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Passive Design for Urban Dwellings: Creating Self-Sufficient Microclimates in High-Density Cities
Passive Design for Urban Dwellings: Creating Self-Sufficient Microclimates in High-Density Cities
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Passive Design for Urban Dwellings: Creating Self-Sufficient Microclimates in High-Density Cities
As cities move towards urbanisation, it is essential to create buildings that are self-sufficient and have less impact on the planet. Here, the concept of passive design strategies comes into the picture. Passive design maintains a comfortable indoor temperature by taking into account the local climate. The design process minimises or eliminates mechanical ventilation, heating, lighting, and cooling by utilising techniques including shape, fabric, and arrangement. This is consistent with the design plans for passive houses. Modern architects are using this philosophy in their designs to create structures that can regulate the micro-climate and present buildings that promote interior comfort. In this article, Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder and Principal Architect at Cityspace’ 82 Architects, delves into the ideas of passive design for urban dwellings.
Orientation and Insulation in Buildings
The most important feature of passive design is the right building orientation. Buildings are angled to maximise solar gain in cold climates and minimise solar heat gain in hot climates. Placing windows and shade devices as efficiently as possible and then aligning the structures to take advantage of the wind's direction can be helpful. Effective insulation is essential to passive building design to minimise heat transfer through roofs, floors, and walls. All year long, a thermal envelope with suitable interior temperatures is produced using high-performance insulation materials.
Natural Ventilation and Thermal Mass
To eliminate surplus heat and encourage airflow, passive design structures implement additional measures for natural ventilation. This could include moveable windows, vents, louvres, and stack ventilation systems. Moreover, by absorbing and retaining heat, materials with a large thermal mass can help to regulate indoor temperatures. The strategic placement of thermal mass across structures maximises its ability to control thermal comfort. For instance, in the design of Punjabi Bagh House, the facade integrates wooden louvers that operate in assistance to wind, offering optimum indoor comfort.
Materials in Passive Design Buildings
The goal of passive architecture is to provide a cosy and energy-efficient living space. Cellulose insulation, wood fiber blocks, or bio-based spray foam insulation can help to minimise air transfer. Further, air sealing and timber frames with closed panels can contribute to better indoor temperature. Cabinets free of formaldehyde and low-VOC coatings in interiors also maintain an optimum setting. Windows with triple glazing reduce glare, creating a proper visual balance.
In essence, with the right techniques and materials, urban cities can appreciate the essence of passive design. From the orientation to the ventilation strategies, plans for a house's design can reduce energy use and utility costs while creating a comfortable and green living environment.
Orientation and Insulation in Buildings
The most important feature of passive design is the right building orientation. Buildings are angled to maximise solar gain in cold climates and minimise solar heat gain in hot climates. Placing windows and shade devices as efficiently as possible and then aligning the structures to take advantage of the wind's direction can be helpful. Effective insulation is essential to passive building design to minimise heat transfer through roofs, floors, and walls. All year long, a thermal envelope with suitable interior temperatures is produced using high-performance insulation materials.
Natural Ventilation and Thermal Mass
To eliminate surplus heat and encourage airflow, passive design structures implement additional measures for natural ventilation. This could include moveable windows, vents, louvres, and stack ventilation systems. Moreover, by absorbing and retaining heat, materials with a large thermal mass can help to regulate indoor temperatures. The strategic placement of thermal mass across structures maximises its ability to control thermal comfort. For instance, in the design of Punjabi Bagh House, the facade integrates wooden louvers that operate in assistance to wind, offering optimum indoor comfort.
Materials in Passive Design Buildings
The goal of passive architecture is to provide a cosy and energy-efficient living space. Cellulose insulation, wood fiber blocks, or bio-based spray foam insulation can help to minimise air transfer. Further, air sealing and timber frames with closed panels can contribute to better indoor temperature. Cabinets free of formaldehyde and low-VOC coatings in interiors also maintain an optimum setting. Windows with triple glazing reduce glare, creating a proper visual balance.
In essence, with the right techniques and materials, urban cities can appreciate the essence of passive design. From the orientation to the ventilation strategies, plans for a house's design can reduce energy use and utility costs while creating a comfortable and green living environment.
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