Chapter 2
Auckland's climate is charecterized as an oceanic climate (sub-tropical, warm humid summers and mild damp winters); also noting the fact that Auckland is located in the Southern Hemisphere, different methods and strategies can be used to reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, ventilation and illumination of the building.
Having in mind all strategies, some were used already by architects and settlers of Auckland through out the history; using earth and timber due to thier heat capacity, use of tight plan design, well designed overhangs, stone foundations due to moisture, pitched roofs, South facade bigger openings and etc.
Other methods that can be implemented in the design of a building for reducing energy consumption in Auckland are listed as followed:
- Heat gain from lights, people, and equipment greatly reduces heating needs so keep home tight, well insulated (to lower Balance Point temperature)
- For passive solar heating face most of the glass area South to maximize winter sun exposure, but design overhangs to fully shade in summer
- Provide double pane high performance glazing (Low-E) on west, south, and east, but clear on north for maximum passive solar gain
- use of low mass tightly sealed, well insulated construction to provide rapid heat buildup in morning
- shade to prevent overheating, open to breezes in summer, and use passive solar gain in winter
- Tiles or slate (even on wood floors) or a stone-faced fireplace provides enough surface mass to store winter daytime solar gain and summer nighttime 'coolth'
- Sunny wind-protected outdoor spaces can extend living areas in cool weather (seasonal sun rooms, enclosed patios or courtyards)
- use of light weight construction with slab on grade and operable walls and shaded outdoor spaces
- Lower the indoor comfort temperature at night to reduce heating energy consumption
- Low pitched roofs with wide overhangs
- Organize floorplan so winter sun penetrates into daytime use spaces with specific functions that coincide with solar orientation
- Small well-insulated skylights (less than 3% of floor area in clear climates, 5% in overcast) reduce daytime lighting energy and cooling loads
- Locate garages or storage areas on the side of the building facing the coldest wind to help insulate
- Keep the building small (right-sized) because excessive floor area wastes heating and cooling energy
- Extra insulation (super insulation) might prove cost effective, and will increase occupant comfort by keeping indoor temperatures more uniform