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SHORTLAND BUILDING PREPARED BY ECONSULT

Assignment 1: A Professional Report

Course: Construction Ecology 4

ARBE4101

Prepared by: Alyssa Turner

Student Number: 3037715

Lecturer: Jamie MacKee

Date: Monday 29th June

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction Page 3

2. Background Page 4

3. Sick Building Syndrome Page 5

4. Daylighting Page 5

4.1 Daylighting Solutions Page 6

4.1.1 Natural Light Tubes Page 6

4.1.2 Fibre Optics Page 7

4.1.3 Window Shelves Page 7

4.1.4 Low-e Windows Page 7

5. Artificial Lighting Page 8

5.1 Forms of Artificial Lighting Page 8

6. PSLAI Page 9

7. Building Analysis Page 9

7.1 Main Foyer Page 10

7.2 Courtyard Corridors Page 11

7.3 Passage to Coffee Bar Page 12

7.4 McLarty Room Page 13

7.5 Brennan Room Page 13

7.6 Tree House Page 14

7.7 Seminar Room Page 15

8. Acoustic and Noise Control Page 15

8.1 Conference Room – Brennan Room Page 15

9. Conclusions Page 17

10. Recommendations Page 17

11. References Page 18

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1. Introduction

This report has been prepared by Econsult on behalf of The University of Newcastle in regards to the extra funding for Australian Universities announced by the Rudd Government in early 2009.

The University of Newcastle has contacted Econsult to prepare a report that provides recommendations and comments on how to make the building a healthy place. The report clarifies the options available in regards to daylighting and artificial lighting making specific reference to the PSALI System. The report will analyse the advantage and disadvantages of these systems. The Shortland Building has been divided into areas that consists of already working areas and those that need to be further addressed.

Acoustic and noise control systems have been examined with this report outlining these that could be used in this situation which are practical and inexpensive.

With people spending majority of their time indoors an emphasis has been put on the internal environment and how it effects us (Sick Building Syndrome). Through the report recommendation will be made in regards to reducing sick building syndrome.

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2. Background

The University of Newcastle has a history of over 40 years and its creation came from a driving force of Hunter residents determined to change the small technical college in Newcastle, into an internationally recognised University. From its inception in 1965 the University has grown from just five students to over 30 000 with 800 full time staff and offering 85 undergraduate courses and 150 postgraduate courses, and due to the University’s international recognition it now represents over 100 hundred different countries and offers great opportunities to people from every background.

The Shortland building is a 5 level building of brick construction and is located on a sloping site. Under the BCA it is classified as a Class 9 building; “a building of a public nature”2 which also contains an array of Class 6 structures within itself being; “a shop or other building for the sale of goods by retail or the supply of services direct to the public”3. It is located close to the Auchmuty library and is a short walk from the faculty of Architecture and the built environment. The Shortland building is a multipurpose building which also houses the main canteen. Businesses and services offered inside the Shortland building include banking, hairdressers, newsagencies and dentists. The central courtyard of the Shortland building has many roles from eating and meeting place to social events such as concerts and markets are put on by the UoN foundation who are also located inside the Shortland building and consist of over 20 000 members. The Brennan room is located next to the main canteen in the Shortland building, and can be used after hours as a function room, holding up to 200 people including tables, when the Brennan room is connected up with the McLarty room it can hold up to 750 people and has been used for events such as wedding receptions.

Figure 2 Indicating Shortland Building (Google Maps)

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3. Sick Building Syndrome

As a result of people now spending 80 – 90% of their day inside buildings the number of illnesses and complaints arising from indoor climates are rising and have brought about a general, ill-defined term, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) to identify a large number of symptoms of ill health with no readily identifiable cause. “Sick “ buildings have a higher occurrence of these symptoms that would occur in normal circumstances. Some features of buildings that induce SBS are:

- Forced ventilation (including air conditioners) - Very heavy construction (sky scrapers, office blocks) - Indoor surfaces covered in textile (carpet, furnishing fabric) - Airtight i.e. windows cannot be opened

However symptoms can occur in any building where the occupant has little or no perceived

control over the environment, or there is little daylight, and as there is no single cause for

SBS there is also no single cure, however incorporating daylight into the design of the

building can have a direct effect on causes and cures for SBS. A building with higher levels

of natural lighting and open windows will help to prevent SBS, with natural lighting helping

will reduce problems such as headaches due to the flicker of fluorescent lighting whilst

adequate provisions of fresh air can help negate many of causes of SBS leading to an

improved quality of the workplace environment.

4. Day Lighting

Daylighting allows a resource that already exists to supply light to a building, saving money and the environment by eliminating or reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Before the 1940’s the primary light source in buildings was daylighting with artificial lights only being used when daylighting was unavailable. Electric lighting was soon to transform the inside environment, allowing buildings to be designed with minimum to no windows and relying on artificial lights. Today however, as we move towards a more environmentally friendly society we need to focus on daylighting and how it can be used more adequately.

Daylighting does not only reduce energy consumption, it also benefits us both psychologically and physiologically. Natural light provides our body with its only source of vitamin D. By maximising the amount of daylight in a room it improves mood, lowers fatigue, enhances moral and reduces eyestrain.

Natural light enters into the building either via direct light from the sun or diffused light.

Through a combination of windows and skylights natural light can enter the building. This is known as fenestration. This fenestration system allows light and heat admitted from the sun as well as ventilating air.

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However, natural light can also have its problems. On clear days light can be very powerful and bright. Daylight reflecting off items either inside or outside the building can strain the occupant’s eyes and cause distractions. The sun’s rays on warm days can heat up the internal environment causing unpleasant conditions. The key is to have the right amount of direct and diffused sun light.

4.1 Daylighting solutions

The following section evaluates daylighting solutions that could be used in the Shortland Building within a reasonable price frame. These include Natural light tubes, fibre optic lights and window shelves.

4.1.1 Natural Light Tubes

Natural Light Tubes are an effective technology that allows light into a room. They require little reconstruction to the existing building structure, and will decrease the dependency on artificial lighting. Light enters the building through a light collector on the roof before being redirected down a light pipe and finally being diffused by an emitter (see figure 4.1.1) that looks like a standard light fixture on the ceiling. Figure 1 shows various types of light pipe options.

4.1.5 Low-e Windows

Low-e windows are useful as they are able to respond to the weather outside. A gaze is formed by the argon gas between the two layers and the heat of the direct sunlight. For example when the sun is hot the window forms a gaze, keeping the room free from direct sunlight. This also reduce expenses when it come to cooling the room as not as mush direct light is penetrating the room.

Figure 4.1.1 Drawing of emitter

(Melbourne City Council)

Figure 4.1.1i Showing various

light pipe options (Melbourne

City Council)

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4.1.2 Fibre Optics

Fibre optics are a more flexible solution then natural light tubes. The fibre optic cables, of either glass or plastic, have the ability to transmit light further into the building because of its small shaft size. In addition it is able to turn corners. The chemical energy transferred from the solar receptors on top of the building is then converted to light energy which is then distributed throughout the building.

4.1.3 Window Shelves

Window shelves are a great way to disperse light to a greater distance in a room. Shelves with a strong reflective material are placed perpendicularly to the windows in the top half (see figure 6). The window shelves improve illuminating distribution as well as reduce unwanted glare. They are a cheap and easy way to eliminate issues with glare and inadequate daylight penetration.

Figure 4.1.2 (left) Fibre Optic

Lighting System (General)

Figure 4.1.2i (below) Examples of

fibre optics light fittings (General)

Figure 4.1.3 Demonstrates how the

light shelves work (General)

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5. Artificial Lighting

Electric lighting has transformed the workplace by meeting most or all of the occupants lighting requirements. Artificial lighting is the deliberate use of light to achieve some visual or practical effect, the objective, to provide enough light for people to carry out their regular tasks once daylight has diminished, the right levels of artificial lighting can create this and make the person feel comfortable and relaxed, however misuse of artificial lighting or incorrect bulbs can have a detrimental effect on the occupant including sick building syndrome (SBS).

5.1 Forms of Artificial Lighting Description Advantages Disadvantages Health

Concerns

Incandescent Lighting

Incandescent bulb with tungsten filament

Low cost Low output of light for energy level

Generally safe

Halogen Bulbs 25-30% Brighter than regular incandescent bulbs

Efficiency, last about twice as long as incandescent bulbs

Expensive Emit higher levels of U.V so can cause severe reactions in some people

Fluorescent Lighting

Emits U.V and E-field radiation, about 4 times brighter then incandescent bulbs

Cheaper to run More expensive to install

Unsafe for light sensitive individuals, unless located 5m from sufferer

Compact fluorescent

lamps (CFL’s)

Uses 1/5 to ¼ of the power of an incandescent lamp with the same amount of light intensity

Generally safe

High Intensity Discharge

(HID) Lamps

Large lights used for street lamps and industrial lighting

One of the cheapest and most efficient lighting

Yellow tone of light No adverse effect and can safely be used for lighting public places

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

The lighting of the future, the most efficient form of lighting to date

Very economical, with the most long-lasting bulbs

Initial cost is higher CFL’s

Most LEDs presently produced emit far too much blue light, and are as dangerous as fluorescents

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6. PSALI

PSALI refers to the Permanent supplementary artificial lighting of interiors. The PSALI system aims to provide an even illumination by combining daylight and artificial lighting. It allows part of the room to be permanently lit while others, close to the daylight source, do not require it. Using the PSALI system requires the room to still keep the daylight factor by complementing the lack of daylight in certain areas by using lamps that match a natural light in colour appearance.

The PSALI system should also be designed with the use of a photocell switch. These photocell switches require small units to be installed around the building and connecting to artificial lights. The unit responds to the amount of light level and once over a certain intensity the light will switch off. Once daylight drops the light switches on at a lower preset level and continues to rise as daylight diminishes.

The PSALI is a useful system in large buildings that do not require intense lighting systems. It makes the most of natural light by working with it and reduces the amount of energy required.

7. Building Analysis

The Shortland Building is used mostly during the day with majority of the building requiring task lighting, (meaning it needs to adequately supply enough light to carry out particular tasks). Therefore we will focus on making the most of daylight and implementing this into the buildings everyday uses. With more focus on daylighting it means less money is spent on maintain the artificial lights and lowers electricity use.

The following section outlines the main areas in the Shortland building and how light is used and how it can be used better.

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7.1 Main Foyer

The main entry to the Shortland building is located to the north of the building. Northern light is useful in buildings as it provides a soft pleasant daylight without causing discomfort to the occupier. In figure 2 it is evident that artificial light is the main light source used in this area of the building. The florescent lights that have been used provide light to the middle of the corridor instead of disputing it evenly.

Other rooms are located above this main entry, which eliminates the access to skylights, however the use of fibre optic lights could be implemented into the roof above level 3 with a fibre cord running down the wall and into this area.

While figure 3 provides more natural light through the floor to ceiling windows to the courtyard, the daylight is obviously only penetrating through to the edge of the tiles which leaves the area occupied by “Gloria Jeans” to rely on artificial lighting. The large down lights which are located to left of figure 3 seems to provide little if any artificial light to the area. The dark timber to the roof absorbers any light that hits it as opposed to reflecting it around the room.

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7.2 Courtyard Corridors

The courtyard corridors to north make the most of daylighting, with large windows to the central courtyard. The light brickwork shown in figures 1 and 2 allows daylight to reflect of the walls and bounce around the corridors with ease. If ceilings where to be painted a lighter colour, light would be able to bounce around this area more freely.

The east corridor lacks as much daylight as the north corridor. This is because the canopy to the east of the central corridor blocks the daylight preventing maximum light to penetrate through.

The south corridor lacks the abundance of natural light the other corridors offer. This is to do with the orientation of the building in regards to the sun location. The light walls help reflect any light but the dark timber ceiling will absorb any light. With no rooms located above these corridors it would be easy and feasible to construct natural light tubes. This will not only save money on artificial lighting but make the space more inviting.

Artificial lighting consist of florescent lights along the inside walls around the corridor. These lights during the day and in the darker areas (fig 4) appear to have little if any effect due their powerlessness.

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7.3 Passage to Coffee Bar

The passage to the coffee bar lacks any source of daylight. The windows to the left of the picture (letting light in from the Main Canteen Area) appear to making minimum effect on this dark hallway. This picture also illustrates the lack of artificial lighting. The uses of fibre optic lights in this area will provide a brighter more direct light then a natural light tube. If the ceiling and wall to the right where to be painted in a lighter shade light entering from the main canteen area would reflect around the hallway reducing the need for artificial lighting.

7.4 McLarty Room

The McLarty Room in the Shortland Building is a large rectangle shaped room comprising of light coloured brick walls, timber floor and a dark cladded timber racking ceiling. The ceiling opens towards the east allowing for about a metre of glazing on the eastern wall. The timber ceiling appears to have a lower reflection rate where as the wall and floor appears to let the light bounce round more freely.

Fluorescent lights have been used on the undersides of the beams. Due to the height above ground they are probably either; not strong enough to effect the ground illumination; or are strong enough and therefore using a lot more energy. It is recommended that Compact Florescent Lights are used as they require less energy but still produce the same amount of light.

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7.5 Brennan Room

The Brennan Room is used as an extension to the McLarty Room and also a function room. Large windows integrated into the roof system allow for daylight from the west to hit the underside of the roof before bouncing back (See figure below) allowing for a soft light to penetrate the room. The artificial lighting system consists of fluorescent lights to the under sides of the beams, a series of hanging incandescent lights and enclosed florescent lights to the underside of the mezzanine.

The Brennan Room appears to make the most of natural daylight with its ability to be spread around most of the room. Large windows to the east allow light to penetrate through to the area under the mezzanine.

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7.6 Tree House The Tree House room opens to the east, allowing the harsh eastern sun to pierce the room. The glare can be seen clearly in figure 2. The day light penetrates the room quite harshly with the intensity only making it halfway across the room leaving the west side rather dark. If window shelves where to be placed along these windows it would eliminate some of the glare while allowing more light to penetrate the room via reflecting off the roof.

The laminated glass louvers (figure 3) appear to reflect the light entering through the Brennan Room. If the low-e windows where to be used here as opposed to the laminated glass daylight would be able to penetrate the room in the cooler weather but reflecting it in the more intense direct sunlight.

The lighting system consists of about 15 incandescent lights recessed into the ceiling.

Walls on the longer lengths of the room are glass with the two smaller ends the same light coloured bricks that have been used through-out the rest of the building. The carpet appears to absorb light while the ceiling allows for the light to be deflected around the room.

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7.8 Seminar Room

The seminar room presents many of the same features as the Tree House. As show in figure 1 there is a large amount of glare entering via the east window. It appears blinds have been used to stop this glare during use of the room. This however not only stops the unwanted glare but the ability for any daylight to enter the room. Once again the use of window shelves would allow light to enter the building reflecting of the roof limiting any direct light and also limiting glare.

The same incandescent lights have been used as well as the same materials for the floor, ceiling and walls. The seminar room however does not include the laminated glass louvers to the west.

8. Acoustic and Noise Control

8.1 Conference Room – Brennan Room

The Brennan Room is used as a function room that can hold up to 200 people including tables. With all conference rooms many acoustic issues arise such as;

- The impact of noise produced from the surrounding areas such as the Tanner Bar and McLarty Room.

- Lack of internal room acoustics - Lack of internal sound insulation and speech privacy - Noise produced by kitchen

Due to the location of the Shortland Building Background noise levels for traffic is low. Noise produced by the Brennan Room has little impact at night to surrounding areas. However during the say when more staff and students are accessing the site noise issues arise. It is therefore important to only lessen the amount of noise coming from the Brennan Room but also the level of noise entering it.

Australian standard AS2107:2000 states the recommended design noise level within an occupied space. For a conference room the satisfactory recommended design sound level dB(A) is 35 with a maximum of 40. The recommended reverberation time is 0.6 to 0.7. The noise levels recommended take into account the function of the area(s) and apply to the noise level measured within the space unoccupied but fully fitted-out and ready for occupancy.

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Currently the main issue in terms of noise within the Brennan Room is the partition wall linking it to the McLarty Room. This partition provides little if any noise barrier for sound entering and exiting the room. They are currently rundown and not performing to their full potential. Through researching different ways to eliminate this problem i have come across a partition wall that helps reduce the acoustic noise level.

Skyfold Classic Partitions allow automatic operable walls to fold vertically into the ceiling. They offer a high acoustic rating of 51 and can be custom manufactures. Using a simple turn key operation the wall extracts quietly into the ceiling. It does not require any floor or wall tracts. The seals rest against the floor minimising any penetration of noise. The automatic system protects the seals from eroding, ensuring that the product will function acoustically for a long period of time without deteriorating.

For a building to a climatic responsive building it needs to take advantage of its surroundings so as to produce a more comfortable and healthy environment. This is not only in order to reduce SBS for occupants but also lowers energy consumption. The louvered skylights which are use throughout the Shortland building not only allow natural light to enter the building but supply it with a natural ventilation process by extracting heat through the louvers.

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9. Conclusion

In conclusion, this report has analysed a range of products that help in providing a Sick Building Syndrome free environment. Specifically ways in which to allow more light into the building. Allowing daylight into the building is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way of enhancing a space. It is the ability to take an unlimited natural resource and make the most of it.

However, unfortunately daylighting alone is not enough to light the interior of building. This is when artificial lighting comes into play. Artificial lighting has come a long way since it was invented. Today they are able to use up to 90% less energy than most standards lights. With the implantation of lighting systems such as PSLAI the effect on the environment can be reduced. Artificial lighting systems should also include energy saving devices such as LED’s and CFL’s globes as well as systems that allow light to automatically dimmer when daylight is brighter.

The report looks into the acoustic problems that arise from the Brennan Room and how the use of a better wall partition will help in eliminating these factors.

Recommendation have been made throughout the report with a list in the following section outlining possible solutions to implemented in the Shortland Building, helping to steer the building to more environmental friendly complex.

10. Recommendations

1. Installation of Fibre Optic lights to the main foyer area.

2. Lighter ceiling colour to main foyer, corridors and hallway to coffee bar.

3. Natural Light Tubes to be installed along south corridor.

4. Installation of Fibre Optic lights to passage to coffee bar.

5. Installation of Compact Fluorescent Lights to main canteen area.

6. Window shelves to be installed to the eastern windows in the Tree House and Seminar Room.

7. Installation of low-e windows to glass louvers in Tree House.

8. Implementation of PSALI System to all areas of the Shortland Building. Including integration of photocell switches

9. Installing Skyfold Classic as a divider between Brennan Room and McLarty Room.

10. Ventilation systems to be keep clean in order to prevent SBS including cleaning or replacing of filters.

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11. References

Wikipedia; “Lighting” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting, accessed 11/06/2009

Yahoo Geocites; “Artificial Lighting” http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4742/lighting.html, accessed 11/06/2009

Eclipse; “A Guide to Artificial Lighting” http://eclipse.lupusuk.org.uk/guidetoartificiallighting.htm, accessed 11/06/2009

Melbourne City Council Offices “Natural Lighting Opportunities” http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rsrc/PDFs/CH2/DesignReports/Lighting_NaturalLightingOpportunities.pdf, accessed 11/06/2009 Ferdinand General, Alice Kim, Flora Li, Rebecca McNeil; “Natural Lighting: A Proposal for ES2” http://www.watgreen.uwaterloo.ca/projects/library/f04lighting2-natural.pdf, accessed 11/06/2009 Skyfold; http://www.skyfold.com/en/index.php, accessed 11/06/2009 Lecture Notes; Construction Ecology ARBE4101 MacKee, Jamie: Week 5 – Artificial Lighting and Daylighting 1 Week 6 – Artificial Lighting and Daylight 2 Week 7 –Day Lighting Case Studies and Sick Buildings

http://blackboard.newcastle.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp, last accessed 28/06/09