Question 1.

1: Climate, Thermal Comfort, and IEQ

Answer:

Edmonton's distinct climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers,

significantly influences the design of a regional recreation facility. To ensure optimal thermal
comfort and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), several factors must be considered.

Thermal Comfort:

 Winter: Given the extreme cold, the facility must be well-insulated to minimize heat loss.
The HVAC system should be capable of maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures,
even during the coldest periods.

 Summer: During warmer months, adequate ventilation and cooling systems are crucial to
prevent overheating.

 Humidity Control: Balancing humidity levels is important. Excessive humidity can lead
to mold growth and discomfort, while low humidity can cause dry skin and respiratory
issues. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers may be necessary to maintain optimal humidity
levels.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ):

 Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to remove pollutants, odors, and moisture.

Adequate fresh air intake and exhaust systems should be designed to maintain good air
quality.

 Air Filtration: High-efficiency air filters can help remove airborne particles, allergens,
and pollutants.

 Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity

levels in different areas of the facility is crucial. For example, swimming pools require
specific humidity levels to prevent discomfort and ensure water quality.

 Lighting: Proper lighting design can reduce eye strain and improve overall well-being.

 Noise Control: Adequate soundproofing and noise reduction measures should be

implemented to minimize noise pollution.
  Material Selection: Using low-VOC materials can help improve indoor air quality.

Specific Considerations for Different Spaces:

 Swimming Pool:

o Maintain water temperature around 28°C (82°F) for comfort.

o Control humidity levels to prevent condensation and mold growth.

o Ensure adequate ventilation to remove chlorine fumes and moisture.

 Exercise Room:

o Maintain a temperature of around 22-24°C (72-75°F) for optimal workout

conditions.

o Adequate ventilation is necessary to remove odors and moisture.

 Open Office Area:

o Maintain a comfortable temperature range of 20-22°C (68-72°F).

o Ensure adequate ventilation and good indoor air quality.

By carefully considering these factors, it is possible to design a recreation facility in Edmonton

that provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor environmental quality for its users.

Question 1.2: Heat Transfer and Heat Loss Calculation

Answer:

1. U-value of the Wall

The U-value measures how well heat passes through a material. To find the U-value for the
wall, we first add up the thermal resistance (R-value) for each material layer:

 Gypsum board: R = 0.09 m²K/W

  Wood studs: R = 0.63 m²K/W

 Glass fibre insulation: R = 2.91 m²K/W

 Plywood sheathing: R = 0.14 m²K/W

 Wood siding: R = 0.14 m²K/W

 Inside air film: R = 0.12 m²K/W

 Outside air film: R = 0.03 m²K/W

Total R-value (R_total) = 0.09 + 0.63 + 2.91 + 0.14 + 0.14 + 0.12 + 0.03 = 4.06 m²K/W

Now, the U-value is the inverse of the R-value:

U-value = 1 / R_total = 1 / 4.06 ≈ 0.246 W/m²K

2. Heat Loss Calculation

 Heat Loss Through Walls:

o Wall area = 200 m²

o Temperature difference (ΔT) = 20°C - (-30°C) = 50°C

o Heat loss:
Q_walls = 0.246 W/m²K * 200 m² * 50°C = 2460 W

 Heat Loss Through Roof:

o Roof area = 100 m²

o Heat loss:
Q_roof = 0.2 W/m²K * 100 m² * 50°C = 1000 W

 Heat Loss Through Windows:

o Window area = 55 m²

o U-value for windows = 0.5 W/m²K

 o Heat loss:
Q_windows = (0.5 W/m²K * 55 m² + 1.2 * 55 m²) * 50°C = 3850 W

3. Total Heat Loss

Total heat loss = Q_walls + Q_roof + Q_windows

Total = 2460 W + 1000 W + 3850 W = 7310 W

4. Percentage of Heat Loss from Windows

Percentage of heat loss from windows = (3850 W / 7310 W) * 100% ≈ 52.7%

5. Temperature at the Junction Between Insulation and Vapour Barrier

To calculate this temperature, we need to account for heat loss through each layer. However,
without more detailed data, we can't calculate the exact value, but it will be lower than the indoor
temperature.

Question 1.3: Fenestration and Heat Gain

Facade Function/Use % of Glazing Glazing U-value Glazing SHGC Glazing VLT

Office spaces,
East conference rooms, 25-30% 1.1 W/m²K 0.25 - 0.35 0.60 - 0.70
break areas
Office spaces, meeting
West 20-25% 1.0 - 1.2 W/m²K 0.25 - 0.35 0.60 - 0.70
rooms, lobbies
Office spaces,
North workstations, 10-15% 1.0 W/m²K 0.15 - 0.30 0.60 - 0.70
circulation spaces
Office spaces, staff
South 30-40% 0.7 - 0.9 W/m²K 0.25 - 0.40 0.70 - 0.80
areas, meeting rooms

2.

1. East Façade (25-30% Glazing, U-value 1.1 W/m²K, SHGC 0.25-0.35, VLT 0.60-
0.70):

The east side gets morning sun, so a moderate glazing area (25-30%) helps
prevent overheating while allowing natural light. The U-value ensures insulation, and the
 SHGC minimizes summer heat gain while allowing some solar gain in winter. The VLT
ensures sufficient daylight.

2. West Façade (20-25% Glazing, U-value 1.0-1.2 W/m²K, SHGC 0.25-0.35, VLT 0.60-
0.70):

The west side gets afternoon sun, leading to high heat gain. A reduced glazing
percentage (20-25%) and moderate U-value help control heat gain. The SHGC and VLT
reduce excessive heat and glare while still providing daylight.

3. North Façade (10-15% Glazing, U-value 1.0 W/m²K, SHGC 0.15-0.30, VLT 0.60-
0.70):

The north side has minimal solar exposure, so lower glazing (10-15%) is
sufficient for natural light. A low SHGC prevents unnecessary heat, while the U-value
ensures insulation during winter.

4. South Façade (30-40% Glazing, U-value 0.7-0.9 W/m²K, SHGC 0.25-0.40, VLT 0.70-
0.80):

The south side benefits most from solar gain, so higher glazing (30-40%) captures
heat in winter. A lower U-value improves insulation, while a higher SHGC ensures
winter heat gain and shading in summer. The VLT maximizes daylight.