Page 70 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 2

CASE STUDY NO. 9
SPECULATIVE OFFICE BUILDING AT 435 INDIO WAY
Daylighting and Electric Lighting
Daylighting of the entire space is accomplished using an array of a uniquely designed skylight, which was originally conceived for a colder climate application. The idea is to minimize heat loss and gain through the glazing while producing the same amount of daylight normally available through north-facing glazing in roof monitors, a traditional method of daylighting through the roof. (See Case Study No. 8.)
This is accomplished by facing the glazing toward the south rather than the north, thereby col- lecting a greater intensity of solar energy per unit area of glazing. (See the illustration on the fac- ing page.) The amount of glazing, and therefore the amount of structure carrying the skylights, can be much less in size and material for the same amount of captured daylight. The design of the skylight structure itself, however, must be carefully shaped in the roof and the ceiling below it in order to diffuse the light appropriately and to avoid creating counter-productive glare condi- tions. To accomplish this, the glazing must be covered with a light-diffusing film, preventing any view of the sky but overcoming the inevitable glare that would result with clear glass.
Studies were undertaken to determine the size of the glazed opening and the skylight spacing, as well as the tilt of the skylight glazing toward the south, in order to optimize the level of daylight under clear sky conditions during most of the year from morning through the afternoon hours. The objective was to arrive at the best set of design parameters so that electric lighting would
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Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings: Volume 2