Page 79 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 1

WATSONVILLE WATER RESOURCES CENTER
CASE STUDY NO. 4
As usual with careful building envelope design and construction, conditions where insulation gaps might occur at floor-to-wall and wall-to-roof transitions were inspected and the entire build- ing envelope was sealed to prevent unwanted air leaks. For a Type-5 wood frame building, this sealing and caulking is an essential efficiency measure to keep heating and cooling loads low.
The window glazing is a high performance double-glazed system using color-neutral low-e So- larban 60 coupled with an inner lite of conventional clear glass. This specification provides a low U-value equal to 0.28, a low SHGC (solar heat coefficient) of 0.39, while maintaining a visible light transmittance of 70%.
Daylighting and Electric Lighting
Daylighting is a particular strength of the low-energy design approach with this building. The nar- row width of the building combined with tall windows allows daylight penetration throughout. In addition, skylights were added in areas where daylight could be blocked by intervening walls of closed offices. The result is not only a very effectively daylit space from a technical point-of-view, but also a strong architectural interior space that derives its spatial interest from the daylighting solution.
The electric lighting is provided by standard direct/indirect fixtures with high efficiency T-8 lamps, using the required continuous dimming controls in response to daylight availability.
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PHOTO: BRUCE DAMONTE