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Figure 24. Section showing circulation
of
air through the site |
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Figure 25. Mode of operation of
cooling systems in summer |
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| • |
Thermal
Mass: |
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| All the buildings are constructed with materials
such as stone, concrete and brick, which have a high thermal mass. This
prevents the build-up of high temperatures in the buildings. |
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Oasis
Effect: |
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| Special attention has been paid to landscaping in
order to create a favourable microclimate on the site. The circular arrangement
of the buildings gives rise to a central space which has been planted
with olive and lemon trees. There is a small pond with a water fountain
in the middle. The trees and water bring about a reduction in air temperature
from water evaporation. This precools ventilation air for the buildings.
In addition, the arrangement of trees, patios and terraces encourages
the circulation of air throughout the site (...). The planting on the
pergolas protects the buildings from direct solar gain in summer (see
Figure 25). |
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Evaporate
Cooling: |
| |
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| At the initial design stages it was proposed that the
ventilation air be further precooled by passage over water circulated
through a porous clay pipe. This was eventually rejected on the grounds
that, with the high humidity levels experienced at the site (they can
reach 70%), such a system could produce poor quality air and cause structural
and medical problems. |
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Passive
Solar Heating Systems: |
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Direct
Gain: |
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| In most of the buildings, the main facade faces
south-east and contains glazed apertures. The central building, the
main facade of which faces north-east, has a sloped clerestory along
its south-east side. These openings enable direct solar gains to
provide all the heating required in the complex in the April to October
period. |
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Thermal Mass: |
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| Because of their high
thermal mass, the buildings absorb the excess solar energy collected
during the day and release it slowly back to the living spaces
at night. |
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Daylighting: |
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| Provision of good lighting
in the daytime is not of prime concern in the apartments and adequate
levels of daylight are easily achieved through the windows. The
reception building, however, is used extensively all day and particular
attention has been paid to designing good daylighting systems
for this in order to create a pleasant and visually comfortable
environment and avoid the overheating which would occur with
artificial lighting. Diffusers under the clerestory create high
levels of diffuse illumination, reducing contrast and glare. An external
movable shading device reduces excess solar gains and controls lighting
levels. The glazing can be opened to create cross ventilation
and release excess heat in summer when necessary (see Figure 15). |
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