Natural Ventilation in Buildings

Natural ventiliation –When discussing the concept of buildings producing their own energy it seems like this space-age technology unimaginable today. However, it already exists in the form of natural ventilation (heating and cooling). Heritage buildings from a hundred years ago – before electricity and HVAC heating systems – have the answers. They were incredibly efficient at harnessing natural light, and regulating indoor temperatures. Features like tall windows and high ceilings facilitate light, heating, and cooling. The types of building materials also facilitate climate control. Contemporary buildings like in Barcelona that have two-way entrances to each apartment to allow natural air flow are examples of this technology.  This technology already exists in all areas of a city where there is a heritage presence. The tools are under our nose!

A conversation with an architect friend touched on this very topic. He had a small student role in the design of the new UNSW Terrace residences on campus. Window placement and the layout were planned to allow optimal air flow. When it came down to building the complex, the builders renegotiated the blueprints to save money. They moved windows around and shrunk them in size. This resulted in an incredibly inefficient building, where dampness and mould is becoming a big problem for its residents. Old buildings, pre-electricity and HVAC were designed to breath. They were meant to be drafty to circulate air! Buildings today are designed to be sealed up tight and not allow any natural “breathing” to optimize their energy intensive heating and cooling systems. As much as sustainable living is normative, it is not as livable as unsustainable buildings/cities are. But giving up comforts like central air may seem unbearable now, but may not be as unbearable if we harnessed natural heating and cooling in our buildings today.

Diagram of natural ventilation of a house

Image:

http://www.archdaily.com/41027/satish-nayak-residence-the-design-firm/natural-ventilation/