Salvageability, implications for architecture

In the endeavours of reducing environmentalimpacts of constructions by facilitating salvageof building components and materials, affiliateddesign strategies have been identified. Thesestrategies inform the design of building componentsas well as constructions. In this paper,the challenge of turning the strategies intoarchitecture is discussed. The overriding hypothesisis that the demand for salvageability ofbuilding materials may be seen as a positivedriver for architectural design. The researchuses theory from earlier studies, and alsopoints to building examples from past and present.We ask what the design consequences areif the strategies are strictly followed, and inwhat ways these strategies may coincide withtypical professional approaches of creatingarchitecture. Practical consequences are alsoconsidered. Through these discussions it isshown that the criteria for salvageability can belinked to the tectonics of buildings, in the sensethat environmental logic can substantiatedesign concepts. The focus shifts from therestrictions that the demand for salvageabilitymay pose upon construction, and rather pointsto potentials for creating meaningful architecturefor a low-carbon society. A process orientedbuilding practice may challenge the prevailingview on architectural design. However, as a key,the building component is emphasized as anoperational and responsible base unit

Towards Integrated Design for Sustainable Building. Course based on interaction between energy efficient engineering and architectural design

Research findings about sustainable building stress that one key is the need for interaction in integrated design processes. However, if this is a prerequisite in real life, students are badly prepared for such collaboration. In Swedish universities, almost no co-operation is carried out between architects and engineers. This paper will extract experience from a course merging architects and engineers in a competition for energy efficient architecture, and point out recommendations. The course comprised several bridging aspects, which will be discussed: A) Between educational cultures in countries, the course involved two universities one from Norway and one from Sweden and many students came from European, non-Scandinavian countries. B) Between professional cultures, students and teachers from architecture and engineering. C) Between the competition (result), assessed by an external jury, and the course as a whole (learning) assessed by the teachers. D) Between vision and reality, the competition was based on a program from a real client. The students made an evaluation and, in general, they were positive, however, with exceptions. The main conclusion is that though details can be improved, both students and teachers will gain from crossing boundaries in order to establish meaningful learning about sustainable building

Towards Integrated Design for Sustainable Building. Course based on interaction between energy efficient engineering and architectural design

Research findings about sustainable building stress that one key is the need for interaction in integrated design processes. However, if this is a prerequisite in real life, students are badly prepared for such collaboration. In Swedish universities, almost no co-operation is carried out between architects and engineers. This paper will extract experience from a course merging architects and engineers in a competition for energy efficient architecture, and point out recommendations. The course comprised several bridging aspects, which will be discussed: A) Between educational cultures in countries, the course involved two universities one from Norway and one from Sweden and many students came from European, non-Scandinavian countries. B) Between professional cultures, students and teachers from architecture and engineering. C) Between the competition (result), assessed by an external jury, and the course as a whole (learning) assessed by the teachers. D) Between vision and reality, the competition was based on a program from a real client. The students made an evaluation and, in general, they were positive, however, with exceptions. The main conclusion is that though details can be improved, both students and teachers will gain from crossing boundaries in order to establish meaningful learning about sustainable building

Energy demand in the Norwegian building stock: Scenarios on potential reduction

A model has been developed for studying the effect of three hypothetical approaches in reducing electricity and energy demand in the Norwegian building stock: wide diffusion of thermal carriers, heat pumps and conservation measures, respectively. Combinations of these are also considered. The model has a demand side perspective, considers both residential and service sectors, and calculates energy flows from net to delivered energy. Energy demand is given by the product of activity and intensity matrices. The activity levels are defined for the stock and the new construction, renovation and demolition flows. The intensity properties are defined in archetypes, and are the result of different energy class and heating carriers share options. The scenarios are shaped by combining the activity flows with different archetypes. The results show that adopting conservation measures on a large scale does allow reducing both electricity and total energy demand from present day levels while the building stock keeps growing. The results also highlight the importance of making a clear distinction between the assumptions on intensity and activity levels.Energy demand Building stock Scenario analysis

Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems in buildings – a review

This paper presents a review of projects where hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems are used in buildings. PV/T systems convert solar radiation to electricity and heat simultaneously, in one module. The output of both electricity and heat suggests that the technology can be suited for use in buildings, especially when the available area for installation is limited. The market and research activities related to PV/T technology has increased in recent years. This article adds to existing reviews on PV/T technology by focusing on the building perspective. Different strategies for the use of PV/T in buildings are discussed, and examples of building projects are presented. An attempt is also made to assess to suitability of different PV/T technologies for use in buildings. Finally, the regional variations in market and applications are discussed