Bioclimatic Architecture and Environmental Factors
Rainfall
What is Precipitation?
Precipitation is any form of hydrometeor that falls from the sky and reaches the surface.
Rainfall Measurement
Rainfall is measured in millimeters using a rain gauge. One inch of rain collected in a rain gauge is equivalent to one liter per square meter.
Types of Precipitation
Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all forms of precipitation.
Hydrologic Cycle
The stages of the hydrologic cycle include condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, groundwater flow, and evaporation.
Clouds
A cloud is a visible mass of microscopic water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
Rain Detection
Weather radars located on satellites detect rain, calculate its trajectory, and estimate its type.
Leaks and Moisture
Leaks occur due to a lack of slope in the slab and excess water. Solutions include using parapets, proper sloping, and drainpipes.
Storm Drain Utility
Storm drains remove rainwater.
Waterproofing Utility
Waterproofing acts as a barrier against water passage on building surfaces.
Rainiest Months in Nuevo Leon
August and September are the rainiest months in Nuevo Leon.
Effects of Rain in the City
Flooding and waterlogging are salient effects of rain in the city.
Wind
What is Wind?
Wind is the movement of air in the atmosphere, especially in the troposphere.
Causes of Wind
Uneven heating of the air creates pressure differences, which give rise to winds.
Types of Wind
Planetary winds, regional winds, and local winds are types of wind.
Prevailing Winds
Prevailing winds maintain the same orientation for most of the year.
Seasonal Winds
Seasonal winds change direction depending on the season.
Regional Wind in Mexico
The “North” wind blows from a north or northeast direction along the Mexican coast from the Gulf of Mexico.
Wind Intensity Measurement
Wind intensity is measured using the Beaufort scale with an anemometer.
Tornado
A tornado is an intensive, rotating column of air extending from the base of a cloud.
Tornado Measurement
Tornadoes are measured using the Fujita Scale.
Heat-Related Illness
Insolation
Insolation is the amount of solar radiation received on a given surface.
Heat Transfer
Heat spreads through conduction (particle to particle), convection (through a gas or liquid), and radiation (through a vacuum).
Insulation Methods
- Conduction: Thick materials provide better insulation.
- Convection: Eliminating convection currents, such as with a vacuum, reduces heat propagation.
- Radiation: Highly reflective surfaces, especially white or polished ones, minimize radiation.
Thermal Conductivity (k)
Thermal conductivity is the amount of heat passing through one square meter in an hour with a 1°C temperature difference. It’s expressed in Kcal./m°C or BTU/hr ft² °F/inch.
Insulation Material Properties
- Good resistance to heat transmission
- Fireproof or nonflammable
- Good mechanical strength
- Non-corrosive
- Physically and chemically stable
- Flexible or rigid, as needed
- Good cosmetic appearance
- Reasonable cost
Factors in Heat Conduction
- Amount of heat applied
- Surface area exposed to heat
- Material thickness
R-Factor
The R-factor is the inverse of the C-value (R = 1/C).
U-Factor
The U-factor measures heat flow through a building element (wall, ceiling, etc.) and is expressed as U = BTU/hr ft² °F.
Calculating C
C is estimated by dividing the material’s K factor by its thickness in inches.
Effects of Lack of Natural Light
Lack of natural light can cause mood swings, poor performance, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, headaches, and other health issues.
Passive House
A passive house is a self-sustaining habitat that uses simple techniques to collect, store, and distribute energy without external inputs.
Adapting Houses to Different Climates
Houses in mountainous regions should be insulated, situated on sunny slopes, and protected from wind. Houses in desert regions should utilize thermal mass, thick walls, and strategic openings for ventilation.
Passive Solar
Passive solar systems capture and store solar energy without electromechanical devices.
Basic Physics of Heat Transfer
Heat transfer occurs through conduction, radiation, and convection.
Solar Incidence
What is Solar Incidence?
Solar incidence is the solar energy that spreads through space via electromagnetic waves.
Passive Solar Architecture
Passive solar architecture uses solar energy captured through windows or walls to maintain comfortable indoor conditions.
Factors Affecting Solar Incidence
Location, morphology, and orientation affect solar incidence.
Window Orientation
Large windows should ideally face the equator.
Monterrey’s Latitude
Monterrey’s latitude is 25°40′.
Winter Sunlight Angle
The highest degree of horizontal sunlight in winter at 25°40′ latitude is 115°.
Information for Solar Design
Season, time, and vertical/horizontal angles of sunlight are crucial for solar design.
Architectural Solutions for Solar Impact
Overhangs can help prevent excessive solar impact.
Overhang Formula
Overhang length = tan(vertical sun angle) x height where overhang is placed.
Relative Humidity
Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air.
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity is the ratio of absolute humidity to the maximum amount of water vapor air can hold.
Vapor Barrier
Vapor barriers are membranes or coatings that reduce water vapor diffusion through building components.
Measuring Relative Humidity
Hygrometers and psychrometers measure relative humidity.
PCE-310 Meter
The PCE-310 meter measures environmental climate (humidity and temperature) and surface temperature.
Hygrograph
A hygrograph measures and records temperature and relative humidity on paper.
Bioclimatic Chart
A bioclimatic chart displays temperature and humidity data to assess spatial comfort.
Comfort Needs
Comfort needs include heating, ventilation, cooling, and shade.
Moisture in Buildings
Moisture in buildings is influenced by the temperature difference between the external and internal environments.
Repairing Moisture Damage
Methods to repair moisture damage include increasing indoor temperature, lowering dew point temperature, and dissipating water vapor.
Absolute Humidity
Absolute humidity is the amount of water vapor in a cubic meter of air.
Specific Humidity
Specific humidity is measured in grams of water vapor per kilogram of moist air.
Annual Relative Humidity in Our State
The annual relative humidity is 64%.
Insulation for Relative Humidity
Polyurethane and special mortars can insulate against relative humidity.
Bioclimatic Architecture
What is Bioclimatic Architecture?
Bioclimatic architecture leverages environmental conditions (climate, microclimate, orientation, wind, moisture, etc.) and materials to create comfortable, healthy, and economical buildings.
Traditional Bioclimatic Architecture
Traditional bioclimatic architecture applies specific principles based on the needs and possibilities of the local environment.
The Term “Bioclimatic”
The term “bioclimatic” reflects the relationship between architecture, climate, materials, lighting, and electromagnetic fields.
Technology’s Role
Technology in bioclimatic architecture maximizes the use of natural energy for comfort, economy, and health.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the ratio of energy consumed to products and services achieved. It can be optimized through technology, management, and cultural habits.
Factors to Consider in Bioclimatic Design
- Orientation
- Greenhouse effect
- Thermal insulation
- Natural ventilation
Daylighting in Architectural Design
Daylighting should be considered when allowing sunlight entry for comfort.
Bioclimatic Architecture Focus
Bioclimatic architecture focuses on the weather.
Facade Orientation
Main facades should ideally face south for maximum sun exposure.
Purpose of Bioclimatic Architecture
Bioclimatic architecture aims for user comfort and energy efficiency.
Opening Location
Openings (windows, balconies, doors) should face south.
Greenhouse Effect Benefits
The greenhouse effect is beneficial in cold climates.
Thermal Insulation Application
Walls, floors, and ceilings should have double walls with insulation and air chambers.
Important Parameter in Bioclimatic Architecture
Wind is an important parameter in bioclimatic architecture.
Objectives of Ventilation
- Renew indoor air
- Assist thermal comfort in warm periods
- Contribute to air conditioning
Global Warming
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where the Earth retains some solar energy.
Global Warming
Global warming is the increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activity.
Causes of Global Warming
Coal power plants and automobiles are major contributors to global warming.
Main Sources of CO2 Pollution
Coal power plants and cars are primary sources of CO2 pollution.
Consequences of Global Warming
Global warming leads to changing weather patterns, health damage, and ecosystem disturbances.
Global Warming’s Effect on Ecology
Increased temperature negatively impacts the planet’s ecology.
Architecture’s Role in Preventing Global Warming
Architecture can help prevent global warming by protecting valuable ecosystems.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Options include reducing energy consumption, using fluorescent bulbs, limiting water use, and using solar energy.
Damage to the Ecosystem
Increased rain, flooding, nutrient loss in soil, and vegetation damage harm the ecosystem.
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable architecture uses various techniques to maintain environmental balance.