ELEMENT

of
S
Site
control
(the continuation)

WINDOWLESS
The
BUILDINGS
transmission
of heat in
through
heavy
masonry
walls is
minimal

Utilizatiof
natural
on

growth

a. SHADE TREES
Trees reduce window heat
gain not only by blocking
the
direct
sunlight
penetration but also by
lowering the ground surface
b. SHADE
VINES
temperature.
Ivy (vine) can shade a
building facade in summer
and allow also the sun to
shine through to warm it
during the cold December

equipme
on the
nt roof

a. ENTERING SERVICES
Comprise electricity, oil, gas and
water.
b. LEAVING THE BUILDING
Sewage and storm water

Fresh air for ventilation and used air,

rejected by exhaust fans, frequently pass
through the building envelop near the point
of use. This can be at open mechanical
stories adjacent to air-handling equipment.
On the roof in tall buildings, one finds a
multitude of items including roof-access
penthouse, elevator machinery, cooling
towers, water storage tanks and chimneys.

HEATING COOLING
VENTILATION

utilization
o
Water - fair

OPEN FIREPLACE

HYDRONIC

thermosipho
ning
Thermosiphon refers
to a method of
passiveheat exchange
based on
naturalconvection,
which circulates liquid
without the necessity of
a mechanical pump.

Greenhouse Heater
Heat greenhouse tanks
using thermosiphon
ThermoFire heats up a series
of 55 gallon drums or other
types of storage tanks. The
radiant
heat
keeps
the
greenhouse warm in the
daytime and prevents freezing
at night. A circulating pump
may also be used with the
tanks. You can also pump the
hot water through the planter
beds.

building
configurat
Shape
ion and surroundings

of
any building plays a very
important role in governing
the energy consumption in
any building. Such factors
may cause heat gain when
cooling is required and heat

Two buildings could

both have the same
volume and could be
built of the same
materials
but
both
may
have
quiet
different surface areas,
hence different rate of
heat loss and heat
gain. The way the
volume and surfaces
of the building are
oriented also severely

1. TALL BUILDINGS
Generally are subjected to
greater wind velocities which
increase infiltration (access) and
heat losses
Are less likely to be shaded or
protected from winds by
surrounding buildings or trees
Require more mechanical support
systems, including elevators and
longer exhaust duct systems

2. FLOOR TO CEILING
HEIGHT
Greater ceiling heights
improve environmental
conditions
in
the
summertime
by
permitting warm air to
rise. However, greater
ceiling heights increase
perimeter areas, thus
increasing
heat
transmission
through

 Reduced ceiling
height reduce the
exposed
exterior
wall surface area
and the enclosed
volume. A reduced
ceiling height can
also
increase
illumination

3. CEILING PLENUM
HEIGHT

Deep
ceiling
plenums
allow
larger ducts which
permits
greater
volumes of air to
be moved with
smaller
pressure
drops, permitting
reduced
fan

4. ROOFS
Very low buildings may have greater roof area in
proportion to wall area, and the heating and
cooling they generate may in turn influence the
selection of mechanical equipment.

In tall buildings, the

roof
is
lesser
influence on the
total heat loss and
gain, and will rarely
influence
the
selection of the total
heating and cooling
systems.

5. EXPOSED FLOORS

Buildings that are

elevated
on
columns or with
first floor areas and
large overhanging
upper
floors
increase heat loss
and
heat
gain
because
of
the
large exposed floor

6. BUILDING FORMS
A DOME ROOF can permit
warm air to rise and collect
at the top, leaving the floor
area cooler.
Pyramids,
zigzag
exterior
walls,
rhomboid-shaped
buildings and other forms can
all be used to control the
influence
of
climate
on
consumption.

7. ZIGZAG WALLS
Provides
self-shading
to reduce
summer solar
loads
Provides
natural
windbreaks

Permit low
rays to
penetrate the
building in
the winter to
supplement
the heating
system

ground
surfaces
(paved and planted)

Ground reflected
light transmitted
through windows
strike the ceiling.
This is beneficial
for day lighting.

UNDERgroun
STRUCTURE
d

 Earth slows the

heat transfer from
one to the other
Reduces the
temperature
difference between
exterior and
interior
Protects the
building from cold
winds and the
direct rays of the

So, as future architects, we have to

keep in mind the elements of site
control and master environmental
planning for it is our duty to provide
clients a comfortable environment and
live with the essence of architecture.
- Vida -