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The elevation and ground floor plan of a house are shown - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 6 - 2015
Question 6
The elevation and ground floor plan of a house are shown. The house has three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. The external walls are of timber frame construction w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The elevation and ground floor plan of a house are shown - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 6 - 2015
Step 1
Using notes and freehand sketches, discuss three features of the design that ensure that the house has low environmental impact.
Answer
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External Wall Material: The house utilizes a timber frame construction with a rendered concrete block outer leaf. This design reduces the overall carbon footprint of the building by using sustainable materials and minimizing the embodied energy associated with construction.
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Solar Orientation: The orientation of the house allows for passive solar gain. Large south-facing windows enable natural heating, reducing dependency on artificial heating methods and enhancing energy efficiency.
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Water Management Systems: Incorporating water-efficient features, such as rainwater harvesting for irrigation and domestic use, helps in minimizing water runoff and promotes sustainable water management practices.
Step 2
Using notes and freehand sketches, discuss the importance of any two of the following in designing a house to have low environmental impact:
Answer
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Compact Form: A compact shape reduces surface area, which minimizes heat loss during colder months. This design approach also conserves materials and reduces energy needs for heating and cooling, making the house more energy-efficient.
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Flexible Design: A flexible design can adapt to the changing needs of its occupants over time without requiring major renovations. This adaptability can significantly extend the lifespan of the building and contribute to sustainability by reducing material use.
Step 3
Discuss in detail the importance of designing nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) for the 21st century.
Answer
Nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) are vital in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and resource depletion. These buildings are defined as structures that have very high energy performance, where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required is covered by renewable sources.
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Sustainability Goals: NZEBs contribute to the global sustainability agenda by minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Resource Efficiency: In a world with dwindling energy resources, designing NZEBs encourages the efficient use of energy and innovative strategies for energy conservation.
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Future-Proofing Economies: Implementing NZEB standards prepares urban environments for future energy regulations and potential economic shifts toward sustainability, ensuring long-term viability and resilience against climate impacts.