Net-zero Building Design
Gaia Artist Retreat
- Net - Zero building
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Site Inventory & Project Goals
Gaia Retreat Studio
Project Location:
Eastwick, Philadelphia, P.A
Client Details:
GAIA ARTIST STUDIO
- Artist studio space
- Communal and Living Space for the artist
- Meeting rooms and support spaces
Client Motivation and Intention:
- Studios providing artists an immersive nature-
based experience
- Studio is a compound of facilities that offer artists
privacy to work and also provide opportunities to
gather and collaborate
- Create art in a variety of mediums that connects to
and is inspired by an experience with nature
Design concept and proposal
- The aim is to design an
architectural building that
would be perfectly blended
with nature and surroundings.
- The building will have passive
design strategies, the building
envelope, plug loads, HVAC
systems, and PV Panels, which
will help make it a net-zero
building.
- It will also serve thermal comfort,
view, a different experience to
the artist living in the building.
Relationship diagrams
Process Design Matrix
A
B
C
D
Site Plan
Describe your image
Describe your image
Design Resolution
First Floor
A - Art Gallery Space
B - Artist Studios
C- Resident Suits
Mezzanine Floor - Artist Studio Building
A - Art Gallery Space
B - Artist Studios
C- Resident Suits
Building Section of Artist Studio Building
A. The one-story was raised to get more
daylight and to have artist good view
of the native surroundings on one side
and John - Heinz view from the other
side.
B. Butterfly roof makes the look of the
building more interesting.
C. Double height space with spiral
staircase adds more interest in
space.
D. Semi - transparent glass roof cut through
the middle of the building adds more
daylight and interest in the space.
Building Elevations
Final Validations
Energy Goals
Metric: Predicted consumed energy use intensity/ Predicted Net EUI after PV Panels
Goal EUI 0kBTU/sf/yr
EUI - 0 Target
EUI countdown of the design
Daylighting Goals
Metric: 85-90% of spaces is getting daylight, according to annual daylight calculation or daylight factor (DF)
Goal 100%
8 out of 10 work spaces receives daylight
Habitat Goals
Metric: 100% of landscaped areas covered by native or climate-appropriate plants supporting native plants and trees
Goal 100%
The trees surrounded by the building is counted as habitat
Use of native plants in the landscaping
Target met:100%
Active Systems
PV Array - Net zero
According to PV array calculation, 75% of total roof surfaces needs solar panels
Maximum energy is consumed from the south side of the building
Use of premium panels to make the building more efficient and durable
Air Quality Goals
Metric - 80% of floor area or percentage of occupant workspace gets fresh air in the space via operable windows
Goal 100%
8 out of 10 spaces have access to an operable window
Target met : 80%
Community Goals
Metric: Walk, Transit, Bike scores
- Walk pathways are easily
accessible to each of the
building.
- Provided parking and
constructed road for cars
and trucks.
- Bike trails surrounding the
building
Goal 10/10/10
Target Met - 10/9/8
Target Met - 90-95%
Experience Goals
Metric - 80 - 90% of suites and studios with a view of the outdoors.
Goal 100%
8 out of 10 spaces have a view
Target met : 90%
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