The Design Gesture

Tag: coldclimate

  • Architecture in Extremely Cold Climate

    Architecture in Extremely Cold Climate

    Nature of the Cold Climate

    Regions that dwell in the cold climate zone are situated at high altitudes. States such as a Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachala Pradesh, Sikkim, and the northern part of UP have a cold climate. The temperature ranges between 20–30 degrees Celsius in summers, while in winters, it ranges from negative 3–8 degrees Celsius, making it quite chilly. The cold climate can be further divided into two categories.

    Cold and Sunny

    Experienced in Leh (Ladakh), the region is mountainous, with sparse vegetation. This is one of the reasons why it is also considered being a cold desert. Solar radiation is usually intense with a really low percentage of diffuse radiation. In summer, the temperature reaches 17–24 C during the day and 4–11 C in the dark.

    Some more examples of places that experience cold climates are Otacamund, Shimla, Shillong, Srinagar, Mahabaleshwar, and so on. These places are usually highland regions with abundant vegetation in the summer. The intensity of radiation is low in winter with a high percentage of diffuse radiation. In summer, the maximum ambient temperatures are in the range of 20–30 C during the day and 17–27 C at night, making summers quite pleasant.

    Cold and Cloudy

    In winter, the values range from -7 to 8 degrees Celsius during the day and -14 to 0 degrees Celsius in the dark. Winters thus are extremely cold. The low relative humidity, ranging from about 10–50%, and less precipitation than 200 mm per year, marks this type of climate. The sky is fairly clear throughout the year with a cloudiness of but 50%. In winter, the values range between 4 and eight degrees Celsius during the day and -3 to 4 degrees Celsius in the dark, making it chilly.

    The ratio is usually high and ranges from 70 to 80%. Annual total precipitation of 1000 mm is disturbed uniformly throughout the year. The sky is overcast for most of the year except during the brief summer.

    Physiological Objectives

    The main criteria for design in both climate regionalism at resisting heat loss by insulation and infiltration and promoting heat gain by directly admitting and trapping solar radiation within the living space.

    Design Considerations for a Climate Zone

    Building Orientation

    The building should be located on the South slope of a hill or mountain for better access to solar radiation. Cold winds can be avoided by locating the buildings on the leeward side.

    Form and Planning

    In cold climates, indoor air is cooled within the process of it flowing from inside to outside. This could lead to excessive water vapor condensation if not considered during the design. Air-tight construction should be considered as it will help in capturing hot air inside the building envelope and prevent cold air from entering it.

    Open spaces must be shielded from prevailing cold wind. Interior spaces inside the building need to be zoned based on the needs of each space regarding the solar and ventilation requirements.

    Building Envelopes

    Roof and walls

    The walls should be insulated. The South-facing walls (exposed to solar radiation) could be of thermal capacity (such as Trombe wall) to store daytime heat for later use. An efficiently designed sloping roof enables quick drainage of rainwater & snow. Skylights with shutters on the roof admit heat and lights in winter. 

    One must style the building to face up to the additional weight of snow (if it is a snowy region) and/or to make sure it would not create puddles that will cause leakage, and worst-case scenario, the collapse of the roof. Rooms with very high ceilings must be avoided as heat travels up and it will be wasted where none can feel it.

    Colour and Texture

    The external surfaces should be dark so that they absorb heat from the sun. Especially the roof should be painted with darker colors as dark colors absorb heat and allow to passively warm the inside of the building.

    Fenestration and Ventilation

    In colder climates, windows can be allies and foes at the same time: If too many windows are put, one loses heat, and if too few are put, one would not receive any heat from the sun. The windows must be placed strategically, facing the sun (north, when building within the hemisphere, and South when building north of the equator). It is advisable to have a maximum window area on the Southern side of the building to facilitate heat gain. 

    Glass with low thermal transmittances, like hermetically sealed double glass, must be preferred. Sealed and double-glazed windows help reduce heat loss. Skylights are also a good option, as they bring in more natural light (sometimes scarce in colder regions) and are easier to point to the sun.

    Doors and windows should all be completely airtight to form the use of passive heating and to prevent the heat from leaking back out. The more layers of glass, the higher the window is at trapping interior heat and preventing outdoor air from entering.

    Entrances

    Entryways are often a blessing or a curse, counting on the quantity of shelter they supply. Trying to get in the front door during a snowstorm will be a hassle unless the entrance is covered. Covered outdoor spaces will help protect against the weather and stop snow accumulation in walking areas.

    Covered entrances and open spaces prevent excessive cold air from disrupting the comfort of the users while entering or exiting the building. Recessed entryways help protect the doorway from prevailing winds.

    Pathways

    Snow melting systems, also called radiant heat systems, are useful in cold climates. The cables or mats are installed beneath the sidewalks or driveway and use radiation to supply enough heat to melt snow to give a steer a secure path.

    External Staircases

    Ice and snow are often a serious hazard when it falls on stairs. Poor weather makes climbing stairs dangerous. Handrails must be strategically placed along outdoor stairways in order to stabilize as you walk. 

    Insulation

    Insulation is one of the foremost important features to think about when designing for a chilly climate. All insulation configurations are not made equal, and what works for one climate might not work for the opposite, which is why choosing the right insulation becomes important.

    Condensation

    One has to make sure that walls, roofs, and floors do not condensate in-between; different configurations using equivalent materials may result in very different condensation patterns. Differences between the surface temperature and therefore the surface temperature of the weather during a configuration causes condensation to take place. 

    Thermal Transmittance

    One has to make sure that walls, roof, and floor configurations are appropriate for the climate. Colder climates enjoy a really low thermal transmittance, expressed in W/m2K; meaning configuration must transmit rock bottom quantity of warmth possible. 

    Daylight Integration

    Make the foremost out of the available natural light on the location and style openings to let in maximum light. Use of glass facades and roofs for appropriate daylighting for spaces that need the lightest.

    Shading

    Cold climates often need highly glazed facades for max natural lighting. Right shading systems got to be designed to scale back the cooling demands of a building. Installation of automatically controlled shading systems helps the users choose the proper amount of shade required at the proper time. Roofs must even be shielded from direct radiation through coatings, vegetation, and so on.

    Ex: Overhangs, Louvres, Awnings, vegetation, and so on.

    Materials

    Insulating materials like timber and dirt plaster are often used on the walls to make facades that prevent heat loss in the maximum amount possible. Timber paneled walls and windows help reduce the speed of transfer of warmth and also are mostly available in cold climatic spaces.

    Landscaping

    Use trees as natural wind barriers or buffers by planting them near windows to dam cold air from entering the building. Plants and trees chosen for landscaping must be ready to survive the tough climatic differences.

    Other Thermal Strategies

    The heat from existing appliances inside the building, like the burner and fireplaces, must be efficiently used.

    Rock beds help increase the thermal mass of the building by making use of existing heat to make more heat.

    Earth berms, that is, utilizing earth against building walls to scale back the quantity of warmth loss from inside the building.

    Sunspaces help store solar heat centrally for uniform distribution into all spaces inside the building.

    Conclusion

    With a chilly climate passive design, the focus is on retaining the warmth gained by the building. That doesn’t deduct from the very fact that there got to be strategies to assist prevent unwanted climatic differences.

    Finding the proper balance between both the requirements of the building is where lies the success of the planning.

  • Housing In Extreme Cold: How Do People Adapt to Extremely Cold Climate?

    Housing In Extreme Cold: How Do People Adapt to Extremely Cold Climate?

    Building a house in an extreme cold climate differs from that in a warm climate. The designs, construction details, materials used for construction differ greatly from that of houses in warm areas. How heat, air, and moisture travels through the exterior walls is something that is taken utmost care of along with the house’s capacity for sustained winds. Irresponsibility concerning these leads to cold and uncomfortable homes or slippery walkways.

    The energy consumption by these materials is also taken under consideration, so the energy bills aren’t too expensive. According to associate professor and CCHP coordinator at the University of Minnesota, Pat Huelman, The Cold Climate Housing Program (CCHP), “Promotes a ‘systems approach to building in cold climates.” Concerning issues during the construction of houses are sustainability, energy consumption, durability, buildability, cost, indoor comfort level, material resource responsibility, and resiliency. The US Department of Energy (DOE) Building America Program has set up a guide for the builders to understand and increase the energy performance of the building in cold climates.

    Extreme Cold
    Photo by Alain Audet from Pixabay

    Design

    Selecting a site and design that has living areas near towards south helps in receiving adequate sunlight inside. The site, materials, and climate can be taken advantage of to minimize energy use. All external staircases have railings for support. Covered entrances or paths make safer and better access. Floor plans with solar rooms will work great for such a climate. Moisture resistance of materials is an important factor considered while constructing houses in the cold.

    Roof and Windows for extreme cold weather

    Instead of a complicated shape and design of the roof, a simple gable roof is sufficient. It invites fewer problems and also prevents ice and snow from being stuck in the grooves and nooks. It is durable, tough, and will also help in the easy shedding of the snow. Care is taken when the cuts are made in the roof for features like chimneys and skylights, as it is a potential station for leaks and buildup of ice.

    Metal roofs perform better than wood or slate shingles because they’re cheaper, durable, and easier to maintain and shed snow. The safest point of the roof that is less likely to have a buildup of snow is the ridge, since it is the highest point of the roof. A chimney or vent pipe would be better placed in this spot. Walkways present near the house will be unsafe if they are directly below the roof. Enough space is given below the roof for the snow in case the roof sheds snow very quickly, it may create problems for the people.

    Houses in cold weather require strong windows. The glass used in windows should be thick to ensure safety. Double-paned or multi-paned windows are used. The natural vacuum along with insulating gasses between these windows offers insulation and reduces your energy consumption. Gases inside the window panes include krypton or argon. Low emissive glass panes with a coating of metal oxide on the inner side of the panes contain the heat inside and keep the house warm. Factors like percentage of air leakage, sunlight, and insulation value are along with the design of the windows.

    cold weather
    Photo from CDSPI

    Removal of Accumulated Snow

    Some people install snow-melting systems below the places that are used more like pathways or driveways. This might be a little heavy in their pockets and also the environment, but it reduces a great deal of effort and time. Paths that are used frequently are usually constructed by materials that are easier to shovel. They’re also wide enough to shovel.

    The use of materials like gravel is avoided or put in a space that isn’t used that much like in the backyard. Since the temperature is really low, the use of fireplaces is pretty normal in these houses. Installation of solar panels for places with more sunlight is energy efficient and cuts down the heating bills.

    materials
    Photo by Joseclaudioguima from Pixabay

    Building Materials

    Building construction in cold climates can be really tough. Materials that are used in the construction of houses in cold climates are expected to handle hard winds, moisture, and extremely low temperatures. Cost-effective and energy-efficient materials benefit the user in the long run. Thermal comfort in such homes is given utmost importance. Heavier materials are better, safer, and provide more insulation. Concrete can also be used, but concrete is more expensive.

    Roofing

    One of the best roofing materials for houses in extreme cold is a metal or asphalt roof, cedarwood shingles, composite and slate shingles, EPDM roofing membranes, etc. Asphalt roofing is the most popular choice as it keeps the interiors insulated. It is easy to use, doesn’t cost much, and is also used for waterproofing.

    Cedarwood shingles are a better and more durable option. It offers more insulation and is still cost-effective. Composite and slate shingles are heavier and keep homes comfortable and warm. EPDM roofing membranes are also called rubber roofing,as it resembles rubber. The material is durable in the most extreme and irregular climates.

    roofing
    Photo from Bill Pagan
    roofing in cold
    Photo from RCI

    Flooring

    Flooring is a really important factor for the comfort level of the people inside it. Having warm flooring is essential in a cold climate. A carpet is a perfect option for a house in a cold climate. It is thick, soft, warm, acts as a barrier between the floor, and is available in different styles, colors, and designs. Wooden flooring is aesthetically pleasing, but the major problem with wood is that it expands and contracts with temperature, unlike carpets. The disadvantage of carpet is the difficulty to maintain because it traps the dust and dirt in.

    Vinyl plank flooring is also a great option. It is appealing, provides thermal insulation, is strong, and is waterproof. It adapts to temperature very well without having gaps in between. The foam pads beneath the floors offer continuous insulation to the floors. Rubber flooring provides insulation against cold concrete flooring in the house. It is mostly used in garages and basements. The use of tiles is kept to a minimum because they do not retain heat, and are more suitable for warmer climates.

    Windows

    Wooden sliding windows are not given priority because they are prone to expansion and contraction. Along with that, they need to be maintained in case of cracks and other damage, making it an expensive option. Vinyl is a good option. It looks similar to that of wood windows, but it is easier to maintain and less expensive.

    Stone and brick windows add a good element to the room. They provide insulation against harsh climates and keep the warmth in. They’re used in the northern parts. They require proper cleaning in case moisture peeps in. Fiber Cement is made of sand, cement, and cellulose. Their look is like that of wood and the price range is like that of vinyl windows. It is more resistant to moisture as compared to wood. The bottom of the roof overhang is insulated, too.

    windows
    Photo from This Old House

    Construction Techniques and Thermal Comfort

    CCHP was started for the betterment of energy efficiency that had positive effects on airtightness and insulation but their effect on moisture and air quality wasn’t paid much attention. According to CCHP, thermal insulation should be provided to be entire building including the foundation. Basement and slabs should be provided with waterproofing and proper drainage in case of thawing of snow. Thermal insulation affects the moisture level as well as the air quality of a particular room. Energy efficiency, HVAC system with mechanical insulation, user-friendly appliances for ventilation, dehumidification, and thermostat settings are recommended.  

    The entire building envelope should be airtight, and free from penetration, condensation, and moisture. Exterior walls have high insulation values and low heat conduction. All the joints and openings are sealed and taped. The insulation quality is determined by the R-Value of that system. There are different insulation techniques used. The pipes used for water supply and drainage are insulated too, so the water in them doesn’t freeze.

    According to the US Department of Energy, a home that collects solar energy and keeps it by the use of heat-retaining materials like concrete blocks, bricks, wood, and stone is known as a passive solar home. These materials are also known as “thermal mass” products. Roofs of darker shades are used for the same purpose. The external elements of the building need to account for the snow loads and wind loads. The ridge of the house should have an ice shield membrane.