Thursday, 21 March 2013

Core & Buffer Zones


Figure 1a: Diagram showing buffer zones protect core spaces from eastern and western sunlight
(Source: Author)

Figure 1b:Diagram showing spatial configuration based on Core & Buffer Zones System
(Source: Author)

Figure 1c: Sectional digram showing arrangement of Families spaces based on Core & Buffer Zones System
(Source: Author)

Cross Ventilation & Stack Effect in Core Spaces

In an urban environment, wind velocity is very low due to the presence of tall buildings around the site. Stack effect would only work with optimum performance in tall building, with at least 10-floors height. 

How to induce wind and promote natural ventilation within the dwelling in the urban environment? The answer is stack effect with DC exhaust fan (as mentioned in previous post, Pushing the Green Boundary). 
Figure 2a: Sectional diagram showing stack effect induced by DC exhaust fan powered by solar panels.
(Source: Author)
Figure 2b: Sectional diagram showing cross-ventilation and stacking effect driven by DC exhaust fan located at the top of the Core.
(Source: Author)

A narrow plan is developed to encourage cross ventilation. Ventilation is important as air movement causes high evaporation rate of sweat on our body skin surface, producing cooling effect in the hot-humid climate in Malaysia. Each bedroom is incorporated with two windows, placed adjacent to each other to bring in wind-flow. Casement windows are used to catch wind flowing through the dwelling.  
Figure 3: Narrow plan to encourage cross ventilation
(Source: Author)

Core as Community Spaces

Core spaces are the spaces where the family spend most of their time in and protected by buffer zones to achieve thermal comfort. 

Figure 4a: Core spaces for visual interaction between buffer zones to promote community sense in the house
(Source: Author)

 Figure 4b: Mezzanine floors allow visual interaction of family spaces in the core while preserving the sense of privacy between both families.
(Source: Author)
 Figure 4b: Greenery such as tree and plants on heat barrier are always present in sight to promote good indoor environmental quality
(Source: Author)

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