Greener and Weirder

Are we thinking about this in the right way?  Check out Alex Steffen's article:

ArchCalc Construction Calculator

This is a great piece of FREEware for your computer.  We've been using handheld versions of these calculators in our office for a long time.   They are simply a "must" for doing quick dimension string checking, and for estimating materials.
This one from Stefan Hampden gives you all of the main functions of a construction calculator. It works in feet and inches, converts to metric, converts between fractions and decimal, solves trig functions and has a tape display.

It is available for:
Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
and
Windows XP / Vista and MAC!

Its free, but if you like it and use it, please pay Stefan $20 for his hard work on this...  I did!

Why Use an Architect?

Architects save money. An architect's services are a wise investment because a well-conceived and designed project can be built more efficiently and economically. As ideas evolve, changes can be made on a computer screen or paper much less expensively than when construction is under way. Other ways architect-designed projects save money include:
• Designs that take full advantage of solar heat and natural lighting to save on energy needs.
• Space-efficient plans use less floor area, which can result in 5% to 15% cost savings on a home.
• Flexible design solutions accommodate future growth and usage needs.
• Accurate construction costs based on detailed drawings and specifications that result in quality materials and workmanship at a fair market price.
• Materials, finishes, and design solutions that reduce maintenance and replacement costs.
• Architect-designed homes sell faster and hold higher resale values.

Architects solve problems. The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide the design and construction process. This broad knowledge helps architects focus individual home owners' needs to maximize their investment in livable square footage on time and within budget. Architects stay abreast of advances in roofing, brickwork, floor tile, paint finishes, and other building materials to ensure a smooth and cost-effective building process
Architects see the big picture. Few people realize how complicated it is to build until they find themselves lost in a maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, and contractors. Architects don't just design four walls and a roof; they create total environments, interiors and exteriors that satisfy specific needs and functions. If a project requires engineering or other construction services, an architect can coordinate the team of experts. An architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws and can locate qualified contractors, visiting the construction site to ensure that the project is built according to plans and specifications.
Architects know aesthetics.  Your architect will design a home for your personal tastes that works within the context of the local vernacular style and the community.  Architects design homes to be timeless, with long-lasting appeal.
Architects give you peace of mind.  Architects hold the health and life safety of building occupants as their highest calling.

For more information:  AIA, How Design Works

Net Zero Energy Buildings (BL09)

Use on-site renewable energy such as PV or wind.

1 kW of PV produces 1700 kWh/year in NoCal.

Use polycrystaline PV for highest efficiency. (and keep them cool)
Other types of PV.:
Thin film
Amorphous
BIPV, such as shingles

Lay PV panels flat to maximize surface area and production. (tilted, the panels need to be moved apart to keep from shading each other)

2 story buildings allow for a good ratio of electricity production for a given floor area.

Design circuits to shut small PV strings down when they become shaded.

Use power purchase agreements to allow third parties to take tax incentives.

Clean renewable energy bonds. (follow up)

Electrochromic glass to reduce heat gain? Sounds interesting, but it's expensive and requires MORE electricity.

Daylighting - 40 foot building width has been found to be optimal.

Control plug loads - see 2006 ACEEE report

Americans spend 85% of their time indoors.

Don't share thermostats.

Decouple heating and ventilation.

Nationwide, 15% to 20% of all energy goes to power our buildings HVAC systems.

Active chilled beams. Deliver the right amount of air ALL the time.

Radiant cooling reduces energy used to move heat by a factor of 7.

SF Bay water is being used as a heating / cooling element for the new Exploratorium.


Target 50% reduction in computer / server plug loads. Look at server virtualization to eliminate multiple servers.

How do we measure savings?
It's not as easy as product manufacturers will tell you.

Circuit by circuit measurement system to see load shapes.

Commissioning - verify that systems are performing as designed.

Compare modelled energy use to actual energy use.

What about colder climates? (no good answer)

Energy policy in CA makes for less of a difference between the ZEB design and the base case.

Look for automated diagnostics in the future.

Peter Rumsey, PE, FASHRAE
David Kaneda, PE, AIA, LEED AP
Scott Shell, AIA, LEED AP
David Lehrer, LEED AP

Greenbuild pedicabs

Amongst the seemingly endless sprawl of a desert oasis, a glimmer of hope comes in the form of a human powered vehicle.





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Carbondale Scenic Overlook

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Here is our proposal for the redesign of this small structure, which is the first representation of Carbondale that you see when driving in from the north.

We're hoping that this will someday be the home of a new Environmental Learning Center. This is a high profile location, which welcomes many visitors to Carbondale as well as to the upper part of the Roaring Fork Valley. It will serve as a learning center about sustainable principles, and will promote renewable energy and sustainable site and building construction. According to CDOT reports, the Scenic Overlook has over 30,000 visitors per year and we expect that with the proposed upgrades it will substantially increase that volume.

The project will demonstrate to local residents and visitors the benefits of renewable energy and sustainable construction. The construction will be done in exemplary fashion to promote the best sustainable options, by taking the existing structure, re-using a large portion of it, re-orienting the roof toward the sun, adding grid-tied PV panels with energy efficient lighting and natural materials such as straw bale walls and re-claimed materials, such as the roof structure.

We see this as a community project, where many local residents have been involved in the design and decision-making, we will also tap into the network of volunteers we have locally to build the structure together. The site will be planted with native vegetation, which will re-establish a healthy xeric landscape. With our abundant sunshine, our local commitment to renewable energy and sustainable construction, and the location scenic overlook, we feel we can give an excellent first impression of Carbondale and the upper Roaring Fork Valley. It will make local residents and visitors aware of the Roaring Fork Valley’s leadership position in regards to renewable energy and sustainable construction.

The project will serve as an education resource for students throughout the area, and will expand our local sustainable education through the design and construction, kiosks and interactive learning stations. It will encourage students to further explore green education in their school and community. The electric meter itself will become a learning experience, demonstrating the production of energy with the meter running backwards. Once the Satank Bridge is reconstructed we hope to see field trips of students walk over the bridge from CRMS and The Carbondale Community School.

The Experience

• The Environmental Learning Center will provide educational programming, information on ecology and trails, and will promote local green businesses.

• The structure will be a quiet respite from the noise of Highway 82 where visitors can sit and revel in the majesty of one of the valley’s most dramatic peaks, Mount Sopris.

• It will make local residents and visitors aware of the Roaring Fork Valley’s leadership position regarding renewable energy and sustainable development.

• It will increase the visibility of clean, renewable energy generation technologies and sustainable construction methodologies through education and community outreach.

• Climate education – demonstrate the environmental impact of energy savings.

• It will act as a guideline for sustainable development, exhibiting viable strategies for addressing the energy and environment issues of today.

• The overlook will educate and inspire people about the potential and the need for renewable energies and design.

The current scenic overlook energy bill is under $10 monthly. With the new PV system and roof orientation towards the all-day-long sun exposure, the overlook will be putting a great deal of energy back onto the grid. The volunteer based construction vision will be open to all community members, young and old, and will provide a sense of pride and ownership. This project will not only serve Carbondale, but the whole Roaring Fork and Crystal River Valleys. Over 30,000 visitors annually will be stopping at the only scenic overlook in the valley, and learning what all of our communities value most — our environment and how to sustain it’s health and growth.

Our increasing global concerns regarding energy and environmental issues present a timely opportunity for this project. One goal of this project is to become a change agent by being a source of education to inform individuals of positive developments in the field and how they may participate in fostering responsible stewardship of natural resources, and protecting mountain ecosystems.

The current conditions at the Scenic Overlook are not exactly “scenic.” The roof structure is in disrepair and does not reflect well on our community.   There are also power lines in the way of the views of Mount Sopris.

The overlook is designed to be a small taste of the type of solar and sustainable construction structures one sees in the valley.

VIEW FROM SOUTH:

Modern Stair