High Comfort, Low Energy And Smarter: A Study On The Transformation Of Low Carbon Architecture Design In Bea “2226”

Abstract

The popularity of green building concepts with its experimental application in China is often misunderstood by its dependency on technology. The impact of architectural design features is under estimated, and therefore construction and maintenance costs increased by the complexity and sizing of technical equipment. This paper and speech introduces and analyzes mass housing projects designed by Austria based architecture firm: be architects Holding AG. The projects characterized as typological, regional, tectonic and highly crafted, demonstrate an alternative approach to green housing: high comfort with low energy. The paper analyzes four technical/architectural systems including ventilation, thermal heating and cooling, shading and insulations, with particular attention to the function of architectural design in relation to optimizing the operating costs. Conceptually and technically the buildings were divided into five separate systems, accommodating a diversity and a flexibility towards changing needs, all of that within a long lasting and sustainable structure and façade. It concludes that the increased living comforts and increasing end users involvements are the keys to promote low energy buildings. It also points out the architectural design plays an important role in building energy and costs. The findings bridge the gap between green building research, including the research on green technology, on the one hand, and the skillful architectural practice on the other.