Research

Retrofit tips
Roof windows/ sun tunnels
Roof windows are an easy and effective way to bring natural light into a habitable
space where there is a pitched or flat roof.
Gaps between the window frame and rafter/trimmers should be filled with PIR
insulation or proprietary insulation collars such as the Velux BDX.
Windows should be secured in place using supplied fixing tabs screwed to
doubled up rafters and trimmers. Ensure you have the correct flashing type to Roof window
suit the chosen roof coverings.
Sun tunnels are an easy and very effective way to bring natural light into a
concealed space where natural light is not normally possible, such as hallways
and bathrooms, reducing the need for artificial light. Sun tunnels can be installed
on both pitched and flat roofs and help improve the daylighting within a home.
Sun tunnel collectors should be installed in a position that receives the largest
quantity of direct sunlight.

Sun tunel

http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/roof-windows

Internal wall insulation - rigid solution data sheet

One of the fastest ways to insulate an existing wall from the inside is to install plasterboard
laminated insulation, such as Celotex PL4000 65mm, mechanically fixed to the inside face
of the wall. This will achieve a U-value of 0.30 W/m2K. Around door and window reveals
install 27mm Knauf Thermal Laminate Plus to reduce the thermal bridging at this junction
with the least reduction in size of the window frame.
Where internal and party walls run perpendicular to the external walls, the insulation
should be taken back to a minimum of 600mm in order to reduce the effect of thermal
bridging that occurs at these junctions. This is also the case in floor voids, both on the ground floor (where it is a timber
joist construction) and all intermediate floors. The floor voids should be completely filled a minimum of 600mm back
from the external wall.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/internal-wall-insulation-rigid-solution

Green wall
Positive drainage throughout the system keep plantings in optimal growing conditions at both the bottom and the top
of what may be a several stories tall planting. A long term, lightweight planting medium that is not subject to
deterioration through decomposition.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/green-wall-system

External wall insulation flexible (bostik) data sheet

The system is ideal for refurbishment work undertaken as part of the ECO or Green Deal, offering a range of finishes
and flexible selling system backed by a comprehensive training scheme. Insulation boards are adhered to the existing
substrate using the adhesive, allowing each board to be levelled. Once the adhesive has dried, typically five mechanical

fixings per board are installed through the insulation into the solid brickwork. The
insulation is made watertight and robust with one to two layers of reinforcing mesh
embedded with two layers of base coat. The desired finish is then applied. Around
reveals, sills and heads, affix 30mm of insulation, then apply the render finish. This
will reduce any possibility of thermal bridging.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/externalwall-insulation-flexible-bostik

Air source heat pumps

Heat Pumps use refrigeration technology to provide heat from a condensing unit. The evaporator side of the heat
pump absorbs energy from the air outside the house using it as a source of heat. The efficiency of a heat pump is
denoted by its coefficient of performance know as COP. This is the ratio of energy extracted from the source and
energy used by the heat pump itself. With the current mix of fuels for electricity production, using a heat pump
produces slightly less emissions compared with conventional gas heating.
There are two types of air source heat pumps, air-to-air and air-to-water. Air to water pumps are used for heating and
hot water by taking heat from the air outside and transferring it to the heating system via a heat pump - this process
uses the principles of vapour compression. The air to air heat pumps heat up the air by drawing air into the unit,
warming it up and then circulating the heated air around the property via a fan.
Air Source Heat Pumps can work better in conjunction with the use of underfloor heating systems. They operate at
more than 3 times the efficiency of conventional heating systems and as a result help to minimise C02 emissions and
reduce the heating costs of your property.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/air-source-heat-pumps

Biomass heating data sheet

When compared with fossil fuels, like oil, gas or
coal, biomass is a sustainable carbon neutral
fuel. A biomass boiler offers an
environmentally sound heating solution as it
emits on average the same amount of carbon
dioxide that is absorbed by plants, thus having
little or no adverse affect on the earth's
delicate CO balance.
Biomass has been used as a source of heating by many generations in the form of wood-burning stoves and open fires.
Recent advances in technology have led to the development of new types of boilers that use biomass cleanly and
efficiently to heat both space and water. As well as being 'green', biomass boilers reduce energy consumption,
resulting in lower energy bills, especially in the face of the rising cost of traditional fuels.
Ensure that there is sufficient dry storage space on site to store the wood pellets. Ensure that there is sufficient space
to take delivery of the fuel as it may often be delivered in bulk loads.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/biomass-heating

Photovoltaic Panel (PV)

PV panels, often referred to as a module, use multiple cells joined together to convert solar radiation into electricity.
When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. Therefore, the
greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. PV cells are either classified as crystalline or thin
film. An array of panels is known as a string. The number of strings used depends on roof space and the capacity of

the inverter. Most inverters can handle 2 strings and the

panels should be divided equally between both strings. The
inverter must be placed as close to the panels as possible to
avoid loss of efficiency.
Ideal conditions are a south facing roof with a pitch of 25
to 40 with little to no shade. If your site is on a SW or SE
roof, then performance drops by about 5%. On a east or
west facing roof it drops by up to 10%. PV panels should be
sited away from trees or shaded areas. The panels can be
fitted both portrait and landscape or a combination of the
two and are either fitted In Roof, On Roof or on a Flat Roof.
Photovoltaic Panels require little maintenance, although
care should be taken to make sure dust, debris and snow is
removed, to get the best out of the unit. For optimum
performance from the PV panel the roof should face due
south at a pitch of 30-50 degrees.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solutiondata-sheets/photovoltaic-panel-pv

Solar thermal

PV

Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called

collectors, fitted to your roof. These collect heat from the
sun and use it to heat up water which is stored in a hot
water cylinder. A boiler or immersion heater can be used as
a back up to heat the water further to reach the required
temperature.
There are two types of solar water heating panels. They are
evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors, which can be
fixed on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof.
Be sure to use a twin coil cylinder with a solar thermal
system (in conjunction with a boiler). The roof should
ideally face due south at a pitched angle between 30 and
50 to give the best overall performance. Installations facing
anywhere to the south of due east and due west will work,
although the output will be reduced. Make sure the solar
panels are not overshadowed by a dormer or trees as this
will reduce the output.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solutiondata-sheets/solar-thermal

Solar thermal

Ground source heat pumps horizontal/vertical

GSHPs utilises the heat energy stored in the ground to heat water that can be distributed to the taps, appliances and
heating systems within a building. The GSHP works by passing the low energy heat captured from the ground through

a refrigerant cycle that converts it into higher temperatures for use within the home. The heat is collected via means
of a loop array that may be placed in a trench (c.1m deep). GSHPs can also be used for summer cooling.
A horizontal closed loop field is composed of pipes
that run horizontally in the ground. A long
horizontal trench, deeper than the frost line, is dug
and U-shaped or slinky coils are placed horizontally
inside the same trench. Horizontal loops tend to be
more cost effective to install.
A vertical closed loop field is composed of pipes
that run vertically down into the ground. A hole is
bored in the ground, typically 25150m deep. Two
pipes (pipe pairs) in the hole are joined with a Ushaped cross connector at the bottom, forming a
continuous loop. The borehole is commonly filled Horizontal
with a grout surrounding the pipe to provide a
thermal connection to the surrounding soil or rock
to improve heat transfer. Thermally enhanced
grouts are available to improve this heat transfer.
Grout also protects the ground water from
contamination and prevents artesian wells from
flooding the property. Vertical loop fields are
typically used when there is a limited area of land
available. Bore holes are spaced at least 57m apart
and the depths depend on ground characteristics
(which dictate the ability of the ground to generate
heat) and building characteristics (which dictates
Vertical (winter and summer use)
the heating requirement itself).
Once installed the GSHPs offer a reliable and low cost form of heating requiring only relatively small amounts of
electricity to drive the pumps. Heat pumps aim to supply a constant temperature to buildings. They initially heat the
building and then top-up any heat loss on a constant flow basis.
Mostly, the heat absorbed is solar heat stored in the surface of the earth but at depth, it is likely to be a mixture of
solar and planetary heat. For the majority of GSHP implementation stored solar heat is the major heat source.
This heat is then passed onto the heat pump unit, which compresses the liquid further (the Law of Thermodynamics)
creating an even hotter liquid, which is then used to heat the water in the buffer tank. This heat can then be transferred
to radiators and under-floor heating systems, as well as being used to heat domestic hot water.
The length of the ground loop array depends on the heat demand the building, its energy performance and the subsurface ground conditions.
The pump will still need electricity to run, but the idea is that it uses less electrical energy than the heat it produces.
This is called the co-efficient of performance (COP).

Water
Grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting
Grey water recycling within domestic homes is the process of taking used water from showers, baths and wash hand
basins, filtering it and storing the filtered water for re-use in flushing toilets, watering gardens and running washing
machines. Grey water recycling systems can be connected in with rainwater harvesting systems to further reduce the
use of potable water in situations where it is not needed around the home.
There are many different systems for grey water
recycling varying from ones that are located
underground like rainwater harvesting and collect
water from the whole house, to ones that can be
located in a single bathroom and collect water from just
that bathroom to feed the toilet.
Rainwater harvesting fits in with the Codes for
Sustainable Homes in achieving reductions in use of
potable water which cannot realistically be achieved
through water efficiency measures alone. It is
estimated that up to 50% of domestic water
requirements do not need to be of a potable quality.
Harvested water can be used for flushing toilets,
watering gardens and even used in washing machines.
Where possible install a gravity system which requires
a header tank to be installed in the loft area which feeds
from both the harvested water and the mains supply the mains supply will only be used in the event of the rainwater running out. The advantage of this system is that it
still works if there is a power cut or pump failure.
If it is not possible to install a gravity system, such as in a property with a habitable roof, then a direct system should
be installed. This system requires a mains supply feed back to the harvesting tank that is controlled by a solenoid valve
in order to keep the system running when there is no rainwater left in the tank.
Grey water recycling can reduce water drainage by up to 30% earning valuable points on the Code for Sustainable
Homes. The systems are easy to install and are often maintenance free so they are a fit and forget system. Rainwater
Harvesting has an underground storage tank that should be installed on a concrete plinth and then encased in concrete
to ensure the water table doesnt lift the tank out of the ground when there is no water inside. Ensure the pipework
feeds from the rainwater harvesting tank to the inside of the house is installed with black and green striped pipework,
so it is not mistaken for a blue mains water pipe. Water usage is 125 litres per person per day.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/grey-water-recycling-and-rainwater-harvesting

Shower save
Showersave is a maintenance free, simple to install, cost
effective waste water heat recovery system (WWHR). There
are now in excess of 20,800 systems installed within UK and
Holland. We are already selling into some of the UKs largest
house builders.
The system is likely to pay for itself within 4 years, a
significantly
better
return
than
any
other
sustainable/renewable product. The system achieves
almost the same benefit to householders as a solar thermal
panel at 30% of the initial cost, with no ongoing
maintenance, or need to support with a customer service
team.
http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/shower-save

Materials
Whats the best insulation material to use in eco
renovation
Material which is loose and which comes in rolls, like
cellulose and glass wool, is used in lofts and flat areas
predominantly. Batts and slabs can be used there but also
used vertically on the inside or outside. Rockwool is
commonly used on the outside, but so are woodfibre batts.
Generally a render over the top of the insulation material
protects it from the weather.
The preferred render from an environmental point of view is lime, since
it is breathable, and my personal favourite system for this is called Steico
Protect, which is easy for any plasterer to apply and is available, like many
of my favourite products from Ecomerchant, a trading style of Burdens
Ltd.
The level of insulation is ideally determined by the U-value of the overall
building element when the work is completed. Thats how the Building
Regs and Energy Performance Certificates quantify it. The precise
amount depends upon not just the insulation you use, but other
materials present in the wall, floor, ceiling, door etc, such as timber,
brickwork, concrete, metal and plastic. Look at the relationship between
the thermal conductivity of any material (the k-value) and its heat
transfer (the U-value) properties.

U-value
The U-value is the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulant
and the heat flow per unit area through it. The lower the number the
better the insulant. To compare two insulants with different thickness
and thermal conductivity, it is necessary to calculate the U-value for each.
U-value is described in watts per square metre Kelvin (W/(m2K), or the
amount of energy lost in watts per square metre of material for a given
temperature difference of 1C or 1K from one side of the material to the
other.
Sustainable
Materials which contain glue might contain formaldehyde which can offgas and cause indoor air pollution with attendant potential health
problems.
The net climatic effect of building insulation is the sum of the greenhouse
gas emissions associated with the energy used in manufacturing (its
embodied energy) plus the leakage into the atmosphere during use of
any (halocarbon: significant, or pentane, less so) expanding agents that
have a greenhouse effect, minus the emissions saved due to energy
saved as a result of the insulation (which is zero if renewable energy is used for heating/cooling that would not have
been used elsewhere).
Determined by the embodied carbon (kgCO2e) emitted during manufacture, minus any sequestered carbon per cubic
metre of material. All of the materials at the top with a negative figure are made from natural materials which have
absorbed carbon from the atmosphere while they were growing.
Performance

Summary
Use as much insulation as you can afford and you have
space for
Use insulation from natural materials wherever possible,
in preference to polystyrene and other fossil-derived
insulants
Avoid the use of foams wherever possible (improperly used these can expand and cause structural damage)
For lofts, use Warmcel recycled cellulose
For exterior insulation use wood fibreboard with wood fibre tongue and groove cladding and lime render; or
Woodwool/Rockwool with lime render.

http://www.superhomes.org.uk/resources/whats-best-insulation-material/#Which form of insulation material is best

to use where?

Eco-Friendly Flooring Solutions

Cork
Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree commonly found in the
forests of the Mediterranean. The trees are not cut down to harvest the bark,
which will grow back every three years, making it an ideal renewable source.
It has anti-microbial properties that reduce allergens in the home, is fire
retardant, easy to maintain and acts as a natural insect repellent too. Cork,
like wood can be finished in a variety of paints and stains to suit any colour
scheme or design style. Its durability allows for uses in any part of the house. Cork floor
Cork floors, depending on the quality, can last between 10-30 years.
Bamboo
It is actually a grass that shares similar characteristics as hardwood. It is
durable, easy to maintain and is easy to install. Bamboo is sustainable and
made from natural vegetation that grows to maturity in three to five years,
far less than the twenty years trees can take. Bamboo, while usually very
light, is available in many hues that will work in any setting or decor.
Bamboo floor
Linoleum
Linoleum is created from a concoction of linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins,
wood flour, pigments and ground limestone. Like cork, it is fire retardant and
water resistant. It has a long shelf life and will hold up to a lot of wear and
tear.
Glass Tiles
Ever wonder what happens to the wine bottles and beer bottles that are Linoleum
shipped to the recycler? They are converted into beautiful glass tiles. This
renewable source is fast becoming a wonderful option for floors as well as
bathroom and kitchen walls. Glass has similar benefits of other eco-friendly
materials. It is non-absorptive and wont mildew or mold in damp
environments. It is easy to maintain and wont stain. Glass comes in a
limitless array of colours, patterns and finishes suitable for most design
schemes. Unlike ceramic tiles, glass will reflect light rather than absorb it,
adding that additional layer of light some rooms need.
Glass tiles

Concrete
Polished concrete is an unlikely sustainable material that is gaining in
popularity. If it is polished and tinted to the homeowners taste and style there
is no need for traditional flooring to be put over it. From creating a tiled effect
with different colors to inlaying other materials such as glass the design
possibilities are endless. Concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean and
never needs to be replaced.
Polished concrete

Wool Carpet
Carpet has typically been made using volatile organic compounds or toxins that
are harmful to the environment and to our health. There are eco-friendly
options though. Consider carpets made of wool. Wool is a natural resource
spun into a thread that can be dyed any color imaginable, and then be woven
to create a carpet. It is one of the first materials to be used as a floor covering,
is very durable and can last centuries. Other natural materials used to make
carpets or rugs are sisal, jute and cotton.
Wool Carpet
P.E.T Berber Carpet
Polyester (P.E.T) Berber is another sustainable carpet to consider. It is made of
recycled plastic bottles, and has a minimal impact to the environment. There
are several benefits to this recycled material. It is durable, spill resistant and
comes in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors and patterns. It typically has
a flecked appearance making it suitable to most color schemes. There are
drawbacks too. Berber can be easily snagged causing it to unravel if not
repaired promptly. The recycled material can be a little rough to walk on in
Berber Carpet
your bare feet.
Rubber
Rubber flooring made from recycled tires is usually found at the local gym or
on the neighborhood playground. It is slowly finding its way into our kitchens,
sunrooms and bathrooms as a versatile, beautiful and lasting option. It is great
to walk on and water resistant. It also comes in many color and pattern
options.
Rubber
Leather
It is derived from the center-most part of the cowhide and is thicker than the
leather pieces used for such things as belts, wallets and handbags. The soft
warm feel under foot makes it perfect for bedrooms, closets and small areas
with little foot traffic. It is not a great material for bathrooms, kitchens or other
moist areas of a home. It is very durable and will wear well over time. Worn,
scratched and aged leather develops a personality of its own and can be
beautiful to look at for years to come.

Reclaimed Hardwood
There are two types of hard wood to consider. Reclaimed wood is ideal as it
reuses existing wood from trees that were chopped down a long, long time ago.
Salvaged wood flooring can look beautiful in older homes or in a beach cottage.
The other option is to purchase hardwood labeled FSC certified. This is a
designation by the Forest Stewardship Council and they promote the
responsible management of forests throughout the world with a focus on
adhering to high social and environmental standards.

Leather

Wood

http://freshome.com/2012/10/15/10-most-popular-eco-friendly-floor-solutions/

Use low voc paints

Low voc paints are earth-friendly and better for you and your family. Benjamin Moore, for example, a leader in paint
technology and innovation since 1883, offers their Natura No-Voc Paint. This paint is practically odorless, 100% acrylic
and splatter resistant. Its self priming and carries the Green to Promise designation.

Typical household paint contains up to 10,000 chemicals, of which 300 are known toxins and 150 have been linked to
cancer [source: Chadderdon, Grafman]. Some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint are volatile organic
compounds, or VOCs.
VOCs are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air. When they enter the air, they
react with other elements to produce ozone, which causes air pollution and a host of health issues including breathing
problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea.
http://freshome.com/2012/10/25/10-eco-friendly-ways-to-renovate-your-home/
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/materials/low-voc-paint.htm

Eco friendly building materials

Straw Bales
Using straw bales as building materials may seem like a wild move, but they can be
very effective in terms of both cost and speed of construction. Because straw bales
are produced widely across the UK the impact of transportation on the environment
is likely to be minimal, and they provide fantastic natural insulation. They do need to
be treated against fire and rendered before use, and they require covering both inside
and out to protect against vermin.
Straw bale

Another more established use for straw is as a roofing material. The types of straw
used in thatching may need to be sourced from further a field than bale-building blocks, as they are not as widely
farmed in the required way in the UK anymore. But there are other types of reed thatching that can still be found
locally if need be.
Green Roofs
Where varying quantities of vegetation can be planted on your roof to replace some
of the ecology your house was built upon, or solar harvesting roofs. Solar panels
have come a long way since their invention some years ago, having now developed
to the point where you can buy tiles with an integrated solar collection capacity for
increased aesthetic value. The downside of solar roofing in the UK is that our
climate can not always be trusted to make them worthwhile.
Wattle and daub
When it comes to wall building, there has recently been resurgence in wattle and Wattle and daub
daub construction (a technique pioneered centuries ago). But if you are looking for
something a little more modern, with considerable insulating properties, structural
insulated panels (SIPs) might be the way to go. Well established on the continent
and in the USA, SIPs can be used to make walls and floors and allow for extremely
quick construction. They can be made from polystyrene sandwiched between two
"sterling" boards (made from wood particles), but straw can replace the polystyrene
for maximum environmental-friendliness.
http://www.homeprotect.co.uk/home-insurance-articles/renovation/eco-friendly- Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
building-materials

Biological Concrete for a Living, Breathing Faade

The Structural Technology Group of Universitat Politcnica de Catalunya
BarcelonaTech (UPC) has developed a concrete that sustains and
encourages the growth of a multitude of biological organisms on its
surface.
What sets the biological concrete apart from these other systems is that
it is an integral part of the structure. According to an article in Science
Daily, the system is composed of three layers on top of the structural
elements that together provide ecological, thermal and aesthetic
advantages for the building.
The biological layer that promotes the plant growth is actually concrete,
with a fine tuned cement base that promotes plant growth and is
specifically catered to the viability of specific mosses and lichens.
The assembly for this living concrete is composed of three layers on a
structural surface. The first layer is a waterproof membrane that protects
the structural elements from water penetration. The new biological layer
of concrete is applied on top of this layer. This layer absorbs rainwater, acting as a microstructure that retains and
stores rainwater. The final layer is a discontinuous coating that permits the entry of rainwater and traps it between
the coating and the waterproof membrane. This optimizes the amount of water that is caught within the biological
membrane without compromising the structure.
The plants capture CO2 from the air and release oxygen. The layer also acts as
insulation as a thermal mass. It helps regulate temperatures within the building
by absorbing heat and preventing it from entering the building in hot weather or
escaping the building in cold weather. These variations in the facade, both
ornamental and ecological, add diversity and colour to any facade be it a new
building or a renovation.
The material is patented but is still in its experimental phases.
http://www.archdaily.com/315453/biological-concrete-for-a-living-breathing-facade/

Cases of study
Eco-Sustainable House / Djuric Tardio Architectes
The delays in securing permits, along with
conditions of the urban situation and our desire
to continue and refine our own research on wood
constructions, led us to propose a type of
construction system. This type is still not released
in urban areas and rather reserved for detached
houses in less dense sites. The urban rules and the
site context, which is very typical, have suggested
the template, which has proved a real asset to the
project.
Completely built in wood panels placed on a
pedestal (the ground here is very bad), the house
is completely prefabricated in a workshop and
delivered to the site to be finally assembled in just
two weeks. This is a building system in Finnish
wood panels that come from sustainably
managed cooperatives of small private forest
owners.
The pre-cut panels, supplemented by wood fibre insulation and non-treated siding, arrived at the site almost finished,
reducing pollution to a minimum (the site being located in a dense suburb). The faades, in wood panels too, were
mounted along the floor. With a very efficient exterior insulation system which completely allows the elimination of
thermal bridges, wood construction has
the advantage to make the building very
powerful.
The under-floor gas-fired heating with low
temperature becomes almost superfluous.
The double-glazed + argon windows of the
patios and the South faades, deliberately
oversized, capture the sun in winter and
are sheltered by a canopy and a pergola in
summer. This allows together with their
performance and surface, an easy control
of the solar gain and air flow as needed, without
necessitating an intensive use of air conditioning or
heating.
The main facade on the street, lodging the rooms in the
North, is a composition of large glazed openings and
single opening shutters designed in stainless steel
mirror with no glazing. The reflections of the
vegetation and the movement of these shutters in
stainless steel mirrors make the faade changing.

The ventilation of the rooms is regulated by the openings of the shutters, and the penetration of light through the
windows. The recovery of rainwater can water the garden and planters allow homeowners to cultivate aromatic plants
and garden without water over-consumption.
http://www.archdaily.com/227288/eco-sustainable-house-djuric-tardio-architectes/

The Hegeman / Cook + Fox

Is a residential community in Brownsville, Brooklyn that provides housing for lowincome and formerly homeless individuals. Developed by Common Ground
Community an innovative non-profit whose mission is to end homelessness the
Hegeman Residence also provides a range of on-site social services in a model
known as supportive housing.
The six-story building is designed with textural articulations to bring visual life to the
building that is otherwise constrained with NYCs zoning regulations. Large
windows frame views of the street and provide access into the interior courtyards
and green spaces, providing a welcoming and open entrance. The courtyard also
provides opportunities for a future urban farm.
Approximately 3,400 square feet of greenery on the roof cool the building and
handles storm-water
run off from the site. Solar panels are also located on the
roof for exterior lighting requirements. Individual units are
finished with durable, non-toxic materials, designed to
save energy and water. These measures may earn the
building an anticipated LEED Silver certification.
http://www.archdaily.com/266687/update-thehegeman-cook-fox/

Para Eco House / Tongji University Team

The Para Eco House combines both parametric
and ecological strategies into the logic of the
architectural language used in the house design.
By using both passive and active energy
systems, they go beyond the functional and
environmental requirement to create a paradigm
for a low carbon future.
The three layers of the skin separated the entire
house into four spaces: the outer space, the semiopen space, the enclosed space and the inner
courtyard space.
1. Semi-open Space
The semi-open space is mainly surrounded by the composite timber skin, which unites the solar energy, ventilation,
and shading components with vertical greenery on rhombus frames.
- The roof components include solar tracking PV panels and shading system.
- The west elevation of the house combines thin film solar cells and vertical greenery. The size of the holes varies due
to the wind pressure on the elevation which enriches the semi-open space creating an eco-transition between nature
and interior space.
- The wetland water system under the open deck plays an important role in enhancing the environmental quality
- The mist spraying system creates comfortable and pleasing atmosphere for various events as well as helping cool the
wind blowing through the living area.
2. Enclosed Space
The enclosed space covers the area of 55.8 m2 and includes almost all functions of a house. With the basic idea of
flowing space, these different parts of the enclosed space are organized freely so theyre few doors and walls with the
enclosure of living area and the visitors could walk around without sight barriers.
3. Inner Courtyard
The courtyard plays a vital role in balancing the interior and the exterior. Housing
the active equipment and the electric room it forms the central functional space
of the house. The courtyard also acts as a ventilation and light-well, bringing the
outside environment into the deepest recesses of the house, creating a
dimensional shift from the exterior to the interior.
The energy responsive skin outside mainly consists of lattice frame with parametric
components and solar system on the roof.

- Parametric Components: The

facade system includes solar energy
gathering,
shading,
vertical
greenery, wind cooling, irrigation
and shading.
- Roof Solar System: The solar
panels are rotated and placed in
rows, along the calculated profile of
the exterior skin maximizing the
performance of the panels. The
movement of the dynamic solar
system is controlled by computer
algorithms.
The effects of courtyard skin are
mainly revealed through the
attached equipment. The courtyard skin is the enclosure of smart boxes so it does centralize the most significant
facilities. With the courtyard skin, the house could run more efficiently and intelligently.
High-strength compound bamboo is the main structural material of Para Eco House. With a short life span, bamboo is
a highly renewable resource without harming the eco-environment. Taking the advantage of bamboo as material can
protect the environment.

http://www.archdaily.com/289503/para-eco-house-tongji-university-team/

Sustainable architecture design strategies

The pages aim to highlight all the creative design potential if the strategies are integrated at an early stage, not tacked
on at the end. They are categorised into: Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Life.
Earth covers Materials, Construction and Landscape and Site. Air covers Cooling and Air. Water covers Water
Management and Flood Risk. Fire covers Light, Heat and Energy. Life covers Plants, Animals and Humans.
PS.: the page had an error
http://www.architecture.com/RIBA/Aboutus/SustainabilityHub/Designstrategies/Designstrategies-launchpage.aspx