The
degree College and Hill Council Complex is located in Leh, at an
altitude of over 3500 metres above the sea level.
The main problem is the cold and long winter, although there are
pleasant summers, there are few precipitation but we found that the
climate can be compared to the one of Punta Arenas, although the thermal
delta is much higher and there are fewer precipitations.
The structure of the building is made by timber frames and robust steel
cross-bracing in order to protect it from earthquakes and mud slides.
The whole building is made in order to minimize the heat loss during
winter and promote the heat gain; the following strategies have been
used:
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Decrease exposed surface area
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Increase thermal resistance
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Increase thermal capacity
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Increase buffer space
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Decrease air exchange rate
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Increase surface absorptivity
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Reduce shading
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Utilize heat from appliances
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Trapping heat
These objectives has been reached by:
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orientation and shape of the building
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Use of trees as wind barrier
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Roof insulation, wall insulation and double glazing
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Thicker walls (thermal inertia)
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Air locks/lobbies
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Weathers stripping (reducing thermal bridges losses)
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Darker colours
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Wall and glass surfaces (to promote heat gains)
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Sun spaces/ green spaces
In the complex each structure has been treated specifically depending on
its orientation, all the building in the northern side have thicker
walls to minimize the heat losses, while in the south side have been
designed in order to maximize heating by radiation and daylight
distribution.
Also the glazing system is organized in order to minimize the losses:
the disposition goes to prefer the south surfaces and every window is
double glazed and designed in order to prevent condensation. The ventilation problem has been solved connecting all the spaces and
exploiting the thermal buoyancy in order to have a zero energy system
during normal hours of operation (using the heat produced by users) also the water is obtained from a near snow sites for drinking and irrigation purposes.
The building is a former college so it includes every type of space like
courtyards, dining hall and kitchen, computer and science lab, art
studios, a medical clinic and resident blocks.
Case Study: California Academy of Science