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ARCHITECTURAL
AND ENVIRONMENT

ARC60504

PROJECT 1

PROJECT 1

Creative Approach (30% Group)

Assessing Daylight & Thermal Comfort at Modern Houses

PROJECT BRIEF

INTRODUCTION

Modern homes often face challenges like insufficient daylighting and inadequate thermal comfort, leading to reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling or heating.

Passive design offers a solution by utilizing natural climate conditions to maintain comfort without mechanical systems, promoting energy efficiency and cost savings.

In groups of five, students are tasked with brainstorming creative ideas to optimize daylighting and thermal comfort for a chosen modern house, using fieldwork and relevant apps for data collection.

OBJECTIVES

Identifying challenges concerning daylighting and thermal comfort in double-storey terraced or semi-detached residences

Evaluating the existing state of daylight distribution and thermal comfort in double-storey terraced or semi-detached homes.

Generating solutions to improve daylighting and thermal comfort in double-storey terraced or semi-detached houses through the integration of passive design strategies.

TASKS

  • Select one of the following types of houses:
    i) A corner lot of a two-story terraced house or
    ii) A two-story semi-detached house

  • Identify one specific area in the chosen house that experiences:
    i) Daylighting                                                         ii) Thermal Comfort

OUTCOME

  • Describe the methods that promote effective implementation of environmental design principles and sustainable building practices, both locally and globally.

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4.0 Communication Skills

7.0 Citizenship and Global Perspective

Effective communication skills with teammates are essential for the success of a project assessing daylighting and thermal comfort in a semi-detached triple-storey house. Regular team meetings can provide opportunities to discuss progress, share ideas, and address any challenges encountered. 

It's important to be cognizant of diverse opinions regarding design strategies when working on the project. Acknowledging and respecting different viewpoints within the team can lead to richer discussions and potentially uncover innovative solutions.

REFLECTION

Assessing daylighting and thermal comfort in a semi-detached triple-storey house has been a multifaceted endeavor, illuminating the intricate interplay between architectural design, environmental factors, and occupant well-being.

Exploring how natural light permeates different levels of the structure and understanding the thermal dynamics within each space has underscored the importance of holistic design approaches. Balancing the need for adequate illumination with energy efficiency considerations and privacy concerns has emerged as a significant challenge.

Furthermore, optimizing thermal comfort across various levels of the house necessitates careful attention to insulation, ventilation, and passive design strategies. This project has deepened my appreciation for the nuanced complexities of residential design and reinforced the imperative of creating spaces that prioritize both occupant comfort and environmental sustainability.

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