Intro:
Buildings produce half of all energy emitted in the U.S.; residential units are responsible for 20% of that. To ensure the continued health of the natural world, buildings need to become net zero energy: emitting no fossil fuel greenhouse gas to operate. Innovative solutions need to be implemented within buildings where interactions between community and environment will develop in tandem. This thesis proposes a new residential complex located in the disused Narragansett Electric Lighting Company building, which once provided energy to Providence, but will now provide energy-efficient solutions to the built environment.
Refitting the Narragansett Electric Lighting Company building to become a sustainably efficient residential complex will enact a true reversal, as the complex will go from the previous emission of vast quantities of greenhouse gases to emitting none. Strategies using renewable energy, daylight, natural ventilation and incorporating green spaces drive the design to form a community focused on a sustainable lifestyle. With these strategies, the Narragansett Electric Lighting Company building becomes a place where people live with environmental awareness. This conversion will provide an example of how retrofitting buildings can provide a positive interaction between community and environment.
Details:
Sustainable strategies drive the design and form a community focused on a life style that contributes to the net zero energy building. By using the existing structure, a modular system of row houses is developed along the south end of the building for maximum day light availability. Air circulation is allowed to pass through the long and narrow units, unobstructed by other infrastructure and channeled by the existing facade openings. Green spaces are located throughout to create public and private gathering areas for the residents and to improve air quality. A translucent photovoltaic louvered roof system on the northern bay allows for solar energy collection and directs light into the space. It acts as climate control of the green space below, opening to allow light and air circulation and closing to collect rainwater and prevent flooding. Using renewable resources, electricity is generated by a combination of solar, geothermal energy and salt-water extraction.
Secondary program is added for convenience to the community. A gym is located in the 400# House and has non-electric machines to save energy with a running track on the roof. A childcare center is located among the resident units to take advantage of the southern sunlight and easy access to the large community green. Vehicles park in the 400# House to minimize CO2 emissions in the rest of the complex while foot traffic and bikes access the entire site.
View Original