New Sustainable Architecture Studio at the University of Hartford
The objective was to create a new architecture studio for the University of Hartford that stems from the notion of sustainability. The new studio needed to satisfy the basic needs and wants of a studio including; studio space, presentation space, more offices, a larger computer lab, fabrication lab, and wood shop, with added space for an architecture library, and lecture room. The structure needed to take into account sustainability factors, such as climate analysis, sun and sight analysis, shading, passive heating and cooling, and an envelope/ energy analysis. This should create a more Eco-friendly studio, leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint.
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Building Features:
Electric System:
1. Using the Vasari model of the new Architecture Studio, our design firm was able to conduct tests to analyze the electric needs year round for our building, which equates to about 10 KwH per Sq-Ft per Year. (Standard Vasari Conditions)
2. Using the Vasari model electric, with the square footage of the purposed space which is 24,000 Sq-Ft, the building on average needs 240,000 KwH per Year.
3. On the roof of the structure there are Photovoltaic Cells (PV), which based off the location of the site, and total size of the panels, the PV cells alone generate 87,000 KwH per Year.
4. The windows and skylight of the building are also made of a PV style glass which like the PV cells based off location and total size the energy gain will be 25,000 KwH Per Year.
5. Mixed with small Wind Turbines which should generate another 30,000 KwH per Year, based on location and the height of the wind turbine.
6. The combined PV Cells, the PV Windows and Skylights, and Wind Turbines accounts for 142,000 KwH per Year accounting for almost 60% of the required energy load.
7. Using special materials like gold leaf flakes, when combined with trees a reddish, purple glow is given off due to the chemical reaction. This will be added to all trees in order to help light the outside without running up high electric costs. Also this will add a very positive aesthetic effect to the look of the studio.
Active Heating System:
1. Using a high value R-Value which uses multiple layers including: wood studs, a vacuum barrier, fiberglass insulation, and other materials, (as seen in the lower left) this will help to create a thermal barrier. This is important for all Envelope Dominated Buildings. The R-Value for a wall like the one below is a 30.
2. Our windows will be reinforced with aerogel to help keep heat in. The aerogel will help to reinforce the thermal barrier that the structure is using to keep warm.
3. The building orientation is set up to maximize the southern glazing exposure to gain maximum solar heat gain.
4. The skylight and the roof line, the way it is setup is also designed for maximum solar heat gain during the winter months.
5. A small heating system will be installed in the occasion that the building needs assistance getting to a certain temperature.
Passive Cooling System:
1. Using Douglass Fur trees along the east and west walls the sun is blocked allowing for solar heat gain to be blocked at certain times of the day to regulate heat gain.
2. Vents will be places at the top of the building so that warm air that rises to the top of the structure can be dispersed. These vents can be opened and closed.
3. Tubes dug deep into the earth also will be a source of good cold air. These tubes will allow the colder air from below the surface of the earth to reach the structure cooling the building naturally.
4. A small air conditioning system will be put in place just on the occasion the building needs to be cooled further than what is naturally possible.