in the occupant’s comfort and the building’s energy consumption. It was interesting to see how all the parameters and information correlate, for instance how the interior conditions will be affected, no just by the climatic conditions, but also by the occupant behavior, the layout of the building, or the appliances used to name a few.

One of the things that helped us understand the way the occupants behave and felt inside the building, were the surveys and interviews we had with them, these gave us useful information about their patterns. Even though we thought they were going to be biased, considering that we were talking with the project’s architect or his employees, that was not the case, they were completely honest about the good working and living conditions in the building, but also about the flaws of the building. For instance the architect commented how in order to live in a house like this, he had to change his habits, like getting used to not open the windows in a warm day. I realized how the environment and the occupants become the key players in the performance of a building, these are in a constant change, and therefore, the building should be as dynamic as them. The building should provide to the user the opportunity to interact with it and should respond to the different and ever changing needs of the occupant. Is with this that we learnt how the adaptive opportunities play an important role when it comes to improving the comfort conditions of the space creating a dialog between the building and the user.

RHIANNON LAURIE This analysis project has given me a good understanding of a range of successful active and passive building systems used to achieve a high level of sustainability, which will be beneficial when designing future projects.

The Slip House is a large step towards both zero carbon living and working. Many of its energy saving strategies can be applied to various sizes of residential accommodation.

Having had access to a house that acted as our laboratory was invaluable when learning about the effects of its design on sustainability and occupant comfort. It provided real results that told the true story, and helped to confirm the accuracy of our simulations. The initial fieldwork also taught me the value of inhabitants’ anecdotal reports.

It also taught me the importance of flexible design, so that in time, the building can accommodate a change in program and occupant requirements.

The analysis of the project taught me that deciding on the type and placement of materiality is crucial when designing a sustainable yet comfortable environment.

In terms of thermal performance the main issue was that the effect of the glass u-channel skin had not been properly considered. The area of glazing covered by the skin could otherwise have helped to provide solar gains; therefore it does not act successfully as window or wall.

Despite the interesting effect the skin created when light diffracted through it, it would have been more thermally beneficial to keep it as a wall, reducing the glazing-tofloor ratio. The orientation of facades and apertures must allow for the right amount of solar gains but allow minimal heat loss, when in London’s climate.

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

MARIYAM ZAKIAH The Slip House had a very interesting form and living and working typology, which made it an interesting case study. Although the project area was very small, the compact design, flexibility, systems and technologies used in the house, looked very promising and interesting to study and analyse. There was a lot of published literature available, but none looked at it critically, therefore it was a good opportunity for us to exercise our critical faculties.

Our goal was to look at the design of the building, assess the day lighting inside for the different activities, thermal performance of the house in the winters and overheating scenario in the summers.

The owners of the house were very open and enthusiastic about our study, providing us with information and opinions whenever required. Our first site visit took place within the initial weeks of the term, which was very helpful for us to feel and understand the building, the spot measurements helped us identify the problem areas. The datalogger results further established our inference from the spot measurements and helped shape our research agenda.

Ecotect, with the Radiance and Daysim plugins, helped understand the impact of surroundings, sizes and orientation of openings on the internal daylighting and issues with glare for the best and worst sky conditions, and how adaptive opportunities like blinds and shades could help deal with the problems.

Apart from entirely removing the glass skin, it was clear from our daylighting conclusions that a lot of the issues regarding occupant comfort could be resolved simply by giving occupants more control of lighting through better shading.

The results from the soft computations helped define the parameters for TAS simulations. The TAS simulations illustrated the significant impact on internal temperatures and heating load by addition or reduction of glazing, changing the materiality and material properties, form of the building, changing the orientation of the building and seeing it as a terrace prototype.

The project emphasized the importance of simulating and analysing the performance of a project in the early stages of its design to ensure that the right choices can be made regarding orientation, materiality, form and flexibility of space.

This case study has helped me understand the importance of form, orientation, materiality and openings on the internal temperatures, day lighting, at the same time taking into account adaptive opportunities while designing a building according to the occupant activities.

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7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES

PRINTED REFERENCES:

ONLINE / MAGAZINE ARTICLES:

Yannas S. (1994) Solar Energy and Housing Design. Volume 1 &2.

Architectural Association Publications

- Architect’s Journal http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/home/footprint/footprint-blog/behind-thescenes-at-slip-house/8636216.article

Hegger M., et al (2008) Energy Manual: Sustainable Architecture. Birkhäuser GmbH Szokolay S. (2008) Introduction to Architectural Science : The Basis of Sustainable Design. Elsevier Ltd. Givoni B. (1998) Climate considerations in building and urban design. New York Van Nostrand Reinhold Yannas, S. (1996) Energy Indices and Performance Targets for Housing Design. Energy and Buildings. Elsevier Science Yannas S., Dobrin M. (1994) Energy Index Worksheet.

Baker, N. and K. Steemers. (2002) Daylight Design of Buildings. James & James Science Publishers.

Society of Light and Lighting (2005). Lighting Guide 7: Office Lighting.

CIBSE. Baker, N. (2007) Adaptive thermal comfort controls for building refurbishment.

Revival Technical Monograph 2. www.revival-eu.net Chappels H., E, Shove (2004). Comfort: a review of philosophies and paradigms. Future comforts Project, UK ESRC programme Olesen B.W . (2007). The philosophy behind EN15251:indoor environmental criteria for design and evaluation of energy performance of buildings. Energy and Buildings 39, pp740-749. Elsevier Hammond, G. P. and Jones, C. I. (2008) Embodied energy and carbon in construction materials. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Department for Communities and Local Government (2010) Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide November 2010. Communities and Local Government Publications.

- A As Architecture http://www.aasarchitecture.com/2012/09/Slip-House-Carl-TurnerArchitects.html - Afasia http://afasiaarq.blogspot.com/2012/09/carl-turner-architects.html - Dezeen Magazine http://disqus.dezeen.com/2012/09/27/slip-house-by-carl-turner-architects/ - Europa Concorsi http://europaconcorsi.com/projects/218427-Slip-House - Architectural Record http://archrecord.construction.com/residential/featured_houses/2013/1301Slip-House-Carl-Turner-Architects-slideshow.asp?slide=7 - Milimet Design http://milimet.com/2012/09/slip-house-design-by-carl-turner-architects.html - Arch Daily http://www.archdaily.com/300175/slip-house-carl-turner-architects/ - Gizmag http://www.gizmag.com/slip-house-carl-turner-architects/27965/pictures#23 iPad e-Book Slip house, Outcast editions Website - Carl Turner Architects Website http://www.ct-architects.co.uk/projects/slip-house/ -Climate Data Brixton http://wunderground.com Satel-Light (www.satel-light.com) - Grand Designs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q-5Xk0AcZo -Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323468604578248 381815339180 -Embodied Energy http://www.bath.ac.uk/isee/posters/Energy_Analysis_Method_and_ Application_Day_2_GPH_CJ_ppp_ISEE_Website.pdf http://www.greenspec.co.uk/embodied-energy.php

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FIG. 8.1 Comfort band

FIG. 8.2 Spot Measurements

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FIG. 8.3 Energy Index working area

FIG. 8.4 Energy Index living area

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FIG. 8.5 MInT Office summer

FIG. 8.7 MInT office winter

FIG. 8.6 MInT Living area summer

FIG. 8.8 MInT living area winter

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FIG. 8.9 Embodied energy, from cradle to gate

FIG. 8. Embodied energy, from gate to site

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