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infü

innovation+fundamentals

philosophy No Frame

philosophy

innovation+fundamentalsinfü is dedicated to finding harmonious solutions to the basic problem facing architects today: how to provide safe, comfortable shelter without causing undue harm to our natural environment?Our strategy is to leverage two methodologies which were previously pitted against each other. infü uses fundamental passive design strategies that have been used for generations to harness the sun's energy and use them in combination with the innovations of modern building technology to create a truly sustainable design. One of our main motivations in pursuing this design is the utilization of new electric vehicle technology. As a Detroit, MI group, we are excited about the environmental benefits of low-emiting, non fossil fuel vehicles. However, these cars are typically charged from standard household elctrical systems, which are usually supplied by non-renewable sources such as coal. In our scheme, we use on-site renewable energy generation to charge three electic vehicles. For this reason, the cars have a strong visual impact on the front elevation of the building., to celebrate the importance of holistic energy systems at a residential scale.Technology alone will not solve our global energy crisis. This effort will require innovative thinking and creativity from designers to use technology in an intelligent manner. This belief is the primary reason why infü is excited to participate in the Design To Zero competition. While we are anxious to place our design in competition with other global entries, we are more excited to learn from every entrant who can share unique perspectives from all corners of the world.
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ann arbor, michigan united states of america 42°1653N 83°4454W time zone: UTC -5 population: 114,000 average income (USD): $46,299 43 mi west of Detroit 250 mi northeast of Chicago

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> solar

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Ann Arbor Summer Solstice

Noon Solar Elevation = 72°

Ann Arbor Solar Equinox

Noon Solar Elevation = 46°

Ann Arbor Winter Solstice

Noon Solar Elevation = 24°

Summer Solstice

Equinox

Winter Solstice

climate

site

> climate

Annual Mean Temperatures

Heating Degree Days

Cooling Degree Days

Wind Rose

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climate

context

context

site

> context
Site context for this design was determined by replicating the typical contectual massing conditions present in Ann Arbor, MI. As seen below, this results in our solar house being neighbored by other mid-density housing, mixed-use developments, and some commercial enterprises.This site is somewhat challenging in terms of solar capacity, but this is not an altogether uncommon situation in an urban context. The two taller building to the south of our site cast shade on the building during afternoon hours during the Winter months, but during the Summer, when sun is highest and most valuable in terms of energy generation and daylighting, our building is free from neighboring shadows.

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climate

context

2 story

multi-family housing

3 story

multi family housing

1 story

commercial

2 story

mixed-use development

1 story

retail

3 story

multi family housing

intent

intent

This design seeks to create a nearly "Net Zero" home where the energy demands of typical household are offset through two different, but equally critical elements: On-site energy generation and passive, architectural strategies that reduce the baseline load for the entire building.infü's approach is to tackle both of these elements, and use a combination of the two to completely offset the energy loads of a residential structure. Solar photovoltaic panels, angled at 45°, line the southern facade on both levels to generate electricity for the home in addition to charging two electric vehicles that are shared by the building's residents. A balcony railing integrated solar hot water heating system reduces baseline load while a geothermal system harnesses local ground heat to offset heating loads. Passive improvements such as shading the south facade from southern summer sun and reducing north-facing glazing areas help to lower the amount of energy required on-site.

schematic design

building design

massing

units

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massing

building design

> massing

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The massing for this project directly corresponds to the solar conditions present on site. The longer Southern facade takes advantage of as much solar radiation as possible. The shorter Eastern and Western facades minimize heat loss from surfaces that do not recieve as much daily sun. The second floor is stepped back to bring natural light deep into both the first and second levels, while also creating a balcony condition that is bathed in sunlight, ideal for a green roof or for family recreation. By combining a residence for a family of 2, 4, and 6 members into a single building separated by party walls, the potential for envelope heat loss is reduced. If three separate buildings were used, the total perimeter surface area would be significantly higher. A single building also provides advantages in terms of grouping vertical utilites together and allows for shared car storage and balcony space.

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Unit Massing

building design

> units

massing

units

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The massing for this project directly corresponds to the solar conditions present on site. The longer Southern facade takes advantage of as much solar radiation as possible. The shorter Eastern and Western facades minimize heat loss from surfaces that do not recieve as much daily sun. The second floor is stepped back to bring natural light deep into both the first and second levels, while also creating a balcony condition that is bathed in sunlight, ideal for a green roof or for family recreation. By combining a residence for a family of 2, 4, and 6 members into a single building separated by party walls, the potential for envelope heat loss is reduced. If three separate buildings were used, the total perimeter surface area would be significantly higher. A single building also provides advantages in terms of grouping vertical utilites together and allows for shared car storage and balcony space.

Two (2) Member Residence

Four (4) Member Residence

Six (6) Member Residence

Floor Plans

building design

> program

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plans

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active
Program is arranged to correlate activity with ideal levels of solar exposure. All sleeping areas are located on the East, South, and West perimeters to gain direct sunlight and views. Additionally, areas of entertaining, gathering, and dining are in areas with direct views to the outdoors. Activities that do not require significant light, or are rarely occupied, such as hygiene, circulation, storage, and washing are located primarily on the Northern side of the plan, where there is reduced glazing to prevent heat loss.

upper level

lower level

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building design

> program

massing

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program

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Program is arranged to correlate activity with ideal levels of solar exposure. All sleeping areas are located on the eastern, southern, or western perimeter to gain direct sunlight and views. Additionally, areas of entertaining, gathering, and dining are in areas with direct views to the outdoors. Activities that do not require significant light, or are rarely occupied, such as hygiene, circulation, storage, and washing are located primarily on the Northern side of the plan, where there is reduced glazing to prevent heat loss.

ground level

upper level

passive systems

> passive strategies

building design

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Horizontal shading louvers on the South, along with vertical louvers on the East and West, prevent excess solar heat gain, which reduces the overall cooling load during summer months

solar shading

optimized massing

window/wall ratio

high albedo roof
The design captures as much solar energy as possible with an East-West oriented longitudinal axis
Ann Arbor is in the Northern hemispere, and so Southern exposure is desirable for capturing solar energy, but glazing on the Northern facade can be a liability due to excess heat loss during winter months. Therefore, this design has a window-to-wall area ratio of 60% on the South facade, and only 15% on the North facade.
Our roof design is a good example of the trade-offs common in sustainable design. While green roofs have many advantages for buildings in terms of water retention and insulation, they can also be heavy and expensive. A simple light-colored roof, which has high reflectivity or "albedo", effectively prevents urban heat island effect at low-cost.

active systems

> active strategies

building design

massing

units

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active

integrated photovoltaics

solar hot water heating

geothermal
Photovoltaic electrical generation panels are integrated into the South facade on a fixed 45° chamfer. Additional thin-film panels are applied to the horizontal and vertical shading louvers on the South and West facades. This system provides electricity for the home in addition to charging two electric vehicles.
Solar energy is also useful for pre-heating water prior to being used in a residential capacity. A vertical solar hot-water system is integrated into a glass balcony railing system to lower energy loads in addition to providing extra shading capacity on the South facade.
Michigan soils are an effective medium for a geothermal heat pump system that assists our mechanical equipment by pre-conditioning water to ground temperatures; typically 50° F

collaboration

Dow Solar - Design to Zero Competition 2011 - infü © 2011

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