the design of high-rise building with ecological approach in iran - … · 2017. 4. 7. · the...

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The design of high-rise building with ecological approach in Iran

(Alborz Province)

1,*Atieh Rezvani Befrouie,

2Vahid Ghobadian,

3Mohammad Taghipour

1*

Architecture Engineering, Islamic Azad University of Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran

2Department of Architecture Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Iran 3Research Assistant of non-profit institution of higher education, ABA, Abyek, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract-The present study aimed to evaluate the ecological architecture with the concept of

increasing energy storage, reduction of fossil energy, reduction of CO2 emission and replacing clean

energy. This study aimed to minimize the need of high-rise buildings to fossil fuels, achieving

ecological design principles for Alborz city and achieving static methods to use renewable energy.

The study area is design of high-rise building with ecological approach in Azimie district of Alborz.

This study is quantitative-qualitative. The study method is descriptive-deductive. The data is

collected via internet and library resources. The statistical studies, maps and images are applied.

Field studies are performed for continuous visits of proposed site. The data of ecological architecture

is analyzed by structural, reflective and interpretive method. The evaluation of the effect of extracted

principles of ecological architecture is analyzed for the required project with Ecotect software. The

energy saving was computed by this software. The results showed that by curve form (oval) for the

lowest aspect in east and west and extension in eastern and western (aerodynamic), we can use renewable and clean energy in high-rise buildings in Alborz (Azimie). Also, by solar space (Atrium),

we can minimize energy consumption in high-rise buildings in Alborz (Azimie). Keywords: High rise buildings, Ecology, Aerodynamics, Atrium, Alborz

I. Introduction Ecological architecture is one of the important movements in contemporary architecture as created as

logical reaction against the problems in industry. Modern architecture as based on the changes in

industry era with the motto of dominance on nature and control of nature ignored the relationship

between architecture and nature (2). Decades 70 is the start of being aware of bad environmental

crises as creating reactions in architecture and all is called sustainable architecture is ecological

architecture, green architecture, Ecotec architecture as based on the mentioned change all with the

same general goals but different details. This study attempted to evaluate ecological architecture exactly. Ecological architecture as a branch of sustainable development, follows its goals for

consistency with nature and lack of its destruction. In 1980, sustainable development with the aim of fulfilling present needs without losing abilities of future generation to fulfill the needs was raised (3).

The main purpose of sustainable development was fulfilling basic needs, improving life level for all,

better management of ecosystems and safe future. Sustainable design is not a new style in

architecture and urbanization, it is a method and theory in design as its basic is coordination with

nature. Ecologic architecture for sustainable design attempts to say that existing structure in current

communities is unstable and to achieve sustainable development, we need a new thought and style to

change these structures (4).

Generally, ecological architecture is a theory with the following features: Dealing with problems as

basic, structural changes don’t mean replacing existing systems and technology is not negated and

even it is a part of nature (5).

International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Research (IJMTER) Volume 02, Issue 10, [October– 2015] ISSN (Online):2349–9745 ; ISSN (Print):2393-8161


As Alborz province covers about 0.5% of total area of country and due to proximity with Tehran and

cheap price of house and land compared to Tehran, Alborz is one of the cities accepting more

migrants. Now, due to the increase of population, many high-rise buildings are built in this city. This study attempts to find the solutions to reduce energy consumption and use renewable energy in high-

rise buildings. The present study attempted to answer this question “How can we use clean and renewable energy in high-rise buildings in Alborz (Azime), how energy consumption in high-rise

buildings in Alborz is reduced by architecture design?

II. Definition of Ecological Architecture

Ecology is comprehensive science evaluating the dependence of mutual reaction of live and non-live

systems of earth (6). Exactly, ecological design is considered as useful participation with nature. In

addition, ecological design should be an activity for renovation of natural systems. Importance of

building designs based on ecological features is vivid as these activities not only affect the

environment but also its effects can be observed in next generations and it also leads to

environmental sustainability (7).

III. Goals of Ecological Architecture

The goal of ecological architecture is reduction of damage on environment and energy resources and

nature as including the following rules:

1. Reduction of non-renewable resources

2. Protection of natural environment

3. Storage of energy in building

4. Considering the ecosystems and natural systems (8)

IV. Effective Elements on High-Rise Ecological Buildings

Atrium vertical green space: Atrium is ecological communication factor between building and

environment and improves building flexibility as a micro climate compared to the temperature

fluctuations, change of humidity, outside air flow and thermal loss is avoided considerably and by

increasing lighting of windows of neighboring windows , electricity consumption is reduced.

Green roof: Economic benefits, protection of roof skin, suitable and recreational spaces.

Double skin façade: Double skin façade with having at least two membranes between life space and outside is different from other facades. Between these membranes, there is a path for air flow and air

movement via façade is mostly by windows with double glasses.

Vertical green space: Green space creation with plant vases to improve the morale of people,

increasing the beauty of building, reduction of heat reflection in exterior walls, plants absorb carbon

dioxide and carbon monoxide and exit oxygen via photosynthesis process and cool and health

environment is created (1).

V. Study Method The present study aimed to design high-rise building with ecological approach in Azimie of Alborz.

This study is qualitative (collection of data regarding ecological architecture) and in a stage of

design, the principles are extracted from design principles and are evaluated by software. The study

is quantitative. The study is descriptive-deductive. The data is extracted form searching in update

Iranian and Non-Iranian internet sites, architectural and non-architectural theses regarding the project

topic in Universities. Searching in state and private organizations library as natural library of Iran,



architecture school library of ShahidBeheshti University. Statistical studies, maps and images were

provided for collection of statistical data regarding climatic, population, cultural, etc. features and

required maps and aerial photos from proposed sites, design and free areas, various images were also used from various aspects of proposed sites by any method. The field studies were performed for

continuous visits from proposed site at different times to control their condition in various periods and images and sketches and human behaviors interpretation as urban traffic, pedestrian traffic,

environmental features interpretation, visiting architecture technology fair and existing buildings in Iran for introduction with relevant technologies with building sustainability and finding about the

needs of these buildings and the existing problems as center of building technology of housing research center and Iran building, etc. Information of ecological architecture was analyzed by

structural, reflective and interpretive method. The evaluation of the effect of extracted principles

from ecological architecture for the project was done by Ecotect software and energy saving in

building was computed by this software.

VI. The Evaluation of Study Area Alborz city with height 1320m from sea level is located in southern area of Alborz Mountain in

Alborz River. It is the highest city in east of Khalj-wind and lowest area in the south of city with

height 1275m from sea level. The general slope of city is from north to south and bi-directional fields of two sides of River lead with high slope. From geology aspects, city fields are composed of alluvial

of Alborz River and surrounding mountains and they consist of clay, gravel sediment.

(WWW.googleearth.com). Alborz region is affected by Alborz mountains and Chalous valley and

Alborz river. This makes this area as humid and cool compared to Tehran. This difference is

observed in the entire ye ar. The reason of difference of Alborz temperature compared to Tehran

namely at nights is due to proximity of this city to northern mountains and nightly cool weather of

these areas and wind blowing to the plain. Alborz is far from Kavir plain and this makes this area as

cool and humid compared to Tehran in various seasons of year namely in summer. Minimum and

maximum temperature is -20, 40 , respectively and annual mean is 13.9 . The rainfall in various

areas of Alborz is at most 50mm in Farvardin and minimum 0.5mm in Mordad. The average freezing

days is 76 days per year and maximum days are Dey (23) day (9).

VII. Study Stages

7-1 Physical planning of design Table 1- Physical plan

Sections (24 stories)

Name of spaces Area N Total area

Private sector

2 bedroom 3 bedroom

4 bedroom

126m2

155 m2

200 m2

14 18

34

1764 m2

2790 m2

6800 m2

Public sector Parking

Utilities Vertical communication

Gathering hall

Lobby

Warehouse

Shooting of trash

900 m2

74 m2

40 m2

281 m2

600 m2

13 m2

4 m2

3

2 42

1

1

108

2

2700 m2

158 m2

1680 m2

281 m2

600 m2

1404 m2

200 m2

Service

sector

Swimming

Pool

Information

Sport hall

Open sport space

Janitor

360 m2

15 m2

97 m2

192 m2

70 m2

1

2

1

2

1

360 m2

30 m2

97 m2

384 m2

70 m2



Total

occupancy level

20475 m2

The plans were designed with many arrangements and units but by investigation of solar architecture

feature, we found that plans were designed to south and in eastern and western direction and one of the important features of sustainable architecture was direct sun absorption and with shadowing in

Summer.

As for one of the requirements of apartment and residents, for units with maximum area150��, a

parking and for areas above150��, 2 parking is considered. The nodes and public spaces in the selected locations as the central area of building with green space,

sitting place and barbeque, some areas were considered for site. Service sector was considered in the ground floor consists of swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Billiard, ping

pong and janitor in close space and in open space, football and tennis were designed.

7-2 Theoretical Basics

7-2-1 The Results of Main Thought Ideas of Concept 1. Extension of form and selection of oval form based on western dominant winds of Alborz

city

2. Selection of curve form (oval) to have the lowest aspect in east and west (Aerodynamic form)

to not having a wall in creating barrier and negative pressure in western wall and directing the wind

3. Form extension along east-west to maximize sun receiving in cold seasons

4. Using oval curve form to use much sun ray to minimize energy consumption 5. Using solar space (Atrium) to reduce non-renewable resources consumption

6. Using oval continuous form to minimize cold in winter and heat in summer 7. Emptying two floors and dedicating it to green space for better air ventilation and good view

to city and mountain and recreational facilities 8. Using good middle space air for ventilation and its distribution by risers in units of other

floors 9. Using glass space of atrium and cooling it by water and fountain for ventilation in units (in

hot seasons of year) 10. Using green space balcony to produce suitable air (middle green space)

11. Using rain water (clean sewage) to fulfill a part of water of green space

12. Solar collectors to fulfill a part of hot water (shared areas)

13. Photolytic batteries to fulfill a part of required electricity (shared areas and yard)

The site of mentioned project is in Alborz city of Azimie district and Azimie district is located in

southern areas of Alborz Mountains as affected by Alborz Mountain and Chalous valley and Alborz

River from climatic issues. The general features of region were from North to South and two-way

fields of River were leading it with high slope. The dominant wind blowing of city was with the

velocity higher than 20km in spring and winger with western direction. The situation and angles of

sun ray is in latitude 36 degree. Based on the above items regarding high-rise buildings, it is to south

direction based on variety of lighting fronts.



Image 1- Google earth

Application of sustainability concepts and ecological architecture goals to reduce energy loss and

environmental pollution in architecture created a discussion called sustainable architecture. In this architecture type, building not only adapts itself with climatic conditions of region but also can use

renewable energy to achieve balance between fulfilling human needs and optimal use of natural

environment and it is one of the main issues of environmental sustainability. Different types of

renewable energies are: Water energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, wave

energy and solar energy. Based on climatic potentials, we can call one of them as solar renewable

energy as dividing into active and inactive. In passive solar section, we designed architect in building

and the building itself acted as a mechanism but in active solar section, mechanical solar systems

were used. Any phenomenon generating electricity due to sun ray and without using dynamic

mechanisms is called photolytic phenomenon and the system using this phenomenon is called

Mephtolytic system. The performance of this system is as electric energy is generated by direct sun

ray on solar panels. One of the benefits of this method is easy installation and use, lack of needing

mechanic tools, lack of noise pollution and installation in remote areas without needing additional

tools.


7-3 Site Analysis

Image 2- Site analysis

Image 3- Design trend

Minor path Main path

Unsuitable wind

Suitable wind Good view

Sun ray Rider entrance

Pedestrian entrance

SLP


7-5 Plan trend in design

Location of spaces in southern, northern aspects but due to the lack of observing solar energy

principles for direct absorption, the main spaces and units are located in southern side of building.


Image 4- Plan trend in design

7-6 Building structure

Building structure of ceiling is steel deck with metal structural

7-6-1 Ceiling

The benefits of steel deck 1. Reduction of minor beams

2. Reduction of thickness of ceiling and reduction of dead load of ceiling and reduction of structure

weight and reduction of earthquake force

3. Full elimination of framing and piling

4. Reduction of concreting volume and reduction of project costs

5. Simultaneous execution of ceilings

6. Simultaneous concreting of floors

7. Possibility of ceiling execution between 500 to 100 m2 per day

8. Integration of more connections of ceiling diaphragm

9. Easy transportation

10. Formation based on architecture plan and determining exact situation of ducts 11. Increase of execution speed due to easy work execution in composite ceilings of steel deck

compared to old systems 12. Rapid capital return based on high execution speed

13. Safety of execution increase 14. Easy execution of false ceiling and passing utilities under the ceiling

Reduction of dead weight of ceiling and light structure as: 20 to 30% saving in steel consumption of structure

60 to 70% saving in consumption of rebar of ceiling 15 to 20% of saving in concept of ceiling concrete



20% lighter than ordinary composite ceilings

Reduction 60kg/m2 of ceiling weight compared to ordinary composite ceiling

Reduction 40% of execution time 7-6-2 Metal column

Steel

Steel is one of the most important construction materials. Steel is achieved of reduction of Iron ore with coke and oxygen in high furnace with high temperature. Raw iron has 3-4% of carbon

based on this method.

Benefits of steel

1. High strength

2. High ductility

3. Similar strength and pressure

4. Good performance against earthquake due to ductility and lightness as the most important

disadvantage of steel is weakness against fire.

Columns with circular sections

Normally, pipe sections (circular) from diameter 2-12 inch are used for columns. Pipe section is used

easily if it is done by welding connection. The pipe is mostly used in bases of some aerial resources,

various towers and light trusses. These sections are highly strong as their inertia moment is similar in

all directions. By changing the thickness of pipe sections, we can achieve various following aspects.

Technical and execution points of soil and foundation: Deserted wells are filled with suitable paste

and in case of collision with deserted wells, composite foundation is used or the well is covered by

concrete slab. Vegetable soil is not used for earth filling. The thickness of earth filling layers for

compaction is 15 to 20cm. For performing compaction, water is added to soil and it is compact with

suitable rollers and earth filling and compaction are only used for landscaping and flooring and earth

filling under foundation is not allowed. In some cases, to keep lean concrete, we are obliged to

perform good foundation. It is possible that foundation thickness is low (about 30cm), and by

increase of thickness of lean concrete, foundation is performed and in case of high height of

foundation, by keeping the technical principles of using stone with mortar of cement sand. The concrete with low alloy of cement under foundation as called blinding concrete is with the

thickness 10-15cm and is concreted on each side 10-15cm greater than the foundation itself. In framing, a good board without node with thickness of at least 2.5cm or flat metal sheets or brick

frame (11cm brick block or 22cm with cement gravel coating to avoid concrete)can be performed. It is worth to mention that in ordinary foundations, by plastic (nylon) in the wall of excavation, it is

used as a frame.

Note: In reinforcement, the distance of rebar from free level of concrete about foundation is not

less 4cm.

7-7 Expansion Joint All metal buildings with length of higher than 50m, expansion joint are predicted in the building.

This length is regarding the metal buildings, without covering not exceeding 50m or in the buildings

with protective covering shouldn’t exceed 100m. To fill the distance of expansion joint, the materials

with elasticity are used. It should be considered that expansion joint distance is not filled with

masonry materials or mortar. If in case of metal skeleton establishment, the columns in proximity to

an expansion joint are connected temporarily by metal parts, after locating, these connections should

be cut that the building is separated completely in expansion joint from the neighboring part.



7-8 Utilities

For saving in costs of fuel and eliminating the environmental problems of fossil fuels and their social costs, various factors including new technologies namely solar energy technologies are applied.

Based on the increase of energy price in the world, new energies are used extensively. Using solar energy is on priority of research and executive plans based on its considerable benefits. Solar energy

is one of the main, cheap, clean and available resources. Despite fossil fuels as non-renewable, solar energy is renewable source until the end of life in earth, it can be used. Passive solar energy reduces

additional costs and acquires heat in buildings. Heat storage, solar energy control as effective and shades are important components of passive solar heating system in a building. Strategy of using

solar system is with other energy storage cases as lighting, ventilation system.

As heating a building at morning is necessary before its wall is getting hot, the solar energy is used

for this purpose and the need to additional heating tools is reduced.

7-9 The Required Conditions To Use Passive Heating 1. Regional weather in the building is one of the requirements of achieving spatial health.

2. Solar ray is available.

7-10 Passive Solar Heat System In Atrium Utilities

Coordination of an Atrium in building can be done by absorbed heat of sun, ventilation and energy

storage. Atrium or solar space as a concept besides solar energy, in the south direction is considered

as an innovation providing natural light and ventilation in main building. All these performances can

be important in energy storage.

Type of glass work and insulation surface: If Atrium is not heated, we should pre-heat it by double

ventilation system.

Configuration of glasses: Most of Atriums have glass covering in all external surfaces. In this

project, by avoiding vacuum, glass has curve to create quality in hot air movement.

Thermal capacity: To have access to the effect of mass increase in an average area in all climates can

be used. Replacement of concrete blocks reduces the need to heat in Atrium.

Storage: The aim of thermal storage is keeping extra heat and releasing it, if necessary. Solar ray on a

matter is absorbed by it and then is turned into heat and is stored in its masses. Then, this matter is heated by conductor and its heat is diffused.

Mass wall systems: Mass wall as called passive solar concept and due to high thermal capacity and its storage can be used in Atrium of mentioned project.

Reduction of high heat: This fear is useful in summer or in hot periods. Its important items are not

only based on high heat storage and reduction of peak temperature, but also lead to good ventilation at night.

Shade tools: Portable solar protection in front of wall can control system and avoid high heat in hot

days and reduces heat at night.

Atrium circulating air: 1. At cold seasons, hot air of Atrium is useful for heating interior designs.

2. In hot seasons, hot air of Atrium outside or is used with multi-level system and cool water

fountains to change the air inside the units.

Method: Via upper valves, heat is suctioned and it exits and via lower valves, the fresh air is given

through cooling or heating coils and entrance air is controlled.


7-11 Electric Utilities A percentage of electric energy is generated via active solar energy. Photolytic energy is converting

sun ray to electricity via a photolytic cell as called a solar cell. Solar cell is a non-mechanic tool as

made of silicon alloy. Sun ray consists of solar energy particles or photons. These photons include

varied energy value as similar to different wavelengths of optimal spectrum.

7-12 Mechanic Utilities Using energy requirements in architecture, the thermal need of building is reduced mostly compared

to an ordinary building and it should be eliminated by renewable energy. By the feasibility in the region, based on climatic data and economic restrictions of project, thermal need fulfillment and hot

water of building are considered by solar energy. To do this, by solar system, some solar collectors are installed to acquire solar energy on building roof. Thermal energy storage is performed in buffer

reservoir as located in Mechanical room in basement. Also, a two-coil source is used to providing consumption hot water. The situation of collectors on roof is determined as the lowest shade is

provided. Collectors are selected as centralized and are installed horizontally.

7-13 Heating Of Floor System Heating of floor system in which thermal transfer as radiated has great share in its heating process,

compared to other thermal systems not only has many advantages in saving and o optimization of

energy consumption, but also in welfare of residents of buildings. In this heating system, existing

hot water temperature in floor pipes is ranging 30 to 60 and compared to other methods in which

water temperature is ranging 54 to 71�, 20 to 40% is saved in energy consumption. In buildings

with high ceiling, heating from floor reduces energy consumption and saving of fuel consumption. In

other methods (e.g. radiator and heater), hot air is light due to density reduction and goes to the

ceiling and at first ceiling is heated (This is observed in the left side). Due to high temperature of air

beside celling, heat transfer to ceiling is more than any other places and this leads to considerable energy loss.

7-14 Separation of Rainwater

Rainwater harvesting system (roofs, balcony, yard and extra water in green space) and washing balcony of yard and parking is completely independent and is used again as clean sewage in

predicted reservoirs as shown in storage image and by predicted pumps for irrigation of green spaces as applied in floors and yard.

Image 5- Rainwater separation (www.waterscience.blogfa.com)


)www.waterscience.blogfa.com( Image 6- Separation of clean sewage

VIII. Conclusion Using new energy in natural environment of region, based on specific approach, it is one of the most

important issues now. Based on the position of environment protection and saving in fossil

renewable resources, the need to using renewable energy as solar energy and maximum use of

natural ventilation for cooling can be felt more. Also, by observing models and techniques of energy

consumption in residential buildings, besides reduction of costs and achieving environmental goals,

we can inform the society to the significance of fossil fuel consumption and clean energy that besides

protection of national capital can be prevented from environmental pollution.

Ecological architecture is one of the important contemporary architectural movements as logical

reaction against the problems in industry. Modern architecture as based on the changes in industry

era with the motto of dominance on nature and control of nature ignored the relationship between

architecture and nature. Decades 70 is the start of being aware of bad environmental crises as

creating reactions in architecture. The term ecologic architecture (organic) was designed in 20th

century by Frank Lloyd Wright as one of the pioneers of new architecture. Indeed, it refers to the

coordination between human habits and nature. By emphasis on using more horizontal lines, Wright emphasized on the harmony between architecture and nature. The only difference considering all

these features is the best definition of ecologic architecture. It means that as the higher the terms as protection, saving, coordination with environment in architecture, it is declined to ecological

architecture. In this study, ecological architecture with the concept of increasing energy storage, reduction of fossil energy consumption and reduction of CO2 and replacing clean energy can be



investigated exactly. The results showed that by curve form (oval) for the lowest aspect in east and

west and extension in eastern and western (aerodynamic), we can use renewable and clean energy in

high-rise buildings in Alborz (Azimie). Also, by solar space (Atrium), we can minimize energy consumption in high-rise buildings in Alborz (Azimie).

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