SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN * To achieve building sustainability through sustainable building envelope

design should not be concentrated only on building performance

Introduction:
assessment methods but also on the building envelope design types.
* Sustainability concept has become the common interest of numerous
* For the building envelope to be sustainable, important sustainable
disciplines. The Concept of Green Architecture, also known as
development factors such as ecological, energy, economic, social and
“sustainable architecture” or “green building,” is the theory, science and
environmental factors as discussed in this section must be considered
style of buildings designed and constructed in accordance with
environmentally friendly principles.. * the future of building development and its surrounding environment
depend on the level of sustainable development initiatives and principles of
* Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the
sustainable practise incorporated into building envelope.
environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby
improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to *strategies involved in sustainable design include day-lighting, indoor air
reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and quality, passive solar heating, natural ventilation, energy efficiency,
create healthy, productive environments. embodied energy, construction waste minimization, water preservation and
renewable energy.
*Sustainable design is a design approach put in place to promote the
environmental quality and the quality of building indoor environment by *Sustainable design approach is a concept of sustainable development
reducing negative impacts on building and the natural environment.it is a that seeks to ensure environmental quality, efficient use of resources such
design philosophy that seeks to incorporate sustainable development as efficient use of energy, water and material.
concept in terms of initiatives and values into sustainable building envelope
Design Objectives To Create Sustainable Buildings
design.
1. Accessible.
* For the building envelope to be sustainable, important sustainable
development factors such as ecological, energy, economic, social and 2. Optimize Site Potential.
environmental factors as discussed in this section must be considered
3. Optimize Energy Use.
Design Objectives To Create Sustainable Buildings
4. Protect and Conserve Water.
* The designing of sustainable building that meets all sustainable
requirements is often a challenge to the building professionals and building 5. Optimize Building Space and Material Use.
designers. Successful design of sustainable envelope must consider all 6. Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
competing sustainable development factors in order to achieve the goal of
building sustainability. 7. Optimize Operational and Maintenance Practices.

* The problem of building sustainability in construction industry can be Examples of sustainable Design include:
solved if the concept and principle of sustainable development were taken * Green Space.
into consideration at early stage of building design.
* Crop Rotation.

* Sustainable Design and Construction.

* Water Efficient Fixtures. *The aim of making building envelope sustainable is to reduce building
resource consumption and environmental degradation. Being the largest
* Renewable Clean Energy.
component of building, building envelope influences building resource
* Waste to Energy Recycling. consumption and environmental degradation

* Water Treatment *building envelope can help in achieving building sustainability by

reducing environmental impacts on building as well as building impacts on
the environment.

*building envelope reduces the level of supplementary mechanical

energy needed in building being the barrier between the interior of building
and the external environment and main determinant of indoor climate.

*building envelope provides indoor conditions suitable for human

activities and protects building against undesirable external and internal
impacts such as pollution, climate change, temperature, humidity, HVAC
load, lighting load etc. as illustrated in Fig.1.

* Apart from external and internal environmental factors which had

significant impacts on building sustainability, other factors influencing
building sustainability include: building envelope, thermal processes,
building elements and material properties..

* Sustainability is no longer a luxury, sustainable building design is a

necessity. There are many different ways to make a building sustainable.
Reducing energy needs and having renewable energy are at the core of
sustainable design. Material and psychological sustainability is also
As shown in Fig. 1, building envelope provides regulatory functions such as important to building design
thermal control, moisture control, and indoor air control against the
21Ideas For Sustainable Building Design
environmental impacts on the building system thereby protecting the
indoor environment of building. 1. Locate Near Transportation

*Building envelope interacts with three parts of building. The three parts 2. Promote Sustainable Transportation
of building include: exterior environment, interior environment and the
3. Physical and Mental Health Amenities
envelope system itself.
4. Maximize Natural Light
*These three (3) parts interact with the physical system of building in the
process of separating the interior environment from the exterior 5. Appropriate Building Size
environment
6. Existing Buildings Rehabilitation
7. Adaptive Reuse You can favor sustainable transportation in many ways. If you provide
parking you may have spots dedicated for electric or hybrid vehicles. People
8. Renewable Energy
also like to bike its fun and good exercise. Make sure to have safe bike
9. Energy Recovery storage and you can provide a few shower stalls in your bathrooms to allow
people to shower if they bike in on a hot summer day.
10. Energy Efficient Lighting
3. Physical and Mental Health Amenities
11. Energy Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning
Physical and mental health is also a factor in sustainability. Also I am sure
12. Conserve Water productivity goes up with happy and healthy employees. A gym in the
13. Sustainable Materials building free to the staff would be a great way to give your employees a
high demand amenity and increase physical health. Break rooms, separate
14. Recycled Materials lunch rooms, relaxation areas, or even a nap space can help promote
15. High Quality Insulation & Air Sealing mental health and raise morale.

16. Indoor Air Quality 4. Maximize Natural Light

17. Sustainable Planting Natural light is essential for most environments. To many office spaces are
dreary and poorly lit. You want to think about light intelligently and make
18. Green Roofs & Biowalls sure you bring in enough light. This can reduce your electrical usage and
your building occupants will thank you for the nice natural light. Orientation
19. Minimize Building Maintenance
of the light matters so take location into consideration.
20. Build To Last
Appropriate Building Size
21. Build Great Architecture
Size is one people often aren’t interested but if you do not need more don’t
21Ideas For Sustainable Building Design build more. Build what you need. Do be wasteful.
1. Locate Near Transportation 6. Existing Buildings Rehabilitation
Selecting a site is not only the first step in developing a building but the If you have an existing building and can keep portions of it or build an
most important. When it comes to sustainable design you want to reduce addition do so. You may not need to do a tear down and new construction.
the need for transportation. Building near train stations or bus stops can be We often build additions in NYC on top of existing residential buildings.
very sustainable as mass transit reduces the use of fossil fuels. If public Keeping the existing portion of an apartment building and adding to it is a
transportation is not available develop in a centralized area. You can talk to great example of not wasting materials for sustainable housing.
an architect when you are looking for properties and engage them on pre
7. Adaptive Reuse
design services.
Adaptive reuse is taking a building with one use and converting it to
2. Promote Sustainable Transportation
another. This can be tricky dependent on the building and proposed use.
Demolishing a perfectly good building is not a very sustainable practice. If ● Programmable Thermostat – Programable thermostats can be set to
you can convert it do so. maintain certain temperature and shut off when they are not needed.
these should be standard.
8. Renewable Energy
● Zones – Break up the building in different zones. This is very efficient and
Renewable energy is usually the first thing to come to mind when discussing
one of my favorite features. I like it a little cool so if I can control the
sustainability. Power source is very important when designing a sustainable
temperature in my office it would be on the low side. You do not need to
building. Here are a couple options.
heat the entire building the same.
● Photovoltaic Panels – Install Photovoltaic or Solar Panels to generate
● Efficient Equipment – However you design the system make sure the
energy from the Sun. The orientation of the building is important. Make
equipment is energy efficient and properly installed.
sure a professional determines if your location makes sense for solar
energy. 13. Conserve Water

● Windmills – A windmill if appropriate can be a good source of energy. See Conserving water is important. First of all do not plant using high
if your local energy supplier has wind power or other renewables available. maintenance vegetation. Use plantings that will survive on their own with
Build your own if not. little to no additional water. Your bathroom fixtures can be “low flow”
ussing just enough. Toilets can have dual flush.
● Germeothal Heat – Use the Earth’s Heat to heat your facility.
14. Sustainable Materials
9. Energy Recovery
Do not use materials, paints, or construction glues high in Volatile Organic
Install an ERV or Energy Recovery Ventilator. If you have exhaust fans and
Compounds or VOCs.
ducts in your building, for example in bathrooms, the ERV can use the heat
from the exhaust to preheat or precool the air being brought into your Use materials that can be easily recycled one day if need be or that are
building. It does not mix the exhaust air with the new air it just uses the recycled. Reclaimed wood is a good example and people love the look of
heat. those old wood boards if it fits in with your design. There are lots of
sustainable materials in nature for example woods that are renewable and
11. Energy Efficient Lighting
certified. Use durable materials build to last replacing materials is not
LED lights are essential standard now. all my clients what LED lights. These sustainable.
are the most efficient lights and they last very long. You will not have to
15. Recycled Materials
constantly replace bulbs. Their low energy use will reduce your electrical
needs. Recycled materials is an obvious choice. There are many options dependent
on what you are looking for and what is available. Metal, wood, glass, paper
12. Energy Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning
can all be recycled. there will be many product options using recycled
HVAC or Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning is a major source of energy content.
use. You should use an efficient well designed heating and cooling system.
16. High Quality Insulation & Air Sealing
System and equipment selection is critical for energy efficient building
design. You not only need to use good quality and high value insulation but you
need to seal your building to prevent air leakage. I like using closed cell
spray foam when the budget allows for it. This spray foam is very efficient as LIGHTING DESIGN PRINCIPLES
insulation but it also is prayed on and expands sealing all the crevices and
A few design principles are important to help you enhance your interior and
penetrations. This keeps the conditioned air inside and prevents the exterior
create a pleasant space for living, in particular the balance of diffuse and
air from getting in.
focused lighting, the choices of intensity and lighting temperature.
17. Indoor Air Quality
1-The lighting criteria
Indoor air quality is always important but depending on the building use this
Our lighting environment should not be uniform: human attention is
will be achieved in many different ways. More industrial uses may have
attracted to the light, and our gaze instinctively turns to the best lit areas of
more challenges in this area.
our surroundings. A successful lighting should therefore highlight the parts
18.Sustainable Planting which one wishes to emphasise, such as for instance the places to which
you want to attract attention, and the areas of interest to which people
A huge pet peeve of mine is people planting something high maintenance
should gather: a dining room table, the coffee table of a living room, a
that does not belong in your environment. The planting should not require a
library etc.
lot of maintenance or constant watering. Don’t be wasteful here.
We are also very sensitive to the type of light that surrounds us. Our mood
19. Green Roofs & Biowalls
is influenced by its colour and intensity:
Green roofs bio walls are not only nice to look at but can help with
● A cold, direct lighting suggests work, energy, activity;
sustainability. They also make a great space to hang out in.
● A warm, attenuated light inspires relaxation, intimacy, comfort.
20. Minimize Building Maintenance
Some activities are usually associated to a specific light intensity. A working
Think about maintenance. You do not want to spend money and resources
table should enjoy bright lighting, while watching TV will call for a light-
on constant maintenance.
toned atmosphere. As a consequence, the characteristics and layout of
21. Build Great Architecture fixtures that equip each room of a house must be selected according to 3
criteria:
Build a building people love and they will take care of it.
● The desired ambient light intensity;

● The light colour (bright or soft);

The distribution of lighting to highlight the decoration of each room.

To simplify the thinking, it helps to distinguish:

● The diffuse lighting, which bathes the entire room;

● The direct lighting that one chooses to concentrate on areas of interest.

2-Diffuse lighting
Diffuse lighting provides the entire room with an overall luminosity. This 3-Directed Lighting
component has two main characteristics: its intensity and its colour.
The directed lighting highlights certain areas of interest in the room: in a
The intensity of the illumination of a surface is measured in lux. The higher living room, these points of interest can be materialised by certain
the number, the better lit the surface appears (read our technical page for decorative objects placed or hung on the wall, by certain furniture (table,
more explanations). The table below shows some examples of intensity desk, coffee table). In a dining room or kitchen, these areas are usually the
measured in daily life. table and work tops. Sometimes the points of interest are only architectural,
for example an apparent framing or a decorative interior staircase. Lighting
specialists generally estimate that an area of interest should be 3 to 5 times
more illuminated than the rest of the room. The values (in lux)
shown above should therefore be multiplied by 3 to 5. Of course, a more
intense directed lighting of the areas of interest should be compensated by
a lower level of diffuse lighting – in practice, 200 lux or less. The directed
lighting is obtained with luminaires capable of concentrating the light
produced – for example equipped with a reflector (for instance spotlights),
or desk lamps that concentrate the light downwards.

Conclusion

In summary, the following two design principles should be followed:

A relaxing atmosphere is better appreciated if it is bathed by a diffuse

illumination of 50 to 150 lux with preferably a warm tone which can be
easily obtained by using luminaires with filters, or luminaires equipped with
dimmers, or bulbs of the right colour. Areas of interest should be
illuminated 3 to 5 times more – typically 150 to 500 lux – using directional
luminaires such as spot bulbs with reflectors, wall or table lamps, and often
with a whiter light.

An active atmosphere should have a lighting between 150 and 500 lux, and
a colder light tone – obtained for example with light-shaded luminaires and
bulbs with a warm white tone of 3500° K
PRINCIPLES OF LIGHTING Properly lighting your home may seem like a no-brainer, but once you start
laying out the particulars—budget, style, function, and specs—the project
Light quantity, energy consumption, and light quality are the basic principles
can appear challenging and technical.
of lighting
1. Establish the budget
First Principle of Lighting Design:
It might seem like an obvious step, but it's amazing how quickly home
Nearly all lighting systems do so either by passing an electrical current
projects—big or small—can put a serious dent in your bank account. To
through an element that heats until it glows, or through gases until they
avoid a monetary setback, decide how much lighting you need, and
become excited and produce light energy. Incandescent light sources are an
designate the items you might want to splurge on, and other areas where
example of the first method, called incandescence.
you know you need to be more conscious of cost.
Elements of Lighting Design:
Creatively separating your functional needs is a key component of Good
The three main types of lighting that designers are concerned with are Small Design—it’s all about overlap, nesting, and double duty.
ambient, task and accent.
2. Pick a Theme, Genre, or Design Type
Ambient light is the general illumination surrounding the
Just as you would stick to a color scheme when decorating a space, so
environment or subject. ...
should you consider the style and theme of the fixtures you're wishing to
Task light is that which illuminates a small, specific area. ... install. Since lighting is such an integral component of creating the mood
and tone of a space, find products that speak to you and the particular
Accent light is used to add highlight, drama and focus to interior spaces. space. If you have a signature style, the lighting should follow suit.
The Three Principles of Light When one thinks of a chandelier, often an elaborate, shimmery fixture
In photography, there are three main principles: instensity/quantity of light, comes to mind. With its Industrial Chandelier, Workstead pares this idea
direction of light, and quality of light. down to capture the function of a chandelier—an overhead lighting
fixture—with the simplicity of clean lines and a flexible design. The three-
10 steps to designing your home's lighting like a pro. arm chandelier can be reconfigured into a variety of shapes, making it an
Establish the budget. ... adaptable piece for a many interior spaces. Structured as a horizontal
fixture, the Industrial Chandelier can hang just three feet from the ceiling, or
Pick a Theme, Genre, or Design Type. ... as a vertical piece, it can hang five feet for a more dramatic effect. Crafted
from steel, repurposed industrial joints, and vintage Hubbell sockets, the
Layer lighting. ...
lighting fixture has a mechanical, vintage aesthetic, while its minimalist
Start with the statement light. ... design, exposed cords, and unshaded bulbs have an undeniably modern
sensibility.
Consider the requirements of each room. ...
3. Layer lighting
Be precise with measurements. ...
The basic principle is to layer three types of lighting: ambient, accent and
Get creative.
task lighting. Ambient lighting is concerned with creating general
illumination, occupying a more functional role. Accent lighting is often 7. Get creative
where decorative fixtures come into play, like chandeliers, pendants, and
We've talked about specific types of lighting for each room, but sometimes
linear lighting. Task lighting also comes in many forms, providing focused
it's okay to break the rules. Think outside a product's normal function and
lighting for work spaces throughout your home. Once all of these elements
try unexpected applications—perhaps a pendant for a bedside lamp or an
come together, the interior becomes a well-rounded (and well-lit) space.
adjustable wall sconce as a task lamp in the kitchen.
4. Start with the statement light
8. Stay educated about new technology
Once you have a theme in mind, start with the most visible item that will
Let's face it, LED lighting is more common than ever these days, and there
define the space, like a modern chandelier or pendant (this could be one of
are different rules when it comes to installing LED fixtures in your home.
the splurge-worthy items). From there, choosing the remaining lighting in
With that said, consult your contractor or electrician for the proper voltage
the same style as that fixture will help narrow the search.
and dimming options required for LED fixtures.
Barbara Hill had the overhead lighting in the kitchen customized by Rich
9. Consider multi-functional lights
Brilliant Willing in a pert orange that accents the primarily black-and-white
interior scheme. She added a stainless steel kitchen island by Bulthaup, its Now that we have decorative lighting covered, it's time to get down to the
glossiness and "clean feel" tempered by the plastic stacking stools designed nitty gritty and discuss architectural lighting (i.e. recessed, dimmers,
by Konstantin Grcic for Magis. The cabinets, appliances, countertops, and controls, and wall plates). Since we live in the digital age, we rely on many
marble tile were kept as-is, with the addition of several coats of white paint devices that require charging. These days, there are many sophisticated wall
in order to blend seamlessly with the walls. controls and outlets that allow for efficient energy consumption, that can
also power our mobile devices.
5. Consider the requirements of each room
10. Start designing!
Since each room has its own function, some areas should naturally be more
ambient, and others more task-oriented. For example, the bedroom would The last and final step is to dive right into your home's lighting design.
do well with more accent lighting, since it's a space for relaxation and sleep. Getting the planning process going is often the hardest part, but with these
The kitchen is the area for careful tasks like food preparation—so that space helpful tips, you'll be installing a unique lighting scheme in no time.
demands bright, functional lighting before anything else.
* 8 Lighting Design Principles
6. Be precise with measurements
1.Focus your effort on rooms used most. Improving the lighting in these
Luckily, there are general and specific guidelines for sizing a fixture for a rooms will make a lot of difference.
space. Once you have the basic dimensions of the space and its function, 2.Replace existing fixtures. ...
the math for finding the correct sized fixture is easily done. For example, 3.Layer lighting for maximum impact. ...
kitchens and living rooms have different requirements; planning the lighting 4.Consider the room's function and form. ...
above a kitchen island is very different from choosing a large enough fixture 5.Use concealed light sources. ...
to fill a living room. 6.Use fluorescents. ...
7.Limit the number of different light sources. ...
8.Consider controls.