Experiences from the Design Process of
the first ”Comfort Houses” in Denmark
Camilla Brunsgaard
Ph.D. Fellow
Architectural Engineering,
University of Aalborg, Denmark
Mary-Ann Knudstrup
Associated Professor
Architectural & Design,
University of Aalborg, Denmark
Per Heiselberg
Professor
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Architectural Engineering,
University of Aalborg, Denmark
The objective of the research
The objective is to clarify the different design processes
behind the first passive houses in Denmark, according to
method, tools, teamwork and architectural quality.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
The COMFORT HOUSES
The Passive house criteria:
– Space heat demand: 15 kWh/m2 per year net m2
– Primary energy demand: 120 kWh/m2 per year net m2
– Air tightness: 0,6 h-1
The COMFORT HOUSES – is more than a passive house:
– Air quality
– Thermal comfort
– Sound and noise
– Daylight
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Why talk about design processes?
• Building design is complex
• Low energy consumption and good indoor
environment is often conflicting
• We see a lot of bad performing buildings
• We use a lot resources to solve problems late in
the detailing phase
[Knudstrup 2006]
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Different types of design processes
The ”traditional” design process (TDP)
– The client and architect agree on a design
– Engineers and consultants implement systems
– Simple and linear process
– Often difficult or impossible to optimize the building
design according to energy and indoor environment
Client
Architect
Program
Sketching
Architect/Engineer
Project design
Contractor
Construction
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Different types of design processes
Integrated design process (IDP)
Construction
Design development
Concept
Design
Pre-design
Program
– ”The Integrated Design Process”, Architecture & Design, Aalborg University (AOD
IDP)
– ”Optimization of Solar Energy Use in Large Buildings”, IEA Task 23. (Task 23 IDP)
– ”Integrated Design of Low- Energy Buildings”, Technical University of Denmark
(DTU “IDP”)
– …and more
Client
Architect
Engineer
Contractor
…
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Comparison of the design processes
The diagram shows different starting point of
the methods.
Engineering
technical
approach
DTU “IDP”
Task 23 IDP
AOD IDP
TDP
Architectural
artistic
approach
Positioned by:
– The parameters in focus.
– The cooperation of actors, when and
how the actors are positioned in the
process.
– When the architectural and technical
aspects are combined - when
different decisions are made.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
The design processes of the COMFORT HOUSES
• No methodical approach were dictated or
presented form the initiators
• But they were encouraged to work
interdisciplinary through teamwork
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
All consortiums had a close teamwork
…but different interpretations of that.
Type 1
Later +
Type 2
…
Type 3
Continually +
…
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Different approaches to the task
Engineering
technical
approach
DTU “IDP”
C4
C1
C7
C2 & C3
Task 23 IDP
AOD IDP
C6
C5
TDP
Architectural
artistic
approach
The different approaches are placed according to:
– the type of focus parameters in each case,
– the main actor or cooperation of different actors and
– when and how the actors are positioned in the process.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
The approaches in words
”We did not think architecture and then think
technique which should be stuffed into the
Engineering
architecture afterwards. Or architecture first and
DTU “IDP”
technical
then we had to document if the energy calculation
approach
is fulfilled afterwards. We made some sketches
and calculated, considered the technique, then we
made changes, considered“Ithe
technique
think
is was aagain,
bit annoying that you in
calculated energy - and also
considered
how
we
principal
sketch
a house,
and there was
practically should build (thenot
house)
…time
We available to do that, and
a long
C4
continuously did that in steps,
we tried towupti! Then you
win where
the competition,
keep all the things (parameters)
in focus athow
the it should look like,
have
promised
C1
C7
same time, instead of tryingwhat
to fixbuilding
it or bring
it in atit has and … the
services
a time where it is hard to get
it integrated.”
(The
cost.
Then you are
extremely
C2 & C3
engineer, consortium 3) constrained, right? And that is before
Task 23 IDP
you have had the time to consider the
C6
Architectural
design, because you have not had the
AOD IDP
C5 TDP
artistic
time to calculate and you actually do
approach
not know very much (about passive
houses). … What was it that we were
about to do? We had to learn, but we
could not use that for anything because
“Of course you would wish that there had been constructed something … a piece of
we had promised (how it should look
architecture, right? But because it should express something that both is typical to a Danish
like) … we could have changed a little
standard house, at the same time something that the contractor could bring out to the market
on the windows ... But we had
and at the same time be the cheapest, then it had a lot of constrains in relation to the
promised how the house should look
architecture … The technical part is the heaviest in a single-family house in one storey. I
like and it is really the architectural idea
think so as an architect. It means that you do not sit down and sketch by a loose hand. You
how the window is placed and turns
draw a rectangle and send it to the engineer and ask: ´Is it better now? ´ There is no
that direction. Then you cannot change
architecture in that, in principal. ´Should it be a little lower? Arh 20 cm lower ceiling inside´ …
that.” (The engineer, consortium 5)
It has been a challenge according to think architecture and at the same time think of a
passive house in one storey … “(The architect, consortium 4).
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Architectural qualities
• Changes in the architectural expression through the process
primarily because of the economy. Expected more changes
because of the energy demand
• Changes have consequences on the architecture, why?
Qualitative vs. quantitative parameters
important with dialog
to get a common understanding of qualitative parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Architectural qualities
• Changes in the architectural expression through the process
primarily because of the economy. Expected more changes
because of the energy demand
• Changes have consequences on the architecture, why?
Qualitative vs. quantitative parameters
important with dialog
to get a common understanding of qualitative parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Architectural qualities
• Changes in the architectural expression through the process
primarily because of the economy. Expected more changes
because of the energy demand
• Changes have consequences on the architecture, why?
Qualitative vs. quantitative parameters
important with dialog
to get a common understanding of qualitative parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Recommendations from the consortiums
• It is important to have a good teamwork early in the design process
and work interdisciplinary.
• The teams have to see the design task as a joint mission and that
all aspects concern everybody and all have to be enthusiastic about
the project.
• The energy aspects have to be integrated into the architectural
expression from the beginning of the design process to achieve
good solutions. It means we have to work integrated.
• Draw up some guidelines that should be followed in the design
process e.g. define main focus parameters both covering
architectural and technical parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Recommendations from the consortiums
• It is important to have a good teamwork early in the design process
and work interdisciplinary.
• The teams have to see the design task as a joint mission and that
all aspects concern everybody and all have to be enthusiastic about
the project.
• The energy aspects have to be integrated into the architectural
expression from the beginning of the design process to achieve
good solutions. It means we have to work integrated.
• Draw up some guidelines that should be followed in the design
process e.g. define main focus parameters both covering
architectural and technical parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Recommendations from the consortiums
• It is important to have a good teamwork early in the design process
and work interdisciplinary.
• The teams have to see the design task as a joint mission and that
all aspects concern everybody and all have to be enthusiastic about
the project.
• The energy aspects have to be integrated into the architectural
expression from the beginning of the design process to achieve
good solutions. It means we have to work integrated.
• Draw up some guidelines that should be followed in the design
process e.g. define main focus parameters both covering
architectural and technical parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Recommendations from the consortiums
• It is important to have a good teamwork early in the design process
and work interdisciplinary.
• The teams have to see the design task as a joint mission and that
all aspects concern everybody and all have to be enthusiastic about
the project.
• The energy aspects have to be integrated into the architectural
expression from the beginning of the design process to achieve
good solutions. It means we have to work integrated.
• Draw up some guidelines that should be followed in the design
process e.g. define main focus parameters both covering
architectural and technical parameters.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
“We have to work in teams and interdisciplinary in the future to be
able to succeed” (All consortiums)
Future design approach should be placed in the region of Task 23
IDP and AOD IDP
Engineering
technical
approach
DTU “IDP”
C4
C1
C7
C2 & C3
Task 23 IDP
AOD IDP
C6
C5
TDP
Architectural
artistic
approach
Based on:
• The recommendations from
consortiums
• The consortiums own opinion of
their processes
• The difficulties in working with
qualitative parameters
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
“We have to work in teams and interdisciplinary in the future to be
able to succeed” (All consortiums)
Future design approach should be placed in the region of Task 23
IDP and AOD IDP
Engineering
technical
approach
DTU “IDP”
C4
C1
C7
C2 & C3
Task 23 IDP
AOD IDP
C6
C5
TDP
Architectural
artistic
approach
Based on:
• The recommendations from
consortiums
• The consortiums own opinion of
their processes
• The difficulties in working with
qualitative parameters
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
Problems and barriers in the processes:
– Primarily the economy has an impact on
the resulting architectural qualities.
– Different understandings of the same
things, because of different professions
and their traditions.
– The architects have picked up knowledge
from the technicians, but not the reverse.
– Frustration from some actors, because of
to little influence on the design in some of
the consortium.
– The resulting teamwork and approach vary
a lot even though they all agree on close
teamwork from an early stage.
– No tools used to document indoor
environment
Solutions:
– Discuss and define the teamwork and
approach to the task – use an IDP
– Important with dialog and openness to
each others professions to get a
common understanding of issues in the
process
– Use a Design Facilitator in the
teamwork e.g. an architect trained in
the AOD IDP
– Overview of process and discover
unclear issues.
– Understand the architectural as well as
the engineering language.
– Can assist communication between
professions.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
Problems and barriers in the processes:
– Primarily the economy has an impact on
the resulting architectural qualities.
– Different understandings of the same
things, because of different professions
and their traditions.
– The architects have picked up knowledge
from the technicians, but not the reverse.
– Frustration from some actors, because of
to little influence on the design in some of
the consortium.
– The resulting teamwork and approach vary
a lot even though they all agree on close
teamwork from an early stage.
– No tools used to document indoor
environment
Solutions:
– Discuss and define the teamwork and
approach to the task – use an IDP
– Important with dialog and openness to
each others professions to get a
common understanding of issues in the
process
– Use a Design Facilitator in the
teamwork e.g. an architect trained in
the AOD IDP
– Overview of process and discover
unclear issues.
– Understand the architectural as well as
the engineering language.
– Can assist communication between
professions.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
Problems and barriers in the processes:
– Primarily the economy has an impact on
the resulting architectural qualities.
– Different understandings of the same
things, because of different professions
and their traditions.
– The architects have picked up knowledge
from the technicians, but not the reverse.
– Frustration from some actors, because of
to little influence on the design in some of
the consortium.
– The resulting teamwork and approach vary
a lot even though they all agree on close
teamwork from an early stage.
– No tools used to document indoor
environment
Solutions:
– Discuss and define the teamwork and
approach to the task – use an IDP
– Important with dialog and openness to
each others professions to get a
common understanding of issues in the
process
– Use a Design Facilitator in the
teamwork e.g. an architect trained in
the AOD IDP
– Overview of process and discover
unclear issues.
– Understand the architectural as well as
the engineering language.
– Can assist communication between
professions.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
Problems and barriers in the processes:
– Primarily the economy has an impact on
the resulting architectural qualities.
– Different understandings of the same
things, because of different professions
and their traditions.
– The architects have picked up knowledge
from the technicians, but not the reverse.
– Frustration from some actors, because of
to little influence on the design in some of
the consortium.
– The resulting teamwork and approach vary
a lot even though they all agree on close
teamwork from an early stage.
– No tools used to document indoor
environment
Solutions:
– Discuss and define the teamwork and
approach to the task – use an IDP
– Important with dialog and openness to
each others professions to get a
common understanding of issues in the
process
– Use a Design Facilitator in the
teamwork e.g. an architect trained in
the AOD IDP
– Overview of process and discover
unclear issues.
– Understand the architectural as well as
the engineering language.
– Can assist communication between
professions.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Conclusion
Problems and barriers in the processes:
– Primarily the economy has an impact on
the resulting architectural qualities.
– Different understandings of the same
things, because of different professions
and their traditions.
– The architects have picked up knowledge
from the technicians, but not the reverse.
– Frustration from some actors, because of
to little influence on the design in some of
the consortium.
– The resulting teamwork and approach vary
a lot even though they all agree on close
teamwork from an early stage.
– No tools used to document indoor
environment.
Solutions:
– Discuss and define the teamwork and
approach to the task – use an IDP.
– Important with dialog and openness to
each others professions to get a
common understanding of issues in the
process.
– Use a Design Facilitator in the
teamwork e.g. an architect trained in
the AOD IDP.
– Overview of process and discover
unclear issues.
– Understand the architectural as well as
the engineering language.
– Can assist communication between
professions.
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Introduction - Method & theory - Teamwork - The approach - Architectural qualities - Conclusion
Experiences from the Design Process of
the first ”Comfort Houses” in Denmark
Thank you!
Camilla Brunsgaard
Ph.D. Fellow
Architectural Engineering,
University of Aalborg, Denmark
Mary-Ann Knudstrup
Associated Professor
Architectural & Design,
University of Aalborg, Denmark
Per Heiselberg
Professor
Camilla Brunsgaard – cb@civil.aau.dk – Aalborg University
Architectural Engineering,
University of Aalborg, Denmark