My Understanding of Environmental Protection in Design - Essay Example

Portfolio Name Institution Name Date Introduction Designing is an integral component in any development, and it involves numerous processes and requirements. The design has to consider the requirements of the client and also integrate energy and environmental sustainability measures. The lecture and supportive materials have improved my understanding of environmental protection in design. Numerous processes can be incorporated into the design that reduces energy consumption while also improving aesthetics. Some of the processes include landscaping, the design of the windows, use of vegetations, and insulation strategies. I acknowledge the application and use of these methods in creating an energy efficient construction. As a designer, I understand the uniqueness of customer requirements and specifications meaning that the designing processes has to incorporate many factors including legislations, standards, and structural credibility among others. The paper presents a reflection on insulation, windows and doors, and landscaping with a focus on environmental sustainability. Insulation It is estimated that a normal house gains and losses approximately 150 kWh/m2 of heat annually. A passive house, for example, will be 10× more effective compared to a modern house and 20× more efficient than a leaky house. Numerous types of insulation exist including blanket, concrete block, foam board, loose-fill, reflective system among others and the effectiveness of these insulation types is installation (Wanek, Smith and Kennedy, 2015). The most efficient insulation material depends on the high R-value and the budgeted amounts. For example, the higher the R-value, the higher the overall cost of installation and acquisition. From a personal perspective, a passive house standard/design is appropriate to improve efficiency depending on how the structure overlaps. The insulation focuses on multiple layers, and it covers the entire structure envelope including under the footing (Wanek, Smith and Kennedy, 2015). The approach may be different from the normal approach of studs in a conventional building in that insulation is around the structure. The insulation employed in such a situation is a wind/water member but sensitive to UV, which requires the installation of siding to protect and cover the membrane. In a traditional house, the thermal bridge is tasked with insulating the house but may be isolated with “over insulating” challenges, which may translate to increased heat loss. To fulfill the requirements of passive house design insulation, a combination of insulators is possible. For example, an EPS 300 can be placed between the hardcore base and the concrete slab while additional EPS can be placed below the concrete ring beam. In the middle of the wall, a cellulose 300 mm is supported with timber frame on both sides while the aqua panel cement renders placed on the outside part while the inside of the house can receive additional insulation of OSB board and rigidur board. The strategy is to ensure the design is strong while protecting the building from climate elements (Mumovic and Santamouris, 2013). Even though the design and construction can be expensive, the insulation process would be compensated by energy utilization. The design of a modern house with a focus on energy efficiency can be based on energy efficient and air tightness. Energy efficiency should near 100% while air tightness should near zero. The modern design may include numerous energy efficient design features that rely on the efficiency of the insulation system. Some of the approaches to design and construction a normal three bedroom house with sitting area, kitchen, and other features of three bedroom house should incorporate numerous insulation systems. Clerestory window(s) can be situated in the middle of the two storey space that allows for automatic opening depending on the readings of the thermostat, sealed vapor barrier, spray foam insulation in joist cavities end, above code attic insulation, and broken slab on grade insulation to address thermal bridging (Wanek, Smith and Kennedy, 2015). It means there are numerous approaches and strategies to insulate the building, but decision depends on client’s aims and expectations. Windows and doors Apart from the insulation of the doors and windows due to heat loss during winter, other additional improvements such as draught proofing and internal window coverings are important in advancing the requirements of insulation. In the design of the window and doors, the important variables include the internal coverings, shading, glazing treatment, orientation and window size (Chandel, Sharma and Marwah, 2016). Furthermore, positioning the windows to face north is important to capitalize on natural light. The consideration on the way the windows operate is crucial because of numerous traditional operating types. These types include single and double sliding, single and double hung, hopper, fixed, casement and awning. A designer has to appreciate these numerous types and design requirements to advance energy efficiency. In some buildings, old window(s) are present which means that improvements have to be done on energy efficiency. The strategies that can be implemented include the use of coverings or window treatments, weather stripping and caulking, and adding storm windows. The purpose of storm windows is to improve comfort while also reducing air leakage (Mumovic and Santamouris, 2013). The use of caulk for joints, gaps, and stationary cracks are appropriate while weather-stripping can be done on moveable components and operable windows. However, these approaches may not be effective in alternating different climatic conditions meaning specific approaches are required during different weather conditions. The design of windows may embrace low-e coating that allows reflection of heat during winter and reflects back the heat during the summer. In cold seasons, clear window shades and install tight-fitting shades are appropriate to address draft while shades and curtains can be used to protect against cold drafts (Chandel, Sharma and Marwah, 2016). Different varieties of the shades can be installed depending on the condition such as white drapes that reflects heat during the summer while keeping heat during the winter. Hence, a designer has to incorporate measures that apply to different climatic conditions. For example, determining the appropriate shades can suffice during the hot and cold periods. Furthermore, a combination of processes and window technologies can be implemented to protect the house from weather elements it includes determining the appropriateness of weather-stripping, backer rod, stool, stop space, flange/apron, jamb, sill, and sash. The designs and construction of these components should reflect the wider objectives of the design including aesthetics and practicability (Wanek, Smith and Kennedy, 2015). In addition, the glass should factor into consideration aspects such as double panes, glass fill, and solar control coating. It means that a designer has to understand the weather/climatic conditions, the requirements of the client, and stability requirements before determining the appropriate window design. Apart from ensuring the direction of the window is north, east, and west, the designer has to consider the influence of landscape to the entire process. Moreover, the design has to incorporate the insulation requirements and privacy/security issues. For example, a designer may include steel bars because of security issues but should also consider the impact of the steel bars towards the credibility of the design. Landscaping Design Smart landscape design is important in improving energy efficiency. Effective landscape design reduces cooling and heating costs and also advances the beautification requirements. It is estimated that shade trees cool the yard by up to six degrees while indoor temperatures are reduced by up to 25%. A cooler house means that the costs of energy decreases and also prolongs the cooling and heating equipment, which translates to efficiency (Mumovic and Santamouris, 2013). To achieve the cooling effect, an individual has to create a dead space through planting bushes, shrubs, and vines near the walls, which contributes to trapping an insulating pocket that regulates temperatures. However, the plants should be placed around a foot to two to ensure the vegetation does not degrade the house. In addition, planting and encouraging climbing vines such as pergolas, archways, and trellis near the windows is important in filtering the incoming light, which translates to a reduction of heat gain. The advantage of vines is the quickness of growth compared to trees meaning vines are important for a shorter term strategy (Chandel, Sharma and Marwah, 2016). The decision of the vegetation and thicknesses of the vegetation contributes to the reduction of wind speed. Growing the trees strategically has a potential of reducing wind speeds up to 30 times, which contributes to prevention of seasonal winds undermining the cooling and heating system efficiency. To fulfill the wind management strategy, it is imperative to grow evergreens to ensure effective protection in both winter and summer months. However, it is important to consider the height of the trees/shade relative to the expected sustainability requirements. Windbreak lowers the chill around the house and reduces heating cost. As the wind outside increases, an individual feels cooled (Mumovic and Santamouris, 2013). For example, when the outside temperature is around -120 C and the speed of wind is 31 km/h, the wind chill is around -310 C and the calculation/estimates is based on the 30 times windbreak’s height. The height of the trees is important in that the windbreak distance between the house and the windbreak should be between two and five times the height of mature trees. The appropriate windbreak is planting trees and shrubs to the northwest and north of the home. Moreover, shrubs can also trap and control snow from blowing onto the house. Hence, the trees and overall landscape design do not champion aesthetic values but temperature control. The decision to determine the appropriate landscaping and management strategy depends on the wider objectives of the design. The designer has to weigh numerous things such as aesthetic, the value of the building, the aspirations of the client, the statutory laws, and the impact of the landscaping to the stability of the building (Chandel, Sharma and Marwah, 2016). Further considerations have to be placed on the features and accompaniments of the house such as swimming pools and tennis court. Balancing these numerous challenges and conditionality are crucial in creating a favorable energy efficiency system to advance the wider objectives of the house. Conclusion The designing process requires consideration of numerous factors including insulation, landscaping, and windows. The lectures and learning materials have improved my competencies and capacities to design structures that incorporate environmental sustainability measures. Understanding the design requirements is one thing, and choosing the right technique and material is another thing. For example, a designer while choosing an insulation system should consider the R-value, cost, and expectations of the customers/clients. These also apply to the landscaping requirements and the design of windows. It means there is no single framework that can be employed in determining the right strategy but engagement with the customer relative to statutory requirements is paramount. Understanding of these design means a designer has to identify with numerous design processes and applicability towards overall objective of the design. References Chandel, S.S., Sharma, V. and Marwah, B.M., 2016. Review of energy efficient features in vernacular architecture for improving indoor thermal comfort conditions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 65, pp. 459-477. Mumovic, D. and Santamouris, M. 2013. A Handbook of Sustainable Building Design and Engineering:" An Integrated Approach to Energy, Health and Operational Performance". New York: Routledge. Wanek, C., Smith, M. and Kennedy, J.F. 2015. The art of natural building: Design, construction, resources. London: New Society Publishers. Read More