Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 3.10
CH
2
: A scheme of the natural lighting strategies (DesignInc).
Design
(Arup Associates). DesignInc; 2006
The original steel structure was implemented with new materials and insula-
tion levels according to the results of dynamic thermal simulations. Recycled glass
fibre panels were used for cladding and new insulation layers were added. The
indoor comfort was the most important aspect leading the design of the lab: indoor
surface temperatures are relatively high thanks to the insulated and air-tight enve-
lope; ceiling and wall cladding help in cleaning the air thanks to zeolite and gyp-
sum panels; and natural lighting levels are optimised.
The shape itself is optimized for the warm season, maximising solar gains in
winter and self-shading of windows in summer. The heating energy need of the
building and envelope, without taking into account services and the contribution of
renewable energy sources, is 9.8 kWh/m
3
a. The building is equipped with a heat-
recovery mechanical ventilation system (90 % efficiency), air-to-water heat pump
(7 kWp) and solar panels for hot water and electricity (2 kWp). This is enough to
balance energy need and production over the year.
