The site is located four blocks from the Pacific Ocean. A mixture of
dwelling types from high rise to low rise apartments dominates the area.
The zoning for the area allowed up to five storeys in height. Overshadowing
is not problematic although available breeze for cooling is reduced due
the positions of the adjacent buildings. Hard surfaces and an absence
of landscaping produce a heat island effect. The site has many of the
contextual problems found in urban areas and hence presented a significant
challenge for the design of a passive house.
To the east and south east there are two large two storey dwellings and
a large jacaranda tree. These objects cause the prevailing winds to be
redirected. Prevailing winds coming from south of east are redirected
up the easement along side the house to be more southerly. Prevailing
winds north of ENE are redirected down the easement to become more northerly.
These variations however are limited to the first 4 to 5 metres above
the ground. Measurements taken on the upper floor of the house indicate
that winds at a greater height are more closely aligned to the prevailing
wind direction being measured at the apex of the roof. The top of the
roof is higher than all of the surrounding objects, so the instruments
mounted there are giving as true an account of the prevailing wind as
is possible.
A number of planning strategies for the house in relation to the site
were aimed at reducing the heat in living rooms due to sunlight from the
east and west. Rooms that are not occupied for long periods of time are
placed to the west. These rooms act as a buffer for the occupied rooms
from the westerly sun and heat gain. In addition windows on the western
side of the house are avoided.
A combination of passive solar control and ventilation inside the house
reduces the running costs of the building. The cooling effect of breezes
allowed into the house reduces the need for fans and airconditioners.
Orientation of the living spaces to the North increases the opportunity
for utilising natural day lighting, decreasing the need for electrical
lighting during the day.
|
