Case Study 3- Carbon Neutral Case Study
House- ECO Factor By: Desiño Earle
Focus- Carbon Neutral Design
• Solar Panels
• Passive Cooling
• Passive Heating
• Geothermal
• Water Reclamation
Green Features-
Solar Panels-
Solar Panels Generate energy by collecting the energy of the sun. By generating energy the house is able to go off the grid, and generate its own clean energy.
Passive Cooling-
Passive cooling uses design ventilation in order to cool the house on hot days. This works best when the ventilation is in the shade where it can bring the exterior cooled air in. This house accomplishes it by lifting up the second roof of solar panels, allowing air flow and cooling.
Passive Heating-
This passive heating uses a louver system, which is typically used to help shade and keep temperatures down. In this house the louver system uses the metal material to collect, transfer, and stores the solar heat. In doing this, when the temperature is lowered the metal will give off the heat warming the air.
Geothermal-
Uses the increase of ground temperature in order to heat a fluid into the pipes which go into the building and heat the building. The system uses the heat of the earth in order to heat the structure. This is typically used in areas that solar, or other systems don’t work.
Water Reclamation-
Water reclamation collects the water that lands on the surfaces of the building and changes the collected water out for the water used in the grey water systems. Grey water systems are non drinking water such as toilets, or site irrigation.
Structurally Insulated Panels-
SIP panels are very structural, but also very insulated with an r-value of 3.8-6.4 depending on the filling material. These are very environmentally friendly, and cut down on construction costs in most cases.
Low Income Information-
Passive Design-
Saves 80 percent of heating costs, which it equivalent to around 90 dollars a month or 1080 dollars a year. The passive heating and cooling are created through design consideration, and material choice.
Water Reclamation-
Water reclamation can strongly cut down on water costs, by using the collected water to replace the greywater systems.
Possible Current Project Design Applications-
Passive Cooling-
Passive cooling can be worked into the design, and will not add a large cost into the overall construction, but will lower the cost of cooling during the warmer months of the year.
Passive Heating-
Passive heating through changing materials is a cost that can help the owners to reduce the cost of the heating within the house. The minimal additional cost will off-set during residence.
Water Reclamation-
This practice in eco-friendly, and will save money. The water is mostly collected through design. Although there is a need for a collection system to be installed the initial cost would be offset by the life-cycle cost of the house.
Structurally Insulated Panels-
SIP panels are a possibility for the structure, as they are able to achieve the requirements of construction. Although they are a more expensive form of construction in the volunteer construction environment, there insulation is able to enhance the green features of the house
Impossible Current Project Applications-
Solar Panels-
Solar panels are not viable for the project. The cost would take 26 years for them to pay for themselves, while the panels only have a life span of 20 years. The Other issue is that although they create green energy they are thrown out. The construction and disposal of the panels are often hazardous to the environment.
Geothermal-
Geothermal is extremely expensive. The cost for the excavation for a structure as small of a house is extremely un-cost effective, and the environmental benefits can be found elsewhere.
Design Critique-
The design is very design forward. And although the design is focused around the green features the aesthetics and practicality are not lost on any portion of the house. The lifted roof is a really strong idea for enhancing the house on both the design, and environmental fronts. The systems for any environment are considered, although they should be adjusted if the house was placed anywhere outside of California.
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