The idea of self-repairing architecture can be staggering. I have contemplated exterior sidings that might live and repair themselves similar to the bark of a tree. In fact, I wouldn't mind at all if it even looked like the bark on a tree. With advancements in fields originally thought to be wholly unrelated to architecture, like microbiology and electrochemistry, we may be able to collaborate on our collective ideas to develop a new architecture that relates and interacts with our natural environment in a natural way. In my own contemplations, perhaps there may be some way to graft living bark onto a substrate that could be joined in a system to create such a living wall. Maybe this is something that can be done on site to existing buildings. It would give rise to a tree house with a whole new meaning.

Consider the myriad of other possibilities that might implement living organisms to create a living structure - much in the same way that thousands of species use coral as their home. Instead of growing foliage outside of the exterior skin of a structure, let it be the skin of the structure, or perhaps even the structure itself. Can rigid structures like coral be easily grown on the terrestrial surface?  This kind of thinking may give rise to a new and truly organic kind of design. How it would be viewed under our current building code is an entirely different question!

I will be posting more on this topic as I continue my own research, but I encourage a discussion on it to share ideas.

Originally posted 2009-11-10 02:00:30.

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Spray Foam Installation

Advances in spray foam technology is making closed cell foam more affordable for projects of all kinds, and the advantages over traditional batt and cellulose insulation methods are staggering.

Insulation Comparison Chart

As you can see from the above comparison chart, not only does closed cell spray foam significantly outperform other methods in R-value, but it also contributes substantially to moisture control, reductions in air infiltration and even structural frame rigidity. Not shown in the chart are also the superior acoustic advantages to closed cell foam in the walls.

Typical solid foam installation assemblies are below:

• Walls: 2×6 with 3″ of Closed Cell Foam = Approx. R21
• Walls: 2×6 with 5-1/2″ of Closed Cell Foam = Approx. R38.5
• Walls: 2×4 with 3″ of Closed Cell Foam = Efficiency Equiv. R21
• Walls: 2×4 with 3-1/2″ of Closed Cell Foam = Approx. R24
• Ceilings: 7″ Closed Cell Foam = Approx. R47.5
• Ceilings: 10″ Closed Cell Foam = Approx. R68

All of this performance does come at a premium, however, and one way to cut down on installation costs, while also maintaining a sound thermal envelope is the "Flash and Batt" method. This method combines the advantages of closed cell foam with a thinner layer, and making up the balance in the wall or ceiling with traditional, lower cost batt insulation.

Typical "Flash and Batt" assemblies are as follows:

• Walls: 2×6 with 1″ of Closed Cell Foam and R15 Batt = Approx. R22
• Walls: 2×6 with 2″ of Closed Cell Foam and R15 Batt = Approx. R28.5
• Ceilings: 1″ Closed Cell Foam and R30 Batt (for cathedral roofs)= Approx. R37
• Ceilings: 1″ Closed Cell Foam and R38 Batt (N/A cathedral roofs)= Approx. R45
• Ceilings: 2″ Closed Cell Foam and R38 Batt (N/A cathedral roofs)= Approx. R51.5
• Ceilings: 3″ Closed Cell Foam and R38 Batt (N/A cathedral roofs)= Approx. R58.5

Originally posted 2011-01-01 00:01:37.

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Our findings so far:

In order to get the full points for LEED credit, we need to either have a mass wall (ICF) with an actual (not performance) R-value of at least R-14. This is easily done with just about any thickness of ICF wall because the foam insulation is where the value is really calculated. You get actual R-17 to R-22 depending on the ICF block – “equivalent” r-values are touted in the 40’s and 50’s, but that includes the thermal mass equivalency and is really an apples-to-bananas comparison anyway, so don't believe everything you hear.

For SIPs, we wouldn’t consider that a mass wall, so the actual R-value needs to be a minimum of R-21. Again, easy to do in a 6-1/2” SIP panel (which would be R-42 – way over everything else by comparison). If we have poured concrete floors inside the building, then we have plenty of thermal mass inside the home (where we really want it), and not separated by a layer of insulation (which is one of the complaints with ICF).

Both systems are thermally broken systems as far as LEED is concerned. Both systems will be very high performance for airtightness (and will require an HRV). It appears that only SIPs will allow us additional LEED points for pre-built panel assemblies since ICFs are site-built assemblies that are then poured on site. We're still researching that with LEED though, so I will validate that and amend this post when we have more data on that.

Space is also a fairly large consideration as well. LEED calculates the area from the outside face of the rough assembly, so the additional thickness required by ICFs will add approximately 120-150 sq.ft. of wall thickness for a 2,000 sq.ft. footprint. I know that sounds crazy, but there is quite a bit of square footage tied up in our exterior walls that isn’t useable, and the thicker the walls, the more that hurts our ability to keep the space functional and stay within the LEED guidelines that won’t require us to add additional points to our requirements total. So, to maximize LEED points, it's not enough for a wall to perform thermally, it also needs to do it with minimum wall thickness - now we really are talking the 21st century modern home here!

Chances are, any sustainably built low-rise Type V building project will have both ICF and SIP components, it really is a question of “how much ICF and how much SIP”. Right now, unless there is some major economic advantage in the initial cost for using ICFs, the information I have is telling me to build the foundation with ICF and use ICF for walkout basement conditions if site topography warrants it. Then run the SIPs from the main level floor up.

This will also allow you to handle common details more easily. For example, you can set the foundation wall to the inside face of the sip so that it can act as a ledge for stone or brick veneer while preserving the thermal break. It’s also worth noting that angles other than 90 degrees at the building corners are easily done with SIPs and won’t pose any problems with designs that are customized. In fact, just about any shape is possible with SIPs – even curved forms. You can do those angles with ICF as well, but it isn’t a lot of fun, so you want to minimize those kinds of design features wherever possible.

It's also worth noting that there are a lot of good reasons to plan for SIP walls running through the building, separating key areas as they provide great thermal separation and sound attenuation in the same space as a conventional stud wall.

We actually started this project thinking that we would need to go to ICFs in order to maximize our LEED point potential, however, it turns out that SIPs actually have a slight advantage when it comes to LEED because of their reduced thickness. For all intensive purposes, they will perform equally in a LEED thermal analysis though, so unless you can build an ICF wall for less than a SIP wall, the SIP wall would be the best choice.

If you are looking to have a highly sustainable building designed, this information is only one very small part of the comprehensive analysis for the great number and variety of design decisions, and all of these choices must be tailored to your specific situation, location and site adaptation. With that said, we strongly urge you to engage the services of a design professional that has the knowledge and experience so that the financial investment in your building is validated and actually performs. In fact, in order to get LEED certification, you are required to assemble a design team that has those qualifications. Contact EVstudio if you have any questions or need to discuss your next sustainable project.

For more SIP info read my post Top 10 Important Things to Know About SIPs

Originally posted 2008-10-31 10:03:14.

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There is no shortage of talk about LEED these days so I think it merits a quick explanation.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is a green building rating system that has been put in place by the US Green Building Council. Each project is rated based on a variety of criteria and then it is awarded a level of Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum depending on the number of points it is eligible for. Criteria include energy usage, indoor air quality, sustainable sites, water use, construction waste, recycling, etc.

Projects can be certified under several different rating systems including LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Retail, LEED for Schools and LEED for Core and Shell. In addition there is a LEED for Homes that is new and a LEED for Neighborhood Development that is in its pilot phase.

Individuals who want to be LEED Accredited Professionals have to take and pass a test on one of the various LEED rating systems. When an individual passes the test they carry the LEED AP designation. Currently there are no continuing education requirements.

So for the record, buildings are LEED Certified and people are LEED Accredited. At least some of them.

Originally posted 2008-10-03 18:16:37.

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Disadvantages:

Increased installation costs – often double that of a more conventional roof

Increased maintenance costs –potential water, weeding etc. required

Increased structural requirements – can vary greatly by type of green roof

Difficult to service roof if needed – extensive roof are more easily serviced

Advantages:

Storm Water Management – Green roofs help reduce the amount of water that runs off a roof and into municipal storm water and sewage treatment systems. Intensive systems are the best at this due to the deeper growing medium. This also acts as a first step in water purification. The vegetation and growing medium will trap contaminants from rainwater.

Heat Island Effect – If you have ever stepped from an asphalt parking lot onto grass and felt the difference in temperature, you know what the heat island effect is. Green roofs can substantially reduce the ambient temperature on the roof of a building and that contributes to overall cooling a local climate.

Help filter pollutants from air – As briefly touched on above, green roofs can help filter contaminants from the air. Studies have shown that green roofs can remove as much as 95% of heavy metals from the atmosphere.

Increased lifespan of roof – We have all seen what the sun can do to our BBQ grille covers and car paint over the years.  Since the green roof covers much, if not all, of a conventional roof, that roof is going to last much longer. Some studies have shown up to 3 times longer. Most properly installed commercial roofs have a 30 year warranty.

Regulates interior temperatures – By reducing the heat island effect the green roof is also reducing how much heat there is to move through the roof. This combines with the great mass and creates a roof that is insulated quite well in both the summer and winter. The amount depends on the thickness of the growing media and its’ water saturation.

Aesthetic and Use Benefits – A green roof is a more attractive roof. Think of how much potentially usable space is wasted just covering the building. Imagine incorporating outdoor spaces for use by the building tenants. For some extra cost a building owner gets more usable space that can be a very attractive selling point to potential tenants.

Ecological Benefits - Green roofs can attract birds, butterflies and bees. Some buildings are known to harbor large bee farms creating another potential revenue stream for the building owner.

There are other considerations with green roofs but this covers the most common and influential. When choosing any building method or component it is important to analyze how the advantages and disadvantages compare.

Originally posted 2010-12-08 00:30:18.

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Clean Energy Authority

This is not a governmental organization in any way, but rather, a business that is built around core values of being experts in their industry, and providing valuable information and news about their industry. They have pre-screened suppliers and installers that they can direct you to and the best part is that this information is free.

When you are looking for information on the latest tax incentives or rebate programs in your area, or are trying to find a reputable installer that won't skip town as soon as they receive payment, you can find helpful resources here.

As always, on new construction, the integration of PV and solar hydronic systems are a part of a larger sustainable program that your team of architects and engineers need to be a part of. But be aware that on all projects, new and old, you will need a structural assessment of your building's roof if you plan to install any of these systems on it. EVstudio regularly handles such issues and we can help you with integrating solar panels in a smart and aesthetically pleasing architectural solution, while ensuring that all of the structural requirements are also met.

Originally posted 2011-01-25 00:01:25.

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Not only are there some great new technologies available for insulation, but this is one area where you probably get the most bang for your buck when it comes to thermal performance. This is primarily because, it's all relatively cheap (note: relatively is a relative term). And remember that a good thermal envelope with a sound insulation package helps save energy in both heating and cooling seasons. Below is a synapsis of some conventional methods and what to expect with each...

Fiberglass ($) - Everyone remembers the Pink Panther peddling this soft pink stuff by the roll - just remember not to let it touch your skin or you will itch into next week. The cotton-candy like fibers are actually tiny fibers of glass (thus fiberglass) and they insulate by trapping the air in the wall. You can get up to about R-3.5 per inch of this material (and up to R-5 with high density batts), which isn't too bad. The only problem is that fiberglass doesn't close all the gaps and there are a lot of areas that become weak in your thermal envelope (electrical receptacles, doors and windows, etc.). If these areas are not carefully installed, you will have problems. Also, if the material gets wet, all bets are off. Compressed or wet fiberglass is considered essentially useless as an insulation and would need to be replaced.

Cellulose ($) - In some markets, Cellulose is actually cheaper than fiberglass. This material is basically like lint made up of shredded material - everything from newspaper to denim. It is also treated with insecticide and fireproofing. They blow this into the stud cavities or attic spaces and because the material has no internal threading like fiberglass, you can fill every nook and cranny with it. Because the insulation method is also by trapping air, the r-value per inch is very similar to fiberglass. The installation is much better though and performance improves considerably. There has been some concern about cellulose settling over time, leaving gaps, but with a wet installation that includes a binder (a glue of sorts), these issues have largely been addressed.

Rigid insulation ($$) - These are the stiff ultra-light styrofoam panels that you have seen occassionally blowing around jobsites. There are a lot of different types of materials that comprise the family of rigid insulations, and may warrant their own blog. For the purpose of this post, you can get r-4 per inch using EPS or Phenolic panels and up to R-7.5 for the Polyurethane rigid panels. The materials in these panels are reasonably inexpensive, but the labor to install becomes very difficult to justify for cavity wall or roof insulation. More often than not, these materials are used in EIFS stucco systems, or really any siding system where the insulation can be installed continuously outside the structure without interruption, and also in roof deck applications where the entire roof is clad in the continuous rigid panel above the structural deck. There are other construction methods which are taking advantage of the high r-value of rigid insulation: SIPs construction where the panels run continuous, sandwiched between OSB panels and ICF form construction, which utilizes these materials for foundation construction with excellent results. Point being, for cavity insulation, the r-value is high, but so is the labor cost and you still have the same gap problems you get with fiberglass.

Spray-in foam ($$$) - This method, while the most expensive, is by far the tightest solution for a cavity wall construction. The material is Polyisocyanurate and can have an R-value averaging about 7 per inch. They spray it into the cavities and it expands to seal every nook and cranny. It hardens into a plastic material that is not only stable (important if you want your building to perform 20 years from now as well as it does today), but is also essentially inert and won't react with other building materials. Like other rigid solutions, It can get wet and it won't lose r-value. Installation typically requires a trained crew, but once installed, the building will perform similar to a SIPs built home. We are hoping that over time, this installation becomes more commonplace so that prices can even out.

Analysis: How should you sort out this information and decide on the best choice for your project? Often, thickness of wall or roof system and desired net R-value dictate this. Or perhaps your construction method may decide for you (SIPs, ICF, EIFS, etc..). Regardless, you can expect to pay on average between $.80 and $.90 a square foot for R-19 insulation using Fiberglass or Cellulose, installed with the Rigid being more, depending on application and spray-in being double and sometimes triple that depending on availability of installers. With that being said, you may be paying about $5,000 for fiberglass or cellulose for a modest 2,500 sq.ft. home and another $5,000 or more for spray-in foam. If your construction budget is particularly price sensitive, cellulose may be your best choice here. If, however, your initial cost is less important than your life-cycle cost and how well your building performs over time (and how it uses energy to heat and cool), then the spray-in technique may be better suited to your project. We cover these issues from the programming phase in the design process all the way through development of the Construction Documents and can help advise you on the best choice for your project. This way, you have all of the information you need to make the right decision to... insulate your investment.

Originally posted 2008-08-04 14:56:29.

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Clarence Perry's "Neighborhood Unit" Diagram, 1929.

The "Neighborhood Unit" has since laid the foundation for modern-day planning movements including the "new urbanism" movement of the 80's, 90's and today.  Unfortunately, the "neighborhood unit" concept has also provided fuel for today's suburbanization and road classification system.  False interpretations of Perry's concept have conceived segregation of land uses, further validating the modern-day road classification system and unfortunately created an auto-centric society in today's first ring and outward suburban communities.

Perry's intentions were calibrated to the human foot, not the automobile.  Please remember that Perry's Neighborhood Unit was conceptualized prior to an automobile-based society (1920's).  His notes on the plan above refer to walk distances, narrow streets and a mix of uses.  Note that there also is a fairly connected network of streets, another modern-day casualty from the road classification system.  You do not see cul-de-sacs in the diagram above and in fact you see a lot of intersecting streets on highways and arterials.  With today's road classification standards, intersections with this frequency are not permitted on arterials, let alone highways.  The following graphic is an interpretation of the neighborhood unit created by Farr Associates, Architecture and Urban Design.

The Modern Day Neighborhood Unit Diagram. Graphic by Farr Associates.

Originally posted 2010-11-01 23:20:33.

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The first step is to become a LEED Green Associate. This can actually be gained as a standalone credential or as part of becoming a LEED AP with Specialty. There are a number of basic requirements, taken from the USGBC website:

For professionals who support green building design, construction, and operations, the LEED Green Associate credential denotes basic knowledge of green building principles and practices and LEED.

Eligibility requirements:

Candidates must have experience in the form of

•             EITHER documented involvement on a project registered or certified for LEED

•             OR employment (or previous employment) in a sustainable field of work

•             OR engagement in (or completion of) an education program that addresses green building principles.

Credential maintenance requirements:

LEED Green Associates must maintain their credential by earning 15 continuing education (CE) hours every two-year reporting period.

As you can see even gaining the basic level within the LEED AP tree a candidate must some substantial experience in the green and sustainable building fields or at the very least a fairly robust education which addresses those issues.

The most important aspect is that continuing education is now a requirement even for the base level of LEED Green Associate. This prevents the accreditation from being a “get it and forget it” addition to one’s business card.

Originally posted 2011-10-30 00:38:01.

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Understanding Net Zero involves a number of key points. The first is a focus on reducing the energy demands of the building. This is achieved by both a shift in culture and how we're used to living/working as well as advanced technologies for reaping the highest efficiencies out of every aspect of the building. After this disciplined reduction in demand, the remaining energy use must be provided with renewable energy. Additional technologies are utilized to provide this power, such as Photovoltaics (PV) or Wind Power and the building must be rigorously modeled in order to demonstrate that all of its energy needs are provided for by its own energy production.

Below is a breakdown of the energy use in a typical Office Building in the United States. As you can see, reducing the loads is the first step in a Net Zero design strategy, and is the primary focus of this article.

Typical Energy Consumption In US Office Building - Courtesy of US Energy Information Administration

Below is our top ten list of effective ways to reduce energy demand in an effort to approach Net Zero:

10.) High efficiency HVAC systems. This seems obvious, but you would be amazed at the spectrum of systems available on the market today. A net zero building relies on the best of the best of these systems. Heat Recovery Ventilators should provide fresh air ventilation without releasing valuable heat to the exterior of the building. Sophisticated control systems are also necessary to manage the building HVAC system to respond to the changing needs of the building and the occupant load.

9.) Daylighting. The development of large commercial buildings often leads to vast amounts of enclosed space with no access to natural daylight. Artificial lighting creates a huge burden on the energy demand and must be balanced with as much natural daylighting as possible. This is especially relevant for buildings that operate primarily during daytime hours

8.) Artificial Lighting and Controls   High efficiency artificial lighting sources are a crucial supplement to daylighting. While daylighting should be a primary light source (with appropriate shielding and redirection), artificial lighting must be carefully considered for night time use, in interior spaces, and to supplement daylighting.  High efficiency fluorescent and LED sources can be combined with judicious use of ceramic metal halide and halogen sources.  It's important to work with the Client to adjust expectations for artificial light levels in Net Zero energy buildings.  Certain older recommendations for foot candle levels from artificial light are very difficult to attain in Net Zero buildings.  Supplementing overhead or ambient light levels with individually controlled task lighting is a way to keep light where it's needed and minimize energy use.  Just as important as efficient sources are controls that manage use of artificial light loads. At a minimum, commercial buildings striving for Net Zero energy must utilize daylight sensors to tune artificial light levels based on presence of daylight; and occupancy sensors to turn off lights when spaces are not used. Other controls that should be seriously considered include a building energy management system; and plug load occupancy sensors for non-critical plug loads.

7.) Passive Solar heating/cooling. Depending on the site location and orientation, all measures must be made to draw available solar heat into the building in Winter months while shading during Summer months in colder or temperate climates. In hot or humid climates, shading and protection from inviting unwanted heat into the building is critical to reducing cooling demand. Window specifications are critical to the success of a passive solar design, and these specifications are different for differing exposures within the same building.

6.) Sustainable Trees. The landscape design for a Net Zero building is critical in managing the microclimate around the building. Landscaping can provide shade trees to protect the building from unnecessary heat gain. Trees can also control unwanted winds that could create unnecessary heating demand in colder temperatures.The landscape design should also require the minimum amount of energy to maintain and operate.

5.) Rooftop gardens and living wall systems. Also a huge buffer to managing the building's thermal envelope are rooftop gardens and living wall systems. These are natural solar devices which convert much of the sun's energy to plant life rather than introducing it into the building. Careful integration of these systems into the design is key to managing building temperatures, but they should not add to the loads of the building in order to maintain.

4.) Thermal Storage. In climates that endure temperature swings, there is an opportunity to retain and store heat provided for during the day that can be released at night. Methods include thermal mass walls and newer technologies include phase change materials that are capable of storing significant amounts of heat energy at near-room temperatures. Other methods of thermal storage can provide heat for domestic hot water within the building, and should be considered in the design.

3.) Natural Ventilation. We have all been in buildings that are sealed with no ability to open the windows. While this was the historic solution to balancing and controlling HVAC systems in buildings, it eliminates the ability to heat and cool interior spaces naturally  and with the informed decisions of the occupants in a temperate climate zone. Including natural ventilation into a larger building is arguably more complicated for the mechanical engineer, but the results are less energy demand and greater occupant comfort if done correctly.

2.) Superperforming thermal envelope. The old mantra of R-value is not the only test anymore of assembly performance. Every mode of heat transfer must be addressed in every wall, roof, floor, window, door, duct, shaft and penetration. Controlling conductive, convective and emissive heat transfer is critical to controlling heating and cooling loads in a building. New systems involving spray foams and low-e materials are necessary in any Net Zero building.

1.) Adjustments in culture and expected use. No one is asking to return to the turn of the last century and compromise internal occupant comfort, but there are some things we've gotten used to that are really unnecessary energy consuming items.  Is it necessary to keep lights on in unused spaces during business hours and does the HVAC system need to run 24/7 in every space? Appliances should be assessed for their necessity and reduced to meet the real need of the building functions. Necessary appliances should be high efficiency, reducing energy consumption. Some things that we've gotten used to are not only unnecessary, but also can contribute to occupant discomfort. A net zero building relies on a culture shift of its occupants to be mindful of the energy use that is being consumed. Employee training programs and proper operating and maintenance procedures for all users of the building are critical. This is hands down the best way to address plug loads, which are the most difficult to quantify and model in any Net Zero design.

Not all building types have the same energy needs. It is important in every project to assess the specific needs for the building type and its occupants. Below is a chart representing the electricity consumption of various building types. The reduction methods outlined above are relevant to all of these building types, but would be tailored to specifically meet Net Zero design goals for each project type. Note that this chart is for electricity only, and does not represent total energy use.

Electricity Consumption per Square Foot by Building Type - Courtesy of US Energy Information Administration

EVstudio is involved with a wide array of sustainable buildings that we have designed. There are many methods for gauging the sustainability of a building. The most popular these days is through the USGBC LEED program. However, one can design and build a Net Zero Building without ever going through the LEED process. For more information or to discuss how your project could be Net Zero or LEED certified, please contact us by commenting on this post below, or through the contact information on our website and we would be happy to discuss.

Originally posted 2011-09-07 12:36:57.

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