review lecture climatic design of buildings2

7/28/2019 Review Lecture Climatic Design of Buildings2

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3. CLIMATE ANALYSIS

3.1 Use of Climatic Data

Different design situations will require different weather data for the study.

Climate analysis carried out at initial design stage may be used for:

develop design strategies

check condensation problems in some cases

optimisation of insulation

Load and energy calculation carried out at outline and detail design stages will require

weather data for: calculation of cooling and heating requirements

design of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems

energy estimation of buildings


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3.2 Sunshade Analysis

EXAMPLE OF SUNSHADE ANALYSIS

olar paths requiring shadedying the sun path diagram for each climatic zone, the shaded

as represent the periods ofoverheating, related to undesirable

ar gain. In the lower latitudes, there is total overheating,ereas in the higher latitudes overheating only occurs during the

mmer months.

3. InsolationThe sunpath becomes more southerly as we move

north, changing from a 'bow-tie' pattern near the

equator to a heart-shape pattern in the temperatezones.

unshade analysis (vertical and horizontal)

diagrams show the optimum location of vertical sun shading,

elding the building from low sun angles in the morning andning, and horizontal sun shading blocking the high midday

. Tropical regions need both vertical and horizontal shading

oughout the year. In higher latitudes, horizontal and verticalding is only needed during the summer on the south-facing

es of buildings.

4. Sun requirements during winter

There are obviously seasonal variations near the

equator. Solar heating becomes more important thain the upper latitutdes. Beginning at the equator and

moving north, the need for solar heating increases

while the need for solar shading dimishes.


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3.3 Wind Analysis

Wind direction

Desirable and undesirable winds in each the climatic zones depend largely on local conditions. Anybreeze in the lower latitude (tropical and arid climates) is beneficial for most of the year whereas in

higher latitudes most wind is detrimental and has to be screened. There is also a small percentage of

the time in a year (spring and/or autumn) when comfortable conditions can be achieved naturally,

without any need for wind screening or additional breezes.

Cross ventilation

Cross ventilation is far more important in the tropics than in temperate zones. The theoretical strategy

for blocking or inducing wind flow into a building is based on local prevailing wind conditions.Generally, for the tropical zones as much ventilation as possible is desired. For the arid zone cross

ventilation is required, but care has to be taken to filter out high-velocity winds. In the temperate

zone, cross ventilation and shielding are both necessary (for summer and winter, respectively). In the

cool region, the building should be protected from cold, high-velocity winds, although cross


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ventilation is still required.

3.4 Humidity, Rainfall and Seasonal Variations

Annual Average Relative Humidity

The curve on the left represents the annual average relative humidity in the four

climatic zones. In the arid zone, the low level of humidity can be beneficial for

evaporative cooling. In the tropical zone, the high level of humidity can be very

uncomfortable.

Annual Average Rainfall

The middle curve represents the annual average rainfall in the four climatic zones.Rainfall level can be seen to have a direct relationship with humidity levels.

Annual Seasonal Variations

The distance of the angled line from the vertical represents the annual seasonal

variations in the four climatic zones. Higher latitudes, the cold and temperate zones,

have pronounced seasonal variations. The lower latitudes have constant climates


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throughout the year.

3.5 Influences on Built Form

1. Zoning for transitional spaces

The black areas represent the traditional

spaces used for lobbies, stairs, utility spaces,

circulation, balconies, and any other areas

where movement take place. These areas do

not require total climatic control and natural

ventilation is sufficient. For the tropical andarid zones, the transitional spaces are located

on the north and south sides of the building

where the sun's penetration is not as great. An

atrium can also be used a transitional space. In

temperate and cool zones, the transitional

spaces should be located on the south side of

the building to maximize solar gain.

3. Use of atrium

The diagram show the optimum position for

atrium spaces in each building form in each of

the climatic zones. In the tropical zone, the

atrium should be located so as to provide

ventilation within the built form. In the arid

zone, the atrium should be located at the centerof the building for cooling and shading

purposes. For the cool and temperate zones,

the atrium should be at the center of the

building form for heat and light.

2. Zoning for solar gain

The black areas are spaces that can be used

for solar heat gain. They follow the varyingpath of the sun in each of the climatic zones:

in the tropical and arid zones the east and west

sides; in the temperate and cool zones the

south side.

4. Potential of roof/ground floor as useable

exterior space

The distance of the angled line from thevertical represents the potential of each zone's

roof and ground planes to be used a exterior

spaces. In tropical and arid climates, there is a

high potential to make use of all external

spaces, whereas moving towards the northern

latitudes the external spaces have to be covered


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to be used.

1. Form

The diagrams show the optimum building form foreach climatic zone. Research has shown that the

preferred length of the sides of the building, wherethe sides are of length x:y, are:

tropical zone - 1:3

arid zone - 1:2

temperate zone - 1: 1.6

cool zone - 1:1

Analysis of these ratios shows that an elongated

form to minimize east and west exposure is needed

at the lower latitudes. This form slowly transformsto a ratio of 1:1 (cylindrical) at the higher

latitudes. This is a direct response to the varying

solar angles in the various latitudes.

2. OrientationOrientation as well as directional emphasis

changes with latitude in response to solar angles.

3. Vertical cores and structure

The arrangement of primary mass can be used as a fator inclimatic design as its position can help to shade or retain

heat within the building form.

For the tropical zone, the cores are located on the east and

west sides of the building form, so as to help shade the

building from the low angles of the sun during the major

part of the day. In arid zone, the cores should also belocated on the east and west sides, but with major shading

only needed during the summer. Therefore, the cores are

located on the east and west sides,but primarily on the

south side.

The arrangement of the primary mass in the temperate

zone is on the north face, so as to leave the south face

available for solar heat gain during the winter. The coolzone requires the maximum perimeter of the building to

be open to the sun for heat penetration. Therefore the

primary mass is placed in the centre of the building so as


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ZoneBuilding's main

orientations

Directional

emphasis

TropicalOn an axis 5o north

of eastnorth-south

AridOn an axis 25o north

of eastsouth-east

TemperateOn an axis 18o northof east

south-south-east

CoolOn an axis facingsouth

facing south

not to block out the sun'r rays and to retain heat within the

building.


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4. HONG KONG WEATHER

4.1 Climate Characteristics

Hong Kong is located at latitude 22 18' north and longitude 11410' east (this refers to the weather

station at Tsimshatsui, Kowloon). According to a climatological method of classification, the

weather of Hong Kong may be classified as "Cwa" (humid subtropical climate). In the wintermonths between November and February, a winter monsoon coming from the north and northeast

directions brings to Hong Kong cold and dry air from the continental anticyclone in Mainland China.

The spring season is short and usually characterised by cloudy skies, periods of light rain andsometimes very foggy and humid conditions. In the summer months between May and September,

the monsoon blows from the south and southeast directions. The weather is mainly tropical, hot and

humid with occasional showers or thunderstorms. The autumn is short as it lasts from mid-

September to early November. The winds become more easterly in direction. The amount of cloud in

sky and humidity decrease rapidly at this time.

[See also Climate of Hong Kong by HKO]
http://www.info.gov.hk/hko/wxinfo/climat/climahk.htmhttp://www.info.gov.hk/hko/wxinfo/climat/climahk.htm


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Figure 4.1 Summary of Hong Kong weather

[Figure 4.2 Annual wind roses for weather stations in Hong Kong]

4.2 Outdoor Design Conditions

Recommended outdoor design conditions for Hong Kong is shown in Table 2. Essential informationfor the assessment of the climate and determination of design strategies is given. The "design

temperatures" are usually the most commonly used and two sets of design temperatures (one for

comfort HVAC and one for critical processes) are provided. Other data provided include extremetemperaturs, diurnal ranges of temperatures and wind data.

[Table 4.1 Recommended outdoor design conditions for Hong Kong]

As interpreted from the climatic data, major considerations for architectural design in Hong Konginclude:

Solar load is important for air-conditioned buildings.

Temperature and humidity is high and will require outdoor air control.

A little bit of winter heating is required for some buildings.

The diurnal range of temperature is about 5 C.

4.3 Graphical Analysis

The climate of Hong Kong can also be studied using graphical methods. Examples of the graphs and

charts are provided here: [Figure 4.3a - Contour map of dry-bulb temperature (DBT)]

[Figure 4.3b - Contour map of wet-bulb temperature (WBT)]

[Figure 4.3c - Contour map of relative humidity (RH)]

[Figure 4.3d - Contour map of global solar radiation (GSR)]

[Figure 4.4 - Frequency distributions of DBT]

Information relating to sun path and solar design is of much interest to Architects and the following

figures show examples of the graphs indicating the sun paths.
http://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/windrose.gifhttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/table2.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3a.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3b.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3c.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3d.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig4.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/windrose.gifhttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/table2.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3a.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3b.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3c.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig3d.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig4.jpg


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Figure 4.5a - Paths of the sun throughout the year

[Figure 4.5b - Sun path diagram for Hong Kong]

[Figure 4.5c - Solar geometry and sun angles]

[Figure 4.5d - Sun path diagram at 24 deg. north latitude]
http://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig5b.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig5c.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig5d.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig5b.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig5c.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig5d.jpg


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5. PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

5.1 Psychrometrics

The atmosphere is a mixture of air (oxygen and nitrogen) and water vapour.Psychrometry is the

study of moist air and of the changes in its conditions. The psychrometric chart graphicallyrepresents the interrelation of air temperature and moisture content and is a basic design tool for

building engineers and designers. Several terms must be explained before the charts can be fully

appreciated.

Absolute humidity (AH) is the vapour content of air, given in grammes or kg of water vapour

per kg of air, i.e. g/kg or kg/kg. It is also known as moisture content or humidity ratio. Air at

a given temperature can support only a certain amount of moisture and no more. This is

referred to as the saturation humidity.

Relative humidity (RH) is an expression of the moisture content of a given atmosphere as a

percentage of the saturation humidity at the same temperature. Wet-bulb temperature (WBT) is measured by a hygrometer or a sling psychrometer and is

shown as sloping lines on the psychrometric chart. A status point on the psychrometric chartcan be indicated by a pair ofdry-bulb temperature (DBT) and WBT.

Specific volume (Spv) , in m3/kg, is the reciprocal of density and is indicated by a set of

slightly sloping lines on the psychrometric chart.

Enthalpy (H) is the heat content of unit mass of the atmosphere, in kJ/kg, relative to the heat

content of 0 deg ?C dry air. It is indicated on the psychrometric chart by a third set of sloping

lines, near to, but not quite the same as the web-bulb lines. In order to avoid confusion, there

are no lines shown, but external scales are given on two sides.

Sensible heat(Qsen) is the heat content causing an increase in dry-bulb temperature. Latent

heat(Qlat) is the heat content due to the presence of water vapour in the atmosphere. It is theheat which was required to evaporate the given amount of moisture.

[Figure 6 Psychrometric chart and climate classification]

Psychrometric processes, i.e. any changes in the condition of the atmosphere, can be represented by

the movement of the state point on the psychrometric chart. Common processes include:

Sensible cooling / sensible heating

Cooling and dehumidification / heating and humidification

Humidification / dehumidification

Evaporative cooling / chemical dehydration
http://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig6.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig6.jpg


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Figure 7 Psychrometric processes

5.2 Analysis Using PSYCHWIN

The program PSYCHWIN (see "Environmental Controls" program in our Computer Laboratory and

student LAN) can be used to learn about psychrometric and do some analysis. These are someexamples.

[Figure 8a Analysis of cooling strategies using PSYCHWIN]

[Figure 8b Analysis of thermal comfort zones using PSYCHWIN]

5.3 Bioclimatic Analysis for Hong Kong

Bioclimatic approach is used to compare the given climatic conditions with the desirable comfortconditions. Operation strategies can be determined from the psychrometric chart. The following

figures shows the charts developed for Hong Kong and the analysis on Hong Kong's climatic

conditions.
http://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig8a.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig8b.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig8a.jpghttp://arch.hku.hk/~cmhui/teach/fig8b.jpg


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6. URBAN CLIMATE

Urban areas have particular climatic conditions with a higher temperature than exposed

countryside, weak winds, and an amount of sunshine that varies according to the degree ofpollution, the urban density, the orientation of the streets and the shade provided by other

buildings.

6.1 Urban Microclimates

Urban microclimates are complex because of the number and diversity of factors, which

come into play. Solar radiation, temperature and wind conditions can vary significantly

according to topography and local surroundings. In addition, layout density can provide

further constraints: the precise plot division, the need for access and privacy, and the noise

and impact of atmospheric pollution must all be taken into account.

In winter, most urban microclimates are more moderate than those found in suburban or rural

areas. They are characterized by slightly higher temperatures and, away from tall buildings,

weaker winds. During the day, wide streets, squares and non-planted areas are the warmest

parts of a town. At night, the narrow streets have higher temperatures than the rest of the

city. In summer, green spaces are particularly useful in modifying the environment during

the late afternoon, when the buildings are very hot inside.

Strong local winds can modify the temperature distribution described above. Usually winds

in towns are moderate because of the number and range of obstacles they face. However, a

few configurations such as long straight avenues or multi-storey buildings can causesignificant air circulation. Tall buildings rising above low-rise building can create strong

turbulent wind conditions on the ground as the air is brought down from high levels. Strongwinds can flow through gaps at the base of tall buildings. To protect pedestrians from this,

the turbulent flow has to be prevented from descending to street level, for example by

modifying the building form or by using wide protective canopies. In semi-open areas,

adjacent buildings can be used as protective screens against some winds.

6.2 Urban Heat Island

Visit any city on a hot summer day, and you will feel waves of blistering heat emanatingfrom roads and dark buildings. Stay in the city past nightfall, and you will notice that the

streets are still radiating heat, while surrounding rural areas are rapidly cooling.


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Figure 10 - Urban heat island

Almost every city in the world today is hotter - usually between 1 to 4 deg C hotter - than its

surrounding area. This difference between urban and rural temperatures is called the "urban-

heat-island" effect", and it has been intensifying throughout this century. During hot months

a heat island creates considerable discomfort and stress and also increases air-conditioningloads and the incidence of urban smog (do you notice this in Hong Kong!). Research shows

that for every degree of increased heat, electricity generation rises by 2% to 4 %, and smog

production increases by 4% to 10%. People also believe there is a direct link between global

warming and urban heat islands. First, the greenhouse effect could aggravate rising urban

temperature significantly. Second, heat islands may contribute to the greenhouse effect.

In general, there are three main factors causing the urban heat islands:

Surface - The characteristics of the surfaces in urban and rural areas are different and

their thermal properties also differ a lot. As compared with rural areas, urban districts

have high absorption (of the heat of the sun and atmosphere), low reflection, low

evaporative heat loss and fast transmission of heat. Heat emission - "Artificial heat" emitted in urban districts is much higher than that in

rural areas.

Air quality - Air pollution in urban areas is high and the particulates will form a shield

for trapping heat.

7. PASSIVE DESIGN IN HOT CLIMATES


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One should attempt to perform the control task bypassive controls (i.e. by the

building itself), and resort to active controls (i.e. by energy-based heating or

cooling systems) only when the passive controls cannot ensure comfort. This

approach is suggested for three main reasons:

Economic - the installation of mechanical equipment means a capital costand also the recurrent cost of energy consumed and system maintenance.

Ecological/environmental- passive buildings impose the least load on the

ecosystem, consume less energy, and produce less amount of waste.

Aesthetic- passive buildings are more likely to be in sympathy with their

environment, and more likely to increase diversity and interest.

7.1 General Climate Control Strategies

Passive control of heat flows:

When cold discomfort (underheated) conditions prevail:

o minimise heat loss

o utilise heat gain from the sun and internal sources

When hot discomfort (overheated) conditions prevail:

o prevent heat gaino maximuse heat dissipation


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Figure 3 General climate control strategies

7.2 Passive vs. Active Controls

In most climates, any attempt to ensure thermal comfort by passive means would

reduce the active control requirements. In a cold climate or in the winter of temperate

climate, passive solar heating, good insulation, and careful control of air infiltration

would reduce the heating requirements. In a hot-dry climate the massive building,

evaporative cooling and good shading may succeed in ensuring comfort.

The only exception is the warm-humid climate. Here, a building designed for passive

cooling would be as open as possible, to ensure the maximum possible cross-ventilation, consequently it would be totally unsuitable for air-conditioning. If the

building is to be air-conditioned, a completely different design approach must be

adopted. The result would be that the building would be closed, sealed and well

insulated. In such a climate therefore an early decision must be made whether passive

or active controls would be used, whether cross-ventilation would be relied on, or air-

conditioning.


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The recommended procedure for warm humid climates is to compare the

psychrometric chart climate plot with the air movement control potential zone. If the

climate lines are fully (or nearly fully) covered by this zone, we can confidently

proceed with the passive system design. If this is not the case, the client should be

advised of the two alternatives: either air-conditioning will be required, with a closed

building, or the upper comfort limit would be exceeded at some of the time.

The length of climate lines beyond the control potential zone should give an indication

of what proportion of time such overheated conditions could be expected. The

decision will have to involve a value judgement and can only be reached in

consultation with the client or the future users.

7.3 Design Strategy in Warm-humid Climates

In warm-humid climates, the nights are usually warm and there is very little diurnal

variation (often less than 5 deg C). As the humidity is high, evaporation from the skin

is restricted. Evaporative cooling will be neither effective nor desirable as it would

increase the humidity.

The designer should ensure that the indoor temperature does not become higher than

the outdoor. Adequate ventilation may ensure this by removing any excess heat input,

but this is not enough. Undue increase of ceiling temperature may be prevented by:

using a reflective roof surface

having a separate ceiling ensuring adequate ventilation of the attic space

using reflective surfaces both for the underside of the roof and for the top of the

ceiling

using some resistive insulation for or on the ceiling

The whole building should be lightweight to allow rapid cooling down at night. East

and west walls should have minimum or no windows in order to exclude the low angle

east and west sun. They should be reflective and/or well insulated. North and south

walls should be as open as possible, to allow for cross ventilation. This requires that

the plan arrangement should avoid double-banked rooms. The spacing of buildingsshould be carefully considered to avoid obstruction of the wind. The openings require

protection from the sun and driving rain but also from mosquitoes and other insects

which abound in these climates.

At times orientation for wind and for sun give conflicting requirements, solar

orientation should take precedence, as there are ways of deflecting wind, but no ways


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of altering the suns movement. With oblique wind incidence a projecting wing wall

at the downwind end of the building would create a positive pressure zone. On the

leeward side a similar wing wall at the upwind end would help to create a negative

pressure zone. The combined effect of these may ensure a better cross ventilation than

that given by wind with normal incidence.

Web Links Passive Cooling in Tropical Climate

8. CONCLUSION

A building may be considered as a 'climate modifier' which shields the indoor

environment from the external climate. Before designing a building in once place, the

changes of weather from season to season (i.e. the climate) must be well understood

so that the building can be built to shelter people all the year round.

To assess the climate in a certain location, one must study the climatic data and,

sometimes, make use of them for evaluating design options and determining design

strategies. Knowledge about climatology and engineering design is required to

achieve better understanding of the information and climatic properties. Architects

and building designers are, perhaps, also "part-time" climatologists.

FURTHER READING Aronin, J. E., Climate and Architecture, Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, 1953.

Givoni, B.,Man, Climate and Architecture, Second Edition, Applied Science Publishers, London, 1976.

Goulding, J. R., Lewis, J. O. and Steemers, T. C. (Edited by),Energy Conscious Design: A Primer for Architects, B. T.

Batsford, London, 1992.

Gut, P., Climate Responsive Building: Appropriate Building Construction in Tropical and Subtropical Region, First Edition,

Swiss Centre for Development Cooperation in Technology and Management, St Gallen, Switzerland, 1993.

Koenigsberger, O. H., et al., 1973.Manual of Tropical Housing and Building, Longman, London.

Lam, J. C. and Hui, S. C. M., Outdoor design conditions for HVAC system design and energy estimation for buildings in

Hong Kong,Energy and Buildings, 22 (1995): 25-43.

Loftness, V., Climate/Energy Graphics, World Climate Applications Programme, WCP-30, World Meteorological

Organization, September 1982.

Olgyay, V.,Design with Climate, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1992.

Szokolay, S. V., Thermal Design of Buildings, RAIA Education Division, Canberra, Australia, 1987.

Watson, D. (Ed.), The Energy Design Handbook, Chapter 1, The American Institute of Architects Press, Washington, DC.

Watson, D. and Lab, K., Climatic Design: Energy-efficient Building Principles and Practices, McGraw-Hill, New York,

1983.

Yeang, K., 1994.Bioclimatic Skyscrapers, Artemis, London.

EXAMPLES
http://arch.hku.hk/research/BEER/passcool/cool.htmlhttp://arch.hku.hk/research/BEER/passcool/cool.html


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1. Harmony Resort, St. JohnU.S. Virgin Islands

Contact:Stanley Selengut, PresidentMaho Bay CampsPO Box 310Cruz Bay, St. JohnU.S. Virgin Islands 00831tel: (800) 392-9004; (612) 348-4400fax: (612) 348-9335email: [email protected]://www.maho.org/index.html

Description

Harmony Resort, located adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park onSt. John, is a luxury resort employing the latest in energy- and resource-efficient technologies in both its construction and operation. Built usingrecycled materials and low-impact construction technology, the resort usesonly renewable energy generated by the wind and sun, maximizes efficientuse of water and minimizes waste production. Harmony serves as theprototype for environmentally sustainable resorts in sensitive ecosystems andlandscapes.

The genesis for Harmony can be traced back nearly 20 years when ownerStanley Selengut decided to build an environmentally-responsible campsite on

14 acres at Maho Bay on St. John. "My original intent was simply to offer aninexpensive vacation that was close to nature but provided a degree ofcomfort and convenience not found in a traditional campground," saysSelengut. Inspired by his success in developing a community of three-room"tent cottages" using environmentally-sound technologies, Selengut recentlyset out to develop a full-scale resort dedicated to the principles of sustainabledevelopment. The result is Harmony Resort.

Harmony Resort features 12 two-story housing units constructed with thegreen philosophy pioneered by Selengut nearly two decades ago.

Construction was designed to minimize site disturbance to ensure thepreservation of natural beauty and habitat, while the installation ofenvironmentally sound technologies ensures low-impact operation. Electricityat Harmony is generated by the sun and wind, with timers and sensors tomaximize efficiency. The architecture employs passive solar design and waterand light fixtures minimize resource use.
mailto:[email protected]://www.maho.org/index.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.maho.org/index.html


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The Research and Education Center (REC) at Harmony is helpingresearchers learn more about efficient resource use, and their findings will bemade available to other builders. Local school children visit Harmony's RECto learn about sustainable development, renewable energy resources, andrecycling. Finally, in-room computer systems, another project of the REC,allow guests to receive information about the numerous technologies andproducts they encounter at the resort.

Program Highlights

Environmental and Efficiency Features

Energy for each house is provided by a photovoltaic array, while passivecooling is achieved through the use of wind scoops, cross-ventilation,generous overhangs to provide shade, the preservation of trees andother vegetation and the use of heat-rejecting glazings.

Water for each unit is heated through solar power and each unit has asolar oven on the deck.

Electrical appliances are kept to a minimum. Lighting fixtures employ the latest energy-efficient designs and

technologies. Cisterns in each basement collect rainwater, which is filtered before

use. Harmony uses no groundwater.

Gray water is captured and used to flush toilets and water plants. Whenever possible, waste is composted and returned to the soil. Recycled materials have been put to maximum use in the construction

of the Resort:o The floor decking is made from 100-percent recycled newspaper.o The siding and roof shingles are made from a composite of

cement and recycled cardboard that comes with a 50-yearguarantee.

o Bathroom tiles and furniture tops are made from recycled glassbottles.

o Other materials used in construction include recycled plastic forlumber, recycled steel nails, and salvaged wood scraps and rubbertires for the rugs.

The Resort features a solar-powered ice machine.

Construction


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Regenerative landscaping practices were used during construction tohelp reduce the size of the Resort's environmental "footprint."

During construction, solar photovoltaic energy was used to power allelectric construction tools.

Each house was designed and built so that no trees needed to be cutduring construction. Elevated wooden walkways connect the beachesand buildings, leaving the soil and vegetation undisturbed.

Pipes and cables are hidden under the walkways instead of being buriedto minimize disturbance to the environment.

Future Currently, all water consumed at Harmony -- beyond what is captured as

rainwater runoff -- is brought in by truck. In the future, a solar-powereddesalinization plant will be constructed to meet the Resort's water

needs.

Research and Education Center

The Research and Education Center, a facility being constructed adjacent tothe Harmony Resort, will enable researchers to perform engineering andsystem performance analysis regarding resource use at Harmony. Theobjectives of the research center are to evaluate the adaptation of humans tosustainable living, to evaluate the performance of the recycled materials usedin the construction of Harmony and to evaluate the performance of the

Resort's "off-the-grid" energy system.

Each unit contains a computer so guests can monitor and adjust theirenergy use depending upon prevailing conditions.

Information collected from each dwelling unit at the Resort will becollected to develop a comprehensive database regarding resource usepatterns of Resort guests.

Researchers will evaluate all solar and wind resource data in a variety ofweather conditions to determine the best way to achieve optimumperformance from available resources. To provide a basis for thisanalysis, instruments collect energy and weather data every minute on a24-hour basis.

Vital Statistics

Program Management/Partnerships: The Harmony Resort is a project of Maho Bay Camps, Inc. in

partnership with the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Virgin Islands Energy Office and Sandia


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National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM). Substantial materials were supplied by Real GoodsTrading Corporation.

Budget: Please contact the program directly for the latest budget information.

Community Served: Visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands who seek to enjoy nature's beauty while

exerting the lowest environmental impact possible.

Measures of Success:

Harmony Resort is the the world's first luxury resort to operate exclusively on sun and wind power.

The facility was the 1994 winner of the Grand Award for Environmental Technology by Popular

Science magazine.

The Resort is the 1997 winner of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)/Smithsonian

Magazine Environmental Award

Published: February 1998Success stories designed byMark W. Nowak
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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