SRT257 BUILDING ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ASSESMENT TASK-01
Property site – 15 Nelson Avenue , Highton,
Geelong, Victoria Melbourne
SRT257,T2 2021
MEHAR BHALLAY
STUDENT ID-219125353
WORD COUNT 1405 excluding
refrences
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The following report aims to investigate the climatic features that affect the housing site at
15 Nelson Avenue , Highton, Geelong. The report observes climatic data over the precincts
of temperature, wind flow, sun shading and study the best design strategies that can be
employed to make up for the most comfortable living. The report aims to provide generic
design recommendations to improve the dwelling area in accordance with the existing
environmental conditions. In order to create the best suited design flow that draws up on
the existing climatic conditions along with ensuring sustainability.
SITE ANALYSIS
A) PROJECT LOCATION
The construction site is situated at 15 Nelson Avenue , Highton, Greater Geelong ,
Victoria. The existing single storey structure was demolished, the land excavated
according to desired construction profile. The construction block is approximately
51.8m X 42.27m. The long, narrow plan is suitable to maximise benefits of natural
ventilation in a temperate climatic zone .
B )CLIMATIC FEATURES
In archive climate summary, according to the bureau of meteorology ,2020 observed close
to average rainfall, majority of the year observed drier climate than usual.
The mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures were 0.39 ° C and 0.55° C warmer
than the annual average temperature .
The location experiences mild temperate climate, with warm summers and cold
winters.Warrnambool experiences a wet winter and low summer rainfall, lying in the
temperate climate zone.
FIG 1; Australian climatic zones { http://www.bom.gov.au/vic} FIG 2; Climate averages {
http://www.bom.gov.au/vic}
SUBTASK -1 TEMPERATURE ANALYSIS
FIG3; Yearly Temperature Range
COMFORT ZONE - As illustrated in the temperature range chart based on the adaptive
comfort model ,the average annual comfort zone lies between 19-26° C .For nearly 41.6
percent of the year, the Average high temperature struggles to reach the minimum comfort
level temperature lying roughly between 19 -26 degree C .
EXTREMES & AVERAGES -The coldest month is June with recorded lowest temperature of
4 °C. The Warmest months are December, January and February with recorded highest
temperature of 38° C in the month of January. The average high temperatures of these
months sit within the comfort zone while the mean temperatures lie significantly outside
the comfort zone. January and February are the hottest months with temperatures varying
from 11 °C to 38° C and the mean temperatures falling at 20 °C.
The data is representative of how even in the hottest months , the temperatures can fall
quite low especially with the mean temperature falling 4 °degree Celsius below the comfort
zone in the month of December.
GENERIC DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
To achieve alleviation of heating and cooling energy needs, buffer zones and insulation
combined with reduced infiltration can be successful. North orientation of all living areas
along with small windows in the southern direction can help with solar gain .Extreme
penetration of sun is unenviable , hence most windows should face north . . Using two
sheets of glass (preferably very low U value) separated by 12-20-millimetre-wide air space
can help insulate the house in the cold months. {Wright,2008}
SUB TASK-02 WIND ANALYSIS
FIG 4; Annual wind analysis
As indicated in the above wind wheel chart, on an annual basis the site receives the most
prevalent wind from North making up to almost 15 % of the total hours followed by the
southeast direction making up for about 10 % of the total hours. But a significant amount
of wind flow is from West to East , rounding up to almost 75% for the year. The highest
recorded velocity of wind is 16m/s from the West and the lowest recorded speed of wind
for the whole year is 2m/s from the Northeast direction
FEBRUARY CHARACTERISTICS
FIG 5; Wind wheel February
In the month of February ( a standard summer month)the predominant wind direction is
South but a significant prevailing wind direction is North 20 percent with a wind velocity of
almost 15 m/s.
In the predominant Southwest wind direction, the temperature ranges from 0-24° C . The
relative humidity remains largely between 30-70 percent. It is imperative to note that a
significant portion about 15% prevailing from the South west direction also accounts for the
highest level of humidity (more than 70 %).
In terms of wind velocity, the fastest tide of winds comes from both North and South
direction being up to 12-16m/s. For the major tide of winds, the velocity remains roughly
between 2-8 m/s.
The North west and predominantly the East are the leeward directions. Primarily the
Northwest direction doesn’t see any wind movement , the temperatures and humidity
range between 0-24 °C and 30-70 % respectively.
The prevalent winds of the Northeast direction bring in a wind momentum of between
2-8m/s .The temperatures rise as much as 38° C , falling as low as only 24 ° C.
JULY CHARCTERISTICS
FIG 6 ; Wind Wheel July
During the month of July ( a typical winter month ) the predominant wind flow is from the
North-west direction. A significant percentage of hours (15%) is taken up by the wind flow
from the North. The Wind temperatures from the North-west direction ranges between 020 °C .The velocity of wind in the month of July is quite variable. The wind momentum from
the North-west starts at 0m/s reaching up to 16 m/s from the North wind flow. The relative
humidity in the month of July primarily remains between 30-70 percent.
GENERIC DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Since the wind has a significantly high momentum it is advisable to install fencing systems or
some form of external walls, deflection of the winds can also be achieved through
landscaping and casement windows. The majority of wind flow is west to east , however
orientation for sun control has to be prioritised. To harbour cool breezes during the
summers wind deflection through thick row of shrubs or fences can be used. Awning
windows or louvres should be tilted downwards to maximise wind flow around the house
The stack effect, like a chimney can be to provide an outlet for warm air , these however
need to be closed during the winters to prevent warm air loss.{Hollo,2011}
SUBTASK -3
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART ANALYSIS
FIG 7; PSYCHROMETRIC CHART based on Ashrae standard 55
As indicated by the psychrometric chart based on the ASHRAE STANDARD 55 , the comfort
zone lies roughly between the temperature range of 20-27°C with a relative humidity of
0.12 or 80-85 %.Without any design strategies applied the total number of comfortable
hours is 779 out of required recorded of 8760, suggesting that the residents will reap
comfortable living only for 8.9% of the total year.
FIG 8; Psychrometric chart based on adaptive comfort model plus Ashrae standard 55 for
yearly comfort
In the Adaptive Comfort Model in Ashrae Standard 55, provided that there is adaptive
comfort ventilation, the comfortable hours increase to 891 or 10.2% for the whole year. In
this model the Wet Bulb Temperature range (humidity and evaporation accounted for
with temperature) is roughly between 18° C-26 °C.
FIG ;9 Psychrometric chart for maximised comfort
The above figure shows the minimum best set of design strategies that are
prerequisites for achieving 100 % comfortable hours at this housing site.
GENERIC DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Internal heat gain design accounts for 48 percent of the total comfortable hours
, therefore it is imperative to adopt insulating techniques . The cost-effective
way is to use supplementary layers of insulation (natural organic material like
hemp is a sustainable choice) to combat weak links or ‘cold bridges. In the hot
summer months, to harbour good natural ventilation inlet openings (either
perpendicular or at 45° angle to prevailing wind direction) can be provided,
outlet openings however should be either greater than or equal to inlet
openings. Strategic placement of hearth or stove can help keep the entire house
warm. In order to dehumidify the residence, the air handler discharge
temperature is set as high as possible with an override for humidity control.
SUBTASK 4 -SUN SHADING ANALYSIS
FIG 10; Shading effect illustration
The orientation of the property runs from north to south with a south facing
entry and a garage to block the southwest winds. In response to the highest
altitude angles in the summer and winter equinoxes mentioned above the
property could benefit from extending eaves .
Using the method “rule of thumb”,
that is taking 45 % of the height of
the window from sill to eave and
projecting it outwards (H X 45%)
The room will not be shaded from
the summer sun after February 21
but will receive direct solar gain
until October 21.
FIG 12&13; sun charts { https://www.suncalc.org/}
GENRIC DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
External Overhang shading strategies have to be used in the north in order to maximise solar gain in
the winter and minimise sun penetration in the winters. Supplementary shading strategies such as
deciduous vines and trees, canvas awnings fitted under the extended eave or removable shade
cloth. A traditional pergola with a range of shade coverings ( metal or wooden slats) can be fitted
along the boundary of the house.{Hollo,2011}
REFRENCES
1. Nick Hollo(2011), Warm House Cool House , Inspirational design for low energy housing, 2nd
edition, New South publication, New south Wales
2. David Wright(2008), The Passive Solar Primer, Sustainable architecture, Schiffer publishing,
Pennsylvania
3. https://www.suncalc.org/#/-38.1749,144.3201,19/2021.12.21/13:20/2/3
4. Australian Government Bureau of meteorology , http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/?ref=hdr