Thesis 2010

Deborah Moynihan BSc (Hons) Arch Tech

The Role of Thermal Mass in Sustainable Design

[email protected]/4 - 2009-10

Thermal mass offers building designers the opportunity to improve the comfort of any

building that experiences temperature fluctuations throughout the day, both in summer

and winter. When it is used appropriately in conjunction with other passive design features,

thermal mass can play an important part in sustainable design, particularly in reducing the

energy consumed by active heating and cooling systems. If, however, thermal mass is used

incorrectly it can become an enormous energy and comfort burden to the occupants of the

space, e.g. in winter it can put extra demands on the space heating loads and in summer

prevent the building from cooling sufficiently if too much heat is being radiated back into

the building.

DT105/4 - 2009-10

Thermal mass offers building designers the opportunity to improve the comfort of any

building that experiences temperature fluctuations throughout the day, both in summer

and winter. When it is used appropriately in conjunction with other passive design features,

thermal mass can play an important part in sustainable design, particularly in reducing the

energy consumed by active heating and cooling systems. If, however, thermal mass is used

incorrectly it can become an enormous energy and comfort burden to the occupants of the

space, e.g. in winter it can put extra demands on the space heating loads and in summer

prevent the building from cooling sufficiently if too much heat is being radiated back into

the building.

DT105/4 - 2009-10 [email protected]/4 - 2009-10 [email protected]

[email protected] of Year Final Presentation End of Year Final Presentation

[email protected] – The Role of Thermal Mass in Sustainable Design

[email protected] Community Centre - Test Subject for the Role of Thermal Mass

[email protected] Analysis of the Site

[email protected] of Low Energy Design Strategies

[email protected] of Lightweight Thermal Mass Materials

[email protected] of Medium-weight Thermal Mass Materials

[email protected] of Heavyweight Thermal Mass Materials

[email protected] Ventilation Construction Detail

[email protected] – Construction of Natural Ventilation Detail