High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011 - (Page 54)

Interior view of typical Synergy suite. Throughout the design process an emphasis was placed on regional natural materials for all interior finishes. The quality and amount of natural light was central to all space design. Lessons LeArned As synergy was the first phase in this multi-phased development, many of the lessons learned have already been applied to Phase 2 (Balance). While the angled awnings at synergy function well, they are more sensitive to wind conditions and frequently retract into a protected position. As a result, during windy days that also see direct solar gain on glazing, the shades often automatically retract to protect them rather than shield the building from solar gain. Vertically mounted horizontal blinds were used at Balance with a greater number of days of direct solar protection achieved. The first phase of dockside was an opportunity to use some innovative materials such as wheat board and bamboo. due to warranty callbacks from delamination in some units, these products were not used at Balance. in an attempt to right size mechanical equipment, fan-coil terminals were largely selected as one roll row coil units. in retrospect, the negligible cost increase of two roll coils would have allowed for extra system capacity should additional heating or cooling capacity be necessary. synergy was designed with only a minor amount of mechanical cooling, relying on passive strategies involving operable windows and seasonal free cooling. residential buildings without cooling are the norm in the mild climate of Victoria, however, the realities of climate change may necessitate some form of mechanical cooling. in addition, code requirements (which only allow a 4 in. opening due to fall hazards with children), along with some residents requesting operable windows with manual controls on the clearstory level rather than the view level (making them higher than 7 ft from the floor level), has limited the ability to use natural ventilation in some suites. The project’s green roofs and rooftop gardens were a huge success, with all the garden plots being claimed before all units were sold. However, the northern-most gardens are shaded during the summer by the mechanical penthouse. While there are some shade plants that grow well in shady areas, most of the gardeners found this area a less desirable location. greater consideration for rooftop gardening would have created a more democratic distribution of plots. While not necessarily a lesson learned on synergy, there was a missed opportunity with the recycling room (made evident by its innovative use on Balance). Because of the larger recycling area and large inviting loading area, the space has become the social hub at Balance for residents and non-residents. The tenants received a grant to install millwork and paint a mural in the windowless space. This sorting area is also used as an educational space for neighborhood recycling programs, and has made our design teams reconsider these often forgotten spaces. what was predicted in the energy model, the biomass gasification heating system was either more efficient than anticipated or heating demands were lower than predicted. It was anticipated that Synergy would use 919,000 kWh of biomass energy whereas only 764,000 kWh was required of the central plant in 2009 and only 677,000 kWh in 2010. © Perkins+Will Canada Architects Co. Conclusion While the design of Synergy has helped contribute to the energy performance of the project, it has become evident from actual energy consumption data and the level of engagement the residents have taken, that behavior cannot be ignored in high performing buildings. The real-time energy and water data available to residents on their personal computers has helped them make good choices about their usage. The project has seen lower than modeled energy use with the numbers continuing downward in 2010. While commissioning, weather and operational factors are likely at play, there is no question that the residents at Synergy deserve some of the credit for its success as a high performing building. • About the Author michael driedger, leed Canada AP Bd+C, is a sustainability building advisor at Perkins+Will Canada. 54 HigH Performing Buildings fa l l 2 0 1 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011
Commentary
Contents
Manitoba Hydro Place
Maplewood Police and Court Building
Omega Center for Sustainable Living
Dockside Synergy at Dockside Green
Golden Hill Office Center
Letters to the Editor
Products
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011