Project Overview

Due to this building’s hvac system, the building must be airtight with no openings for natural ventilation. in this scenario, the greenhouse effect takes place if the suns uv rays penetrate directly through the curtain wall’s glass panes which causes the hvac system to operate at a higher intensity, increasing the buildings energy useage. if the floor slab too, comes into contact with direct sunlight, thermal bridging will occur which is undesirable, as it again causes the hvac system to operate at a higher intensity than necessary.

Vertical fins along a flat facade can be seen as a mediocre resolution for blocking the sun, as it blocks off all views to king george square, a view that should be highlighted from this design. Therefore the combination of a sawtooth facade edge and vertical fins allows children of this vertical school to still have access to this key view, whilst blocking a significant amount of direct sunlight, and still giving classrooms access to ambient daylighting.

This design solution only allows direct sunlight to penetrate around 8am during summer months, and blocks direct sunlight throughout the rest of the year, increasing the building performance. Ample ambient lighting is still retained however, and students are granted access to a key view.