Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Article Review
'Solar power outshines water tanks'
The Age,
26 May, 2007
Dr George Wilkenfeld an expert on sustainable building has called for an overhaul of the governments five star regulations on new energy efficient homes. According to a report produced by Dr Wilkenfeld, new five star rated homes in Victoria are using more energy and producing 6% more greenhouse gas emissions than houses which were built before the scheme was introduced three years ago.
This came to light after it was found that less than 20% of new homes built in Melbourne are installing water tanks to catch rain water, even though we are in the middle of a drought. However about 80% of new homes have solar hot water systems installed.
It could have something to do with the saving passed onto consumers, water tanks save the household around $50 a year, while solar energy savings were around $200 a year.
The Age,
26 May, 2007
Dr George Wilkenfeld an expert on sustainable building has called for an overhaul of the governments five star regulations on new energy efficient homes. According to a report produced by Dr Wilkenfeld, new five star rated homes in Victoria are using more energy and producing 6% more greenhouse gas emissions than houses which were built before the scheme was introduced three years ago.
This came to light after it was found that less than 20% of new homes built in Melbourne are installing water tanks to catch rain water, even though we are in the middle of a drought. However about 80% of new homes have solar hot water systems installed.
It could have something to do with the saving passed onto consumers, water tanks save the household around $50 a year, while solar energy savings were around $200 a year.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Major Assignment
Massimiliano Fuksas, (born 1944)
After further research on the major assignment, and flicking through a book i received as a present I've decided to change my master Architect to Massimiliano Fuksas. I have already completed an assignment using Calatrava as inspiration, so i thought I'd try somethone different.
Having no previous knowledge of Fuksas and i was intrigued to find out more about the architect who is renowned in Europe for both his experimental buildings and an extensive list of public works, including schools, housing estates, universities, libraries, cultural spaces and museums.
Fuksas is an Italian architect currently working out of Rome and Paris. He started his first practise in 1967, graduating with a degree in architecture two years later. His first series of works were chiefly located in Central Italy, until discovered by French critics, resulting in invitations to compete in international competitions. Since 1985 Fuksas' career has gone from strength to strength, with an increasing number of projects as well as contributing to many various boards and committees and architectural journals. Below are a few select images of Fuksas' works.
Cassino, New Municipality seat, 1980-1990
Maison des Arts, Bordeaux III (France) 1992-1995
De Cecco Management Centre, Pescara (Italy) 2001-2007
Centre des Archives National de Pierrefitte-sur-Seine et Saint-Denis (France) 2005-2010
The main inspiration for my design of the warehouse for the major assignment.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Site Visits (Additional)
When I was in Sydney for the weekend I took some photos of some building of interest, as mentioned in a previous blog. So here is the second instalment of my tour of Sydney by foot.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, looking from the Opera House.
Looking from the Observatory.
The Sydney Opera House by Jorn Utzon
Looking at the apex and the joining of glass to concrete.
Tiled exterior surface.
The roof loads are transferred down into the ground through the concrete, water stained flashings.
The AMP Tower.
A pavilion sheltering an entry to the subway.
Details of the glass to steel connection, and the use of structural glass.
Before i went off to Sydney, I attended DesignEX at Jeff's Shed, which is a trade fair for the building and design industry. Definitely worth a look next year, plus it is free for students.
While there i got talking to a guy about louvers and external venetian blinds, and he sent me to have a look at The Bond, Sydney, see below, which uses the product extensively. Here is some info on the product. http://www.nysan.com.au/
The Bond, commercial building.
Uses louvers and external venetian blinds to control natural lighting and heat from the sun.
The Bond, residential complex
Uses sliding adjustable louver panels, that can adapt to any weather conditions.
Governor Phillip and Governor Macquarie Towers by Denton Corker and Marshall
Museum of Sydney tucked into the base of the Gov. Phillip building
The joining of the two buildings.
Main entry.
Existing buildings were considered in the design and build of the twin skyscrapers.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, looking from the Opera House.Looking from the Observatory.The Sydney Opera House by Jorn UtzonLooking at the apex and the joining of glass to concrete.Tiled exterior surface.
The roof loads are transferred down into the ground through the concrete, water stained flashings.The AMP Tower.
A pavilion sheltering an entry to the subway.Details of the glass to steel connection, and the use of structural glass.Before i went off to Sydney, I attended DesignEX at Jeff's Shed, which is a trade fair for the building and design industry. Definitely worth a look next year, plus it is free for students.While there i got talking to a guy about louvers and external venetian blinds, and he sent me to have a look at The Bond, Sydney, see below, which uses the product extensively. Here is some info on the product. http://www.nysan.com.au/The Bond, commercial building.Uses louvers and external venetian blinds to control natural lighting and heat from the sun.The Bond, residential complexUses sliding adjustable louver panels, that can adapt to any weather conditions.Governor Phillip and Governor Macquarie Towers by Denton Corker and MarshallMuseum of Sydney tucked into the base of the Gov. Phillip buildingThe joining of the two buildings.Main entry.Existing buildings were considered in the design and build of the twin skyscrapers.Friday, May 18, 2007
Article Review
'Ageing beauty needs facelift'
Herald Sun,
16 May, 2007
(1632-1652)
The Taj Mahal has fallen victim to New Delhi's air pollution. Built in the 17th century by Mogul emperor Shan Jahan for his favourite wife, the white marble building is India's monument to love.
Granules of dirt in the air due to dust and burning fossil fuels have been blamed for the yellowing of the marble.
A report by the government has recommended applying a mud pack to the building to restore the original white look.
Other measures are already in place to cut pullution. Cars and buses are not allowed to drive to the Taj Mahal, instead they park 2 km away, were visitors can catch a battery run of buses or horse drawn carriages, to reach the monument.
Herald Sun,
16 May, 2007
(1632-1652)
The Taj Mahal has fallen victim to New Delhi's air pollution. Built in the 17th century by Mogul emperor Shan Jahan for his favourite wife, the white marble building is India's monument to love.
Granules of dirt in the air due to dust and burning fossil fuels have been blamed for the yellowing of the marble.
A report by the government has recommended applying a mud pack to the building to restore the original white look.
Other measures are already in place to cut pullution. Cars and buses are not allowed to drive to the Taj Mahal, instead they park 2 km away, were visitors can catch a battery run of buses or horse drawn carriages, to reach the monument.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Article Review
'Biggest steel maker takes the lead for industry'
The Age,
16 May, 2007
Blue Scope Steel's Hastings plant has joined together with the Bracks Government and South East Water in a $21.5 million venture to use recycled water during manufacture.
The project that is planed to be completed in 2009 will save 660 million litres of fresh water a year, equivalent to the usage of 3000 homes.
At the moment heavy industry uses 15% of the water consumed in Victoria, this could be reduced to 7%, but only if the rest of the industry follows suit, resulting in a reduction in fresh water usage of 60% of what they currently use.
Recycling water frees up water for households, reduces the waste that flows out into the bay and reduces the pressure on water suppliers. Theses are all good things in this time of water restrictions, lets hope that other companies take the initiative to invest in energy and water conservation.
The Age,
16 May, 2007
Blue Scope Steel's Hastings plant has joined together with the Bracks Government and South East Water in a $21.5 million venture to use recycled water during manufacture.
The project that is planed to be completed in 2009 will save 660 million litres of fresh water a year, equivalent to the usage of 3000 homes.
At the moment heavy industry uses 15% of the water consumed in Victoria, this could be reduced to 7%, but only if the rest of the industry follows suit, resulting in a reduction in fresh water usage of 60% of what they currently use.
Recycling water frees up water for households, reduces the waste that flows out into the bay and reduces the pressure on water suppliers. Theses are all good things in this time of water restrictions, lets hope that other companies take the initiative to invest in energy and water conservation.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Article Review
'Pioneer finds sustainable building in full bloom'
The Age,
14 May, 2007
Part of this article refers to a recent national report, which had some interesting finding when it came to green, sustainable buildings in Australia.
It found that Australian 'green' buildings use;
The Age,
14 May, 2007
Part of this article refers to a recent national report, which had some interesting finding when it came to green, sustainable buildings in Australia.It found that Australian 'green' buildings use;
- 60% less water
- 60% less energy
- therefore annual operating costs are reduced from $120/sq m to $60/sq m
- they cost less the 3% more to construct
- which averages out to an additional cost of $100/sq m
when compared to conventional buildings and building methods.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)