Doors
Louvred Windows
Doors
ELEMENT:
Finlaysons Timber and Hardware Envirowood hollow core timber doors and
frames
The Delf Brass company Brass door furniture
Raven Products door seals
AIM:
The ease of maintenance for the internal doors was a large factor when
selecting the door type. This reduces ongoing costs and labour associated
in maintaining the doors throughout the life of the building.
The door sets utilise sustainable forest plantation hoop pine for the
construction of the doors and frames. Rainforest timber is not sustainable
so by selecting alternate sources for timber there is a reduced demand
and therefore can help to reduce the impact on the natural enviornment..
The acoustic performance of the doors is assisted with the use of door
seals. Draughts are also controlled by the seals which provides a greater
control over the internal air temperatures.
Top
Louvred Windows
ELEMENT:
Breezway Louvres with timber and glass blades
AIM:
A passive ventilation system is used in place of electrical energy intensive
climate control devices such as air conditioners. The louvred window openings
give a greater control over the direction and velocity of air entering
the building. Louvred openings on internal walls allows a greater flow
of air inside the house.
STRATEGY:
Optimise Passive Design
In moderate warm climates the purpose of ventilation is to provide fresh
air to the occupants, cool the building fabric and cool the occupants
though air movement and heat loss. This is important in summer where the
air temperatures are above the comfort level. Air speeds of up to 1 m
per second are needed to provide evaporative cooling to the body. The
ventilation effects found in this building can achieve this kind of effect
giving a reduction of approximately two degrees Celsius.
During the design development stage of the project the ventilation was
tested using a water flume which simulates air movement. The findings
showed that generally he position and size of window openings were sufficient
for cross ventilation. Testing the building in this way found some problems
with the air flow in certain areas of the building. As a consequence a
modification was made to the internal walls to the master bedroom. The
design was modified and the walls were constructed as timber louvred openings
to improve air flow in that area of the house.
The prefabricated skeletal framing system minimise internal bracing walls
which gives flexibility to the internal planning and maximises the openings
for ventilation. The strategic positions of internal and external facing
windows allows airflow across rooms, inside the house.
Louvered windows provide a potential 100% surface area opening for airflow
into the building. Adjusting the angles of the louvred blades can also
control airflow direction which provides for a greater control over the
desired air movement.
REFERENCE:
Breezway Louvres Techinical Information. June 1999.
Hyde, R, Climate Responsive Design. A Study of Buildings in Moderate and
Hot Humid Climates. E and FN Spon, London 2000.
Top
|
