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The plan and elevation of a house built thirty years ago are shown in the accompanying drawing - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 3 - 2011
Question 3
The plan and elevation of a house built thirty years ago are shown in the accompanying drawing. The house is of traditional construction with a slated cut roof and a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The plan and elevation of a house built thirty years ago are shown in the accompanying drawing - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 3 - 2011
Step 1
redesigning the external envelope to allow for increased penetration of sunlight into the interior of the house
Answer
To enhance the thermal performance through the external envelope design, the following modifications are recommended:
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Windows and Glazing:
- Increase the size of windows on the southern and western elevations to allow more sunlight into the house.
- Use high-performance glazing (like triple glazing) to improve insulation properties and reduce heat loss. Ensure no cold bridging occurs.
- Install tinted glass to minimize glare and incorporate ventilation features such as operable window sections to allow natural air flow.
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Insulation:
- Improve the insulation of walls to a minimum standard of 0.21 W/m²K. Consider adding external or cavity fill insulation to enhance thermal efficiency.
- Ensure that all joints between the windows and walls are airtight, preventing heat loss.
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Roof Design:
- Install roof lights or skylights that incorporate solar tubes to bring natural light into darker areas. This maximizes lighting without the heat loss associated with conventional windows.
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Thermal Mass:
- Incorporate materials with high thermal mass (e.g., stone or tile) in areas exposed to direct sunlight to absorb heat during the day and release it at night.
Step 2
redesigning the layout of the interior to optimise solar gain
Answer
Optimizing the interior layout is vital to maximize solar gain. The following adjustments can be made:
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Room Placement:
- Place frequently used rooms such as the living room and kitchen on the south side of the house to take advantage of the sun's path. This will improve natural heating during the day.
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Open Plan Strategy:
- Consider an open plan layout between the kitchen and living space to allow for better heat circulation. This can facilitate the flow of warm air generated from sunlight.
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Use of Interior Walls:
- Introduce strategic placement of internal walls to create thermal mass areas, which can retain and redistribute heat more effectively.
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Flexibility in Space:
- Design flexible space accommodating furnishings that can be rearranged to optimize the orientation of windows with respect to sunlight.
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Integration of Renewable Energy Sources:
- Where possible, incorporate space for solar panels on the roof, ensuring they do not obstruct areas receiving the most sunlight.