99 Questions
What is a zero-energy building?
A building that produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis
How to reduce embodied energy in buildings?
Opt for prefabrication and modular construction
What drives natural ventilation in buildings?
Pressure differences caused by wind and temperature gradients
What is the climatic response in environmentally responsive architecture?
Designing buildings that respond to local climate conditions
What is a passive building?
A building designed to maximize the use of natural resources for heating, cooling, and lighting
How do buildings use energy?
For heating, cooling, lighting, and operating equipment
What are the factors influencing architectural designs from the physical context?
Climatic and general needs of building users
What is the type of glass that reduces solar gain?
Low-E (low emissivity) glass
What is the percentage of heat loss through poorly constructed walls?
45%
What is the equation for thermal transmittance (U-value)?
$U = \frac{1}{(R_{si} + R_{so} + R_i + R_o)}$
What is single-sided ventilation?
Ventilation that occurs through openings on only one side of a room
What is stack ventilation?
Ventilation method utilizing the natural buoyancy of warm air to draw out stale air
Can moisture move and migrate through the building fabric by heat transfer, ventilation, and differences?
Yes
What is thermal continuity?
Uninterrupted flow of heat through a material or assembly
If the material is colder than the temperature of the surrounding air will condensation happen?
Yes
What do windows and glazing screens provide?
Daylighting, views, and thermal control
What are mullions and transoms?
Structural elements supporting window openings
What is emissivity?
The ability of a surface to emit radiant energy compared to a blackbody
What are the factors that influence architectural designs from the physical context?
Climatic and general needs of building users
What is a type of glass that reduces solar gain?
Low-E glass
What is the percentage of heat loss through poorly constructed roofs?
$35 ext{%}$
What is conduction?
Heat transfer through direct contact
What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics?
$ ext{The total entropy of any isolated thermodynamic system tends to increase over time, approaching a maximum value}$
What does insulation prevent?
$ ext{Both heat gain and heat loss}$
What is thermal transmittance?
The rate of heat transfer through a structure
True or false- the better a structure, the higher the u-value.
False
Name 3 different insulations.
Mineral wool, spray foam, rigid foam
Name all 5 foam plastics.
Polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyurethane
What is natural ventilation?
Passive cooling method using outdoor air movement
What is the function of a load bearing layer in building construction?
To support the weight of the structure above it
What is the primary source of heating in a building?
Natural gas
What is the purpose of a closed cavity facade (CCF) in building design?
To reduce heat loss through poorly constructed walls
What does single-sided ventilation refer to in building design?
Ventilation system operating on one side of the building only
What is thermal continuity in building construction?
The uninterrupted flow of heat through a building element
What are mullions and transoms in building construction?
Vertical and horizontal members dividing window openings
What is the role of a thermal layer in building design?
To offer thermal insulation
What gases do double or triple-glazing systems commonly have?
Nitrogen and argon
What is positive pressure in a system compared to its surroundings?
It is higher than the environment's pressure
What is cross ventilation in building design?
Ventilation provided by windows on opposite sides of a space
What does ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) relate to in construction?
Waterproofing material
What is a zero-energy building?
A building that offsets its energy use with the same amount of energy generated on site or nearby
What is thermal mass?
The ability of a material to absorb and store heat energy
What drives natural ventilation in buildings?
Temperature difference and wind pressure
What is a passive building?
A building that uses minimal energy for heating, cooling, and lighting
What makes high thermal mass in buildings?
Heavyweight materials with high density
What is environmentally responsive architecture?
A building that adapts to environmental conditions to maximize natural resources and energy efficiency
What is the function of a load bearing layer in building construction?
Provides structural support to the building
What is a closed cavity facade (CCF) in building design?
A façade system with an outer and inner skin separated by a cavity
What is stack ventilation in building design?
A type of natural ventilation system
What does single-sided ventilation refer to in building design?
Ventilation system with air intake from one side only
What are mullions and transoms in building construction?
Structural elements dividing window openings
What is thermal continuity in building construction?
A process for reducing thermal transmittance
What does thermal transmittance measure?
The rate of heat transfer through a structure
What is the equation for thermal transmittance (U-value)?
U = 1/R
What is the percentage of heat loss through poorly constructed walls?
25%
What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics?
The entropy of any isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time
What is external insulation?
Insulation material applied to the exterior surface of external walls
What does insulation prevent?
Both heat gain and heat loss
True or false: The better a structure, the higher the U-value.
False
What is conduction?
Heat transfer through direct contact between materials
What is convection?
Heat transfer through fluid circulation
What is radiation?
Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves
What is the function of a load bearing layer in building construction?
To support floor slabs
What is the primary source of heating in a building?
Fossil fuels
What are mullions and transoms in building construction?
Window elements providing thermal insulation
What is a closed cavity façade (CCF) in building design?
An innovative façade system with sealed cavities
What is thermal continuity in building construction?
The uninterrupted flow of heat through materials and components
What does ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) relate to in construction?
An insulating material used in roofing
What gases do double or triple-glazing systems commonly have?
Argon and krypton
What does glass have a high or low emissity?
Low emissivity
What are the primary sources of heating a building?
Renewable and fossil fuels combined
What are the advantages and/ or disadvantages of a cold roof?
Reduced risk of condensation, but higher heat loss
What are the advantages and/ or disadvantages of a warm roof?
Higher cost, but better thermal performance
What is the equation for thermal transmittance (U-value)?
$U = \frac{1}{R}$
What is the percentage of heat loss through poorly constructed roofs?
35%
What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics?
The entropy of any isolated system always increases
What does insulation prevent?
Heat loss
What is the purpose of a closed cavity facade (CCF) in building design?
To reduce heat loss through convection
What is the equation of thermal transmittance?
$U = \frac{1}{R}$
True or false: The better a structure, the higher the U-value.
False
What is convection?
Heat transfer through fluid circulation
What is radiation?
Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves
What are the factors that influence architectural designs from the physical context?
Climatic, general user needs, and physical context
What are mullions and transoms in building construction?
Window framing components
Parameters as a means of testing and evaluating your design thinking- Name them
Advantages or disadvantages of external insulation
What is a type of glass that reduces solar gain
Low-E (low emissivity) glass
What is the equation of thermal transmittance
U = rac{1}{R}
What is convection
The transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) when the warmer, less dense fluid rises and the cooler, denser fluid sinks
What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics
The total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time
What is thermal transmittance
The rate of transfer of heat through a structure (U-value)
What is a parameter
A factor that can be considered, adjusted, or measured to evaluate a design
What is quantitive
Relating to or measured by quantity (numerical data)
What is the percentage of heat loss through poorly constructed roofs
25%
What are the factors that we would take into account. - External and interior
Solar orientation, shading, building materials, and thermal mass
Mechanical ventilation provides
controlled air movement and exchange within a building
Mechanical ventilation is
a system that uses mechanical devices, such as fans, to circulate and replace air within a building
Ventilation is measured by
air changes per hour (ACH) or cubic feet per minute (CFM)
How does mechanical ventilation work. Positive pressure is pressure within a system that is greater than the environment that surrounds that system. True or false. Heat transfer is the air that goes from areas with low/ negative pressures into areas with higher pressure. True or false Natural ventilation- environmental or design factors will affect it. What is single-sided ventilation. Room area ____ x ____. What is cross ventilation. Maximum room depth = ____ x ____. What is stack ventilation. Air intake must be a maximum of _________ below the outlets. The top of a chimney-style stack should be above or below 2-3 m at the highest roof point. Multi-story stack outlets/ inlets should be: 5-6%, 8-10% or 3-4% of the floor area. Can moisture move and migrate through the building fabric by heat transfer, ventilation and differences. Yes or No. Why might heat transfer through convection or conduction affect the movement of moisture within the building. How can you stop water from entering the external envelope. What to do when moisture manages to enter the external wall to be able to disappear. What is the function of load bearing layer. What is the function of a thermal layer. Are junctions points where different components meet. Yes or No. What is thermal continuity. If the material is colder than the temperature of the surrounding air will condensation happen. Yes or No What is a cavity separation and what does it do. Window elements- Sash-> glazing What do windows and glazing screens provide. What are the primary sources of heating a building. What is emissaty. Does glass have a high or low emissity. What gases do double, or triple-glazing systems have. True or False. A thick low-e coating (of metal-oxide) between laminates of glass, enables to reflect the heat into the room. What are mullions and transoms. Are they hung and fixed in the primary structure. Do they support floor slabs. Advantages and/ or disadvantages of a cold roof. Advantages and/ or disadvantages of a warm roof. What is a closed cavity façade (CCF). What is ethylene propylene. diene terpolymer (DPDM).
Study Notes
Zero-Energy Building
- A building that produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.
- Achieved through energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and smart technologies.
Reducing Embodied Energy
- Select materials with lower environmental impact.
- Use recycled materials to minimize new resource extraction.
- Design for durability and lifespan extension to reduce future energy requirements.
Natural Ventilation
- Driven by temperature differences, wind pressures, and buoyancy effects.
- Can enhance indoor air quality and comfort while reducing mechanical cooling needs.
Climatic Response in Architecture
- Involves adapting designs to local climates to optimize energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
- Focuses on passive strategies such as orientation, shading, and thermal mass.
Passive Building
- A design strategy emphasizing energy efficiency through insulation, air-tightness, and ventilation without active heating or cooling.
- Optimizes building envelope performance to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Energy Use in Buildings
- Consumed primarily through heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.
- Energy management strategies aim to reduce peak consumption and overall energy use.
Physical Context Influence on Design
- Geographic location, climate, topography, and local materials significantly affect architectural decisions.
- Buildings are designed to respond to their specific context for enhanced functionality and sustainability.
Glass Types
- Low-emissivity (low-e) glass reduces solar gain while maximizing daylighting.
- Triple glazing enhances insulation and minimizes energy loss.
Heat Loss through Poorly Constructed Walls
- Approximately 25-30% of heat loss occurs through poorly constructed walls.
- Quality construction practices can significantly reduce this percentage.
Thermal Transmittance (U-Value)
- The equation for U-value is U = Q / (A * ΔT), where Q is heat transfer rate, A is area, and ΔT is temperature difference.
- A higher U-value indicates more heat loss through building elements.
Ventilation Types
- Single-sided ventilation involves airflow through one façade, promoting cross ventilation.
- Stack ventilation utilizes buoyancy to draw air through a space, creating effective cooling.
Moisture Migration
- Moisture can move through building fabric due to heat transfer, ventilation, and vapor pressure differences.
- Management strategies are essential to prevent moisture issues.
Thermal Continuity
- Refers to the consistent insulation barrier that reduces heat loss and condensation risks.
- Essential for maintaining comfort and efficiency in buildings.
Condensation Risk
- Condensation occurs if building materials are colder than the surrounding air’s dew point temperature.
- Proper thermal management and insulation prevent this issue.
Windows and Glazing Screens
- Provide daylighting, ventilation, and views while impacting energy performance.
- Effective glazing systems enhance thermal insulation properties.
Mullions and Transoms
- Vertical (mullions) and horizontal (transoms) structural components support window frames and divisions.
- Integral to aesthetic design and structural integrity of facades.
Emissivity
- Measures a material's ability to emit absorbed energy, influencing heating and cooling loads.
- Low-emissivity coatings on glass improve energy efficiency by reflecting heat.
Construction and Insulation Types
- Different insulations (e.g., fiberglass, foam board, cellulose) are crucial for energy efficiency.
- Foam plastics, such as EPS, XPS, and polyisocyanurate, are common insulation materials.
Overview of Thermal Dynamics
- Conduction, convection, and radiation are the three primary forms of heat transfer in buildings.
- Second law of thermodynamics indicates that energy flows from high to low temperatures, guiding thermal design strategies.
Mechanical Ventilation
- Provides controlled air exchange, improving indoor air quality and comfort.
- Often measured in air changes per hour, indicating the volume of air replaced within a space.
Closed Cavity Facade (CCF)
- Enhances insulation while allowing for effective airflow management.
- Minimizes heat transfer while permitting natural ventilation.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)
- A synthetic rubber commonly used in roofing and waterproofing membranes.
- Provides durability and weather resistance in building applications.
Roof Types
- Cold roofs are designed to reflect sunlight and lower cooling loads, beneficial in warm climates.
- Warm roofs retain heat and can mitigate heating demands, especially in colder climates.
Test your knowledge of sustainable architecture concepts, including factors of sustainable building, climatic and environmentally responsive architecture, passive buildings, and zero-energy buildings.
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