DESIGNING TO BEAT THE HEAT /  by Lewis Barrow

By Trevor Pringle - 1 February 2018, Build 164

THIS SUMMER is being forecast as one of our hottest. Having an unusually hot summer can have an effect on how comfortable our houses are over the summer period.

Domestic spaces overheat as a result of:

  • too much unshaded north, east and west areas of glazing
  • lack of cross-ventilation
  • lack of insulation
  • lack of thermal mass.

Limiting summer solar heating

Options for reducing the potential for summer overheating that can be incorporated into new dwellings include:

  • louvres, roller blinds or movable shutters:
    • vertical for east and west elevations
    • horizontal for north elevations
  • designing layout of spaces to facilitate cross flow ventilation – include low-level and high-level opening windows on each side of the building
  • projecting eaves – design eave widths to limit summer sun but allow winter sun into north-facing living spaces (see Figure 1)
  • fixed projections and verandas – verandas also limit desirable winter sun entry
  • a pergola
  • awnings that preferably are retractable to allow winter sun to enter
  • maximising the level of insulation
  • glazing selections:
    • clear – transmits heat, maximises winter and summer gain – radiates 80% to interior
    • tinted body or film glass – absorbs heat, radiates 60% to interior, blocks UV, reduces solar gain by 30–70%
    • reflective – reflects heat, radiates 40% to interior, lowers summer and winter gains
  • deciduous planting to provide summer shading.
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Maximising summer cooling

In addition to minimising the potential for heat build-up, the building design should also facilitate cooling air movement (see Figure 2) by:

  • orienting buildings to maximise their exposure to the prevailing summer wind direction
  • elevating the building to catch stronger winds
  • having a relatively narrow plan across the prevailing wind direction to facilitate passage of air through the building
  • locating window and door openings to facilitate the passage of air
  • incorporating vertical ventilation pathways (roof windows, opening clerestory windows) to utilise the air movement created by the stack effect
  • having opening windows and doors to the prevailing cool wind − horizontal openings near floor level are more effective than vertical openings particularly when paired in open plan spaces with high-level windows on the opposite side of the building
  • installing ceiling fans to increase air movement
  • specifying vents that are installed into window joinery
  • specifying light or cool-coloured exterior finishes to walls and roofs to reflect rather than absorb heat
  • minimising external surfaces, especially adjacent to windows, that reflect heat into the building
  • creating taller internal spaces – provides more space at ceiling level for warmer air to accumulate but keeps it above occupants’ heads.
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COLOMBO STREET CLIMBING BACK! /  by Lewis Barrow

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The new completed complex (designed by David Hill from Wilson & Hill Architects and structurally engineered by Stephen Barrow of Lewis & Barrow - Consulting Engineers) once it is fully leased will have a value of around $14 million.

Read the full story here: https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/about-us/press-releases/2016-01-12-kiwibank-returning-to-christchurch-cbd/

COLOMBO STREET EARTHQUAKE REPAIRS UNDERWAY /  by Lewis Barrow

Lewis & Barrow provided structural design of repairs and carried out the site supervision of the lifting work on this Colombo Street building. Careful monitoring of the building during the lift ensured the building was brought back into level. Large steel beams provided the support and were then fixed in place. 

Completion in sight for Rental Car Precinct /  by Lewis Barrow

The International Rental Car Precinct located on the corner of Kilmore and Manchester Streets is nearing completion and tenants are starting to add their branding to the complex. The Architectural and Structural designs both completed by Lewis & Barrow Ltd. 

AT HOME IN HIGH STREET /  by Lewis Barrow

246 High Street featured again this month in the Canterbury Build Magazine! Lewis & Barrow Ltd completed the Architectural and Structural Design. 

RENTAL CAR PRECINCT - PROGRESS UPDATE /  by Lewis Barrow

As you can see, things are steadily moving forward with the Christchurch International Rental Car Precinct! The exterior is taking shape and it's clear this building will become a new reference point for the corner of Manchester and Kilmore Streets. Christchurch's Central City is starting to see some volume added back to the streets with the new completed buildings. 

Rental Car Precinct Progress /  by Lewis Barrow

Making steady progress and taking an impressive form is the Christchurch International Rental Car Precinct. Due for completion mid-2017 this facility will provide visitors to Christchurch with a central city location for rental car hire or drop off. Located at the corner of Manchester and Kilmore Streets. Architectural and Structural Design was completed in-house by Lewis & Barrow Ltd. 

246 High Street - COMPLETE! /  by Lewis Barrow

246 High Street, Architecturally and Structurally designed by Lewis & Barrow Ltd is now complete. The first tenant on the top floor is now occupying the space and the ground floor retail fit out is going ahead. We look forward to seeing the exciting new retail tenant in place. This area of the retail precinct is now largely complete with more buildings in the area due for completion in 2017 this evolving area will be a dynamic and eye-catching space.