COPACOBANA 6_TEMPERATE CLIMATE RESEARCH

Here are a few of the more important pieces of information from our solar passive design research;

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF CLIMATE:
- low day/night (diurnal) temperature range near coast
- four distinct seasons. Summer & Winter can exceed human comfort range. Spring & Autumn are ideal for human comfort.
- mild to cool winters with low humidity
- Hot to very hot summers with moderate humidity

THEREFORE DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO INCLUDE:
- the use of solar principles
- passive solar heating
- passive cooling
- high thermal mass solutions are recommended
- use high insulation levels, especially to thermal mass
- Maximise north facing walls and glazing, especially in living areas with passive solar access
- Minimise all east and west glazing
- use adjustable shading
- use heavy drapes with sealed pelmets to insulate windows
- minimise external wall areas, especially east and west
- use cross ventilation and passive cooling in summer
- encourage convective ventilation and heat circulation
- site for best solar access, exposure to cooling breezes and protection from cold winds
- Draught seal thoroughly and use entry airlocks
- use reflective insulation to keep out summer heat
- use bulk insulation to keep heat in during winter. bulk insulate walls, ceilings & exposed floors.

PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING:

Requires careful application of the following passive design principles:
- northerly orientation of daytime living areas
- appropriate areas of glass on the northern facades
- passive shading of glass
- thermal mass for storing heat
- insulation and draught sealing
- floor plan zoning based on heating needs
- advanced glazing solutions

Sketches of solar heating principles:

Floor planning: in general group living areas should be along the north facade and bedrooms along the south or east facade.
- living areas and the kitchen are usually the most important locations for passive heating as they are used day and evening
- bedrooms require less heating. it is easy to get warm and stay warm in bed
- utility and service areas such as bathrooms, laundries and garages are used for short periods and generally require less heating
- best located south west or west, to act as a buffer to hot afternoon sun and cold westerly winds
- or to the east, south east except where there is a cooling breeze in this direction
- a compact design is best for minimising heat loss but a balance is needed to achieve adequate day lighting and ventilation
- also need to consider roof area for solar panels and water collection
- locate thermal mass in norther half of building
- floor to ceiling doors are effective in facilitating effective air movement in building.

PASSIVE SOLAR COOLING:

Main elements for passive cooling are:
- orientation for exposure to cooling breezes
- increased natural ventilation by reducing barriers to air paths through the building
- provision of fans to provide ventilation and air movement in the absence of breezes
- floor plan zoning to maximise comfort for daytime activities and sleeping comfort
- appropriate windows and glazing to minimise unwanted heat gains and maximise ventilation
- effective shading (including planting)
- adequate levels of appropriate insulation
- high thermal mass construction

well that is the main bulk of the research...how we applied it will follow later...