Greensphere’s Chris Jensen was interviewed on ABC National Radio by Bernadette Young on the topic of Roof colour and how it can impact temperatures. The answer of course varies by location and building type, however absorption of solar radiation can significantly add to cooling loads. Fortunately the colour of the surface can have a big impact on the amount of radiation absorbed and transferred into the building. Solar performance of buildings is critical to low energy and comfort, and always gets more coverage in the summer months.
Following the contentious Iluka Tower redevelopment planning approval by Gold Coast City Council in October 2015, Greensphere’s Chris Jensen was interviewed about the impact of shading of tall buildings on neighbours.
The reality is that the shading rules are fairly ambiguous in most Councils and are therefore difficult to determine right from wrong.
At such times it is a good idea to fall back to the true test, “what if everyone did it….?”
Greensphere Consulting was contracted to provide a peer review of what would become the Gold Coasts tallest building – the 88 level Iluka Redevelopment. Part of the findings included the fact that the surrounding buildings, predominantly located to teh east of the proposed tower, had been largely ignored by the original shading study that was submitted to Council as part of tthe application. The findings also showed that the Councils policy on shading was generic and allowed a wide interpretation.
Greensphere Consulting’s Chris Jensen was invited to the 3CR “Beyond Zero Emissions” Radio show, to discuss the strategies that were used to achieve 10 Stars on the winning design (in conjunction with EME Design). The session also includes discussion of advanced strategies that are relevant to the typical home design, including glazing performance, phase change material, solar options and passive design strategies.
‘Living Places’ public housing establishes a benchmark for environmentally and socially sustainable low-cost housing in Victoria.
The culmination of an open design competition initiated by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and the Office of Housing,’ Living Places’ involves the design of fifteen environmentally efficient, low-cost dwellings on six consolidated residential allotments in Dandenong. The project establishes a solar responsive urban framework which, in combination with efficient internal planning and the integration of ESD technologies, facilitates dwellings with energy ratings in excess of 8 stars. WSUD principles, grey water treatment and indigenous planting reduce the site’s dependence on mains water and minimise its impact on the local environment.
‘Living Places’ is spatially diverse and accommodates numerous household configurations. Private open spaces, semi-private gardens and operable fences and screens allow residents to mediate contact with neighbours, while centrally located communal outdoor spaces activate the site and create possibilities for interaction and self-expression.
‘Living Places’ demonstrates that public housing can be accommodated within established suburban environments without disrupting the neighbourhood or ostracizing the community within. Furthermore, they can be spatially rich and rewarding places to live.
Project Commissioner
Department of Human Services
Director of Housing
Project Creator
Paul Porjazoski
Director
BENT Architecture
www.bentarchitecture.com.au
Project Team
Paul Porjazoski
Merran Porjazoski
Louisa Macleod
Fiona Lew
Andre Ullal
Builder: Pirovich Industries
Interior Design: BENT Architecture
Landscape Architect: Site Office
Structural Engineer: Clive Steele Partners
Services Engineers: SPA Consulting Engineers
ESD Consultants: Third Skin and Greensphere Consulting
Role: Thermal Performance Consultant – 10 Star Rating, Greenhouse Modelling
This project designed by EME Design in conjunction with Greensphere Consulting incorporates large amounts of internal mass and very thick insulation, coupled with high performance glazing (triple glazed).
The north facing greenhouse also provides winter warmth, and was modelled extensively to demonstrate the additional thermal performance of this design beyond the 10 star rating cap. Solar PV, Solar Hot Water and community living complete the submission
Greensphere Consulting’s Chris Jensen was invited to the 3WBC “Living by Design” Radio show, to discuss the typical requirements put on a design project to achieve the minimum performance of 5 Stars for a residential development. Such requirements include insulation, double glazing, thermal mass, orientation, shading and cross-ventilation.
Greensphere’s Chris Jensen was interviewed on ABC National Radio by Bernadette Young on the topic of Roof colour and how it can impact temperatures. The answer of course varies by location and building type, however absorption of solar radiation can significantly add to cooling loads. Fortunately the colour of the surface can have a big impact on the amount of radiation absorbed and transferred into the building. Solar performance of buildings is critical to low energy and comfort, and always gets more coverage in the summer months.
Following the contentious Iluka Tower redevelopment planning approval by Gold Coast City Council in October 2015, Greensphere’s Chris Jensen was interviewed about the impact of shading of tall buildings on neighbours.
Greensphere Consulting’s Chris Jensen was asked to comment on the current building standards relating to the 6 Star energy standards. Read it direct from the link