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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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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3. The Six Components of Successful Daylighting

LED Site lighting with photo and occupant sensor

Not only is the lighting itself provided by an LED array, but the control of the light uses both a photosensor to ensure that it doesn't come on during daylight hours, and also an occupant sensor so that the site is only lit when it is occupied. This not only provides benefits of low electrical usage for the lighting, but also less light pollution at night as the lights only come on when they are necessary for users of the campus.

LED Outdoor Lighting at NREL

These ideas have been a long time coming, and it's also great to see such fresh and innovative designs for the fixtures themselves. The ability to save on site lighting loads is incredible, and further helps achieve LEED points on sites that are otherwise driven by their exterior site lighting requirements.

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Projected Light Over the Depth of the Entire Office

The Transom has the effect of having Venetian Blinds in it (and the cost is about the same) while the incident light is capable of being reflected to the furthest reaches of the depth of the office. In fact, during our tour, the only artificial lights we could find that were on were over areas with taller partition walls that were separated for privacy.

Transom with Reflective Louvers for Effective Daylighting

The ceilings in the space are painted with a bright light surface as well as the acoustic panels in order to take the reflected light and distribute it more evenly throughout the room.  In the end analysis, an elegant and simple solution that creates a wonderfully naturally lit indoor environment.

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2. The Six Components of Successful Daylighting Part III
3. Controlling Western Sun Glare with Electrochromic Windows at NREL

To be used in applications where there are great views (and as a result, glazing) to the West, which is extremely common in the Denver and front range area, the problem of handling afternoon heat and glare has a technological solution - Electrochromic Glass. This glass essentially has a thin film between the layers, that when stimulated with an electric charge, actually changes its transmittance of visible light.

Electrochromic window immediately after turning on

The amount of energy necessary to provide the stimulus is extremely small, according to our NREL guides, and the reduction in thermal gain and visible glare is significant. The transformation takes a few minutes to experience, and the tinting emanates from the electrode line outward until the entire window is evenly tinted.

Electrochromic window a few minutes after start

The window tinting can be controlled using photosensors that detect the direct light in order to automate the system and eliminate the need for tinting at inappropriate times of day or on cloudy days. According to our guides at NREL, the cost of this glazing is approximately twice that of a conventional glazing system, and when factoring in the initial and life cycle costs of various other systems that would be necessary to combat the effects of the western sun, is easy to justify.

Fully Tinted Electrochromic Window Adjacent to Door With Standard Glazing

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1.) SIPs

SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panels. They are rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two OSB panels. They can be used structurally and create a wall or roof system with no thermal bridging. These buildings are extremely airtight and have very high r-value, resulting in superior thermal performance in a relatively thin wall. Multistory buildings can be done, but there are structural limitations to the panels as well as fire rated assemblies that need to be addressed for larger commercial use. SIPs can also be used as infill wall panels on frame structures.

2.) ICFs

ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Forms. They are continuous rigid foam panels that are used as concrete forms and left in place after the pour to create a wall that has both thermal mass as well as high r-value. Some contractors use these only for foundations, but entire structures can be built from them. These buildings are extremely quiet and thermally outstanding. Roof systems would have to be SIP, truss or rafter, so proper detailing is key. Cons are that local concrete costs can drive price per square foot significantly and these buildings are not easy to modify with conventional tools once built.

3.) Radiant wall systems

These are similar to ICFs, only the rigid insulation is an interior layer, sandwiched by the concrete layers. This places the durable concrete layer on the exterior and a layer of thermal mass inside the insulation layer, which results in a superior assembly. The interior layer of concrete also has hydronic  heat tubing in it, so they can serve as the heating distribution for the building. These walls have to be formed by a special crew trained in the system and as a result, will be more costly. Radiant wall systems are even more difficult than ICFs to modify once built due to the embedded hydronic tubing.

4.) Strawbale

These structures are essentially stacked straw bales that are finished with plaster, earth or stucco. Straw has relatively low r-value per inch, and not much thermal mass either, but the walls are very thick, so they make up for it. The walls are also very limited structurally. As a result, for anything other than small single story design, a structural frame would need to be incorporated to carry the loads and the strawbale walls would serve as infill material.

5.) Log

Log walls have been around for centuries and utilize solid wood logs as the structure and the finish. There are a wide variety of log coping techniques that range from very rustic with chinking serving as the thermal barrier between logs, to sophisticated milled logs that are very airtight. While wood has a relatively low R-value per inch, the thermal mass of the wall counteracts the loss in r-value. Detailing openings and interfaces to floor and roof systems are crucial to maintaining the thermal barrier in a log structure. Not commonly used in commercial building, Log structures can qualify for a type 4 construction and be used in certain fire assemblies.

6.) Timberframe

Timberframe structures have also been around for centuries. These are essentially heavy timber post and beam framed structures that require an infill material for the walls (SIPs are a good option). Craftsmanship is key in these structures and the joinery is nothing short of pure art expressed within the structure. Finding qualified labor can be challenging and materials need to be specially sourced. Like log construction, Timberframe can also be used in Type 4 construction.

7.) Cob

One of the oldest methods, and probably one of the most misunderstood, Cob has nothing to do with corn cobs. It is actually an earthen wall method of construction made of balls of mud and straw (Old English cobs) that are hand packed. This very labor intensive method of construction uses the cheapest of materials provided the native soils on the site are suitable. Walls can be scuplted in organic forms and need to be finished with a waterproof exterior so the rain won't melt the structure away. The walls have very high thermal mass, which makes up for their relatively low r-value. There are structural limitations on cob construction, so a frame of some kind may be necessary for multistory or larger buildings.

8.) Adobe

Similar to Cob, Adobe is a clay brick method of wall construction. With suitable on-site soil, bricks can be made and dried then stacked in a labor intensive approach. Like Cob, you get thick walls, high thermal mass, but low r-value. Exterior finish is required to protect the wall and structural limitations still apply.

9.) Rammed Earth

Of the earthen techniques, Rammed Earth is seeing the strongest resurgence today. Made of a suitable recipe of soil that is compressed into a mold, the resulting walls are strong and durable. Like the other earthen methods, high thermal mass offsets low r-value, and the walls are generally much thicker. The resulting walls are very beautiful as you see the strata of the material as it was compressed into the form. These walls are significantly stronger than Adobe and Cob, and require much less maintenance.

10.) Earthship

Popularized in the 70's, these structures are often made with used automobile tires, filled with earth. Infill walls would be recycled materials like glass bottles or aluminum cans and every effort is made to utilize local resources and eliminate waste. Portions of the building may be bermed or buried. The term Earthship really was intended to describe a sustainable approach to building, but over time, has resulted in buildings that have very similar characteristics and materials. With modern approaches to sustainable design, the sustainable design philosophy has outgrown the original structures, however, some are still being constructed today.

Epilogue:

It is not uncommon to see hybrids of these techniques used together, or combined with more conventional construction. There are also countless other methods that utilize both new and old technologies (some rather interesting - like corrugated paper construction, sandbag or even stacked carpet squares). There is no end to the inventiveness or innovation out there and every building site and type should explore all of the available techniques that may offer a higher degree of sustainability, reduced construction cost, and offer the owner or users of the building an opportunity for personal expression.

Originally posted 2010-01-15 10:28:29.

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price per square foot construction cost for two to four story office building

For the most common office building size, two to four stories tall, the range is from just over $130 per square foot in Winston-Salem to over $230 per square foot in New York. The spread here is largely due to the local cost of labor and regulations that allow various construction types that are allowed in low rise construction. For example, in some cases where wood frame construction is still allowed, depending on location and occupancy, this would help to keep costs lower. In areas that are restricted to non-flammable construction, price per square foot will go up.

By taking advantage of savings provided by vertical construction, you will see approximately a 4% savings in cost per square foot by increasing the stories to between five and ten stories. While one might expect a larger savings for that economy of scale, several new requirements come with the mid-rise building that are often not dealt with on the low rise buildings. For example, elevator shafts and service corridors get more complicated as well as HVAC systems.

Price per square foot construction cost for five to ten story office building

The geographic spread in cost per square foot is identical to the low-rise data. This is still principally driven by local factors such as labor costs and local regulatory requirements.

Finally, the high rise buildings see the most economic cost per square foot. For buildings between eleven and twenty stories tall, there is approximately an 11% savings over the mid rise buildings and 15% over low rise. this is largely due to the fact that similar elevator, HVAC and service equipment requirements are required for mid and high rise, resulting in more economy of scale for going up.

price per square foot construction cost for eleven to twenty story office building

Again, the geographic spread is still the same, telling us that the cost per square foot is very sensitive to geographic location. Note that over twenty stories starts getting into more unique building characteristics that will drive costs in various ways. For more information on estimating the cost of your office building during the early planning stages, contact any of us here at EVstudio and we can help scope the right size project for your pro forma.

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Hi Dean,

I'm hoping to understand more about building temperature and if it is affected in any meaningful way by the body temperature of the building’s inhabitants. I understand that you and/or other people at EV Studio may be able to help me with this.

I was wondering, Can the amount of body heat emitted by employees in an office space make a difference in building temperature? And under what conditions?

I realize the highly theoretical nature of these questions, but I’d truly appreciate your candid thoughts on them.

My response:

The short answer is yes, occupancy definitely affects building temperature, and in some cases, the HVAC system is designed to account for the occupant load (assembly spaces, classrooms, etc.). In lower occupancies, it has a much lower effect, and can be negligible (low density residential for example).

The energy output of a single person is remarkably quantifiable. It depends on the activity level, and ASHRAE has published data on these ranges. The common measurement of energy for heating and cooling is the BTU. A person performing light work duties in an office would create about 600 BTUs (compared to 250 sleeping, or up to 1,800 at heavy work). This 600 BTUs is approximately equivalent to three sixty watt lightbulbs (1 btu = .293 watt-hours). So, you can imagine that a 10,000 square foot office with an occupant load of 1/100 would result in 100 occupants at 600 BTUs each = 60,000 BTUs (300 lightbulbs). This definitely would need to be accommodated in your heat loss/gain calculations when sizing a system.

These calculations also have many other variables such as average outdoor temperature, shading, windows,  insulation value, cubic feet of conditioned space, and other functions or equipment in the building (lighting, computers, copiers, kitchens, etc. all contribute to the heating and cooling loads). Typically, the sizing charts and ratings used in commercial heating and cooling calculations   already include occupants and typical uses in their numbers, so it isn't discussed much in terms of individual occupants in an office environment.  However, you can see how a nightclub filled with dancing occupants could double or even triple the space's cooling loads and is a reason why such spaces have significantly larger systems and experience large swings in temperature in short periods of time.

I hope that helps!

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Half Moon Seminars Wood Frame and Steel Frame Design and Construction Agenda

The Seminar is on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel in Denver at 3203 Quebec Street, Denver CO 80207 (303-321-3333)

You can register online at http://www.halfmoonseminars.com/ or call 715-835-5900 to register by phone. The seminar will earn Architects, Engineers and Contractors 6 continuing education credits for their respective organizations.

Half Moon Seminars Wood Frame and Steel Frame Design and Construction Registration Form

See you there!

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A Historic Structure Assessment is one of the most common first steps in a historic preservation project. The process involves the documentation of the construction history and current physical condition of the historic property. The assessment is usually undertaken after the building or property has been identified as historically significant and recognized through local landmarking or through state or national historic places registers. In most cases, the Historic Structure Assessment will become the basis for the overall Preservation Plan for the property including all phases such as stabilization, restoration or rehabilitation and on into operations and maintenance.

Historic Structure Assessments typically involve the services of an Architect and their Consultants (such as structural engineers and historic preservation specialists) who are qualified to professionally examine and assess all of the components of an entire historic building, structure or site. The project team will examine the historic property and produce a report of findings which should include technical information, photographs, illustrations and drawings which accurately and thoroughly document the physical conditions at the time of the Assessment. The Scope of Work for a Historic Structure Assessment typically includes the following:

• Historical information about the property (including complete construction history)
• Examination and assessment of all structural components (foundation, framing, roofing, etc.)
• Examination and assessment of all building systems (mechanical, electrical, envelope, etc.)
• Examination and assessment of all interior and exterior finishes, historic materials & hazardous materials.
• Assessment of compliance with local ordinances, zoning code, building code, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility.

In Colorado, a Historic Structure Assessment is a mandatory part of the process of applying for grant funding from the State Historic Fund. The State Historic Fund, however, offers non-competitive grants of up to $10,000 ($15,000 under special circumstances) on an as-needed basis for hiring the necessary professionals and completing Historic Structure Assessments.

EV Studio includes all of the expertise and disciplines required to complete a Historic Structure Assessment. Our interdisciplinary team includes experts from all of the design disciplines including architecture, engineering, historic preservation, planning and more. We are able to use our integrated approach to complete all projects with a level of efficiency, accuracy, innovation and thoroughness that makes all of our projects a success. In addition, we are passionate about our cultural resources and are very experienced with all of the phases of historic preservation projects from initial landmarking and register nomination, through grant applications and Historic Structure Assessments and on into Preservation Planning and implementation. Feel free to contact us for a free initial consultation about your historic property!

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