Design Journal Entry - Module 4

Journal Entry For
Module 4 - Conceptual Design - Building Context & Passive Design

The new manufacturing building is located in mountain climate in south Germany, next to existing set of similar manufacturing buildings. The location is predetermined due to the existing infrastructure. The main question that needs to be explored is the shape and positioning of the building related to weather conditions.

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For this purpose, the Climate Consultant shows some potential efficiencies that we be included towards more energy efficient construct. In particular, the tool points that cooling and dehumidification strategies of different type are not necessary (which is correct assumption for the mountainous location we envisage for the building).

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Below you can see two Revit models that show relatively flat topography.

The first model has worse mass surface position towards the sun and thus shows worse Net Zero factor of 5.21 and worse efficiency KPIs compared to the second model as can be seen in the energy KPIs below.

Abbildung 1 Model 1

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Abbildung 2 Model 2

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Abbildung 3 Model 2 Energy KPIs1

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Abbildung 4 Model1  Energy KPIs1

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Abbildung 6 Model 1 Solar Analysis

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Abbildung 5 Model 2 Solar Analysis

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Summary:

  • How can the building forms support the design program? Should the building be:
    • A single continuous mass?

The building is a production center and in order to reduce maintenance costs (energy and production wise), the building will be a continuous mass.

  • A series of interconnected masses optimized for each program use?

Even if we consider energy as a core focus for the building design, a single mass (roof energy collection) is the most optimal shape in terms of energy volume, as we have a building on flat terrain where the majority of the energy collection will happen in daylight and will be coming perpendicularly.

  • A series of separate pavilions connected by the landscape ? (roof is the most efficient solar energy collection type based on surface and amount of energy collected by solar vs window panels).
  • How can the building forms support your aesthetic and user experience design goals?
    • Should the building be bold, eye-catching, and dominant - or - subtle, blend-in, and compatible? For production, the design needs to be practical and efficient for operations and maintenance.
    • How will the shape, height, and width of the building sections affect the user experience? For example -- if creating a connection to the outdoors is important, narrower building forms that keep users close to exterior walls might be preferred.
  • How can the building forms support your sustainability goals? What shapes and forms will be most beneficial for:
    • Daylighting
    • Shading
    • Natural ventilation
    • Rainwater collection

For all of the above flat roof and square/rectangular shape is most efficient. All deviations creating angles are source of ventilation, lighting and shading complexity, which lends its self for uneven topographical surfaces, but not for this case.

  • the design alternatives that you modeled and tested
  • the results of the analyses and how they influenced your thinking about how to move forward

Use text , images, web links, movies... Whatever media works best to express your ideas!