Developing a net zero energy building is not only technically challenging, it is also a challenge to the design process, i.e. how a team of client, architects and engineers approach problems in an informed manner. The paper describes the methodology and the design process we went through to guide the technical design for an university building in the tropics, highlighting key elements of the process as well as some of the design solutions that are particular to the tropics such as daylight and thermal comfort.
The development of a façade for tropical conditions - which has a high ratio of diffuse solar radiation - sought to balance out contradictions of high daylight autonomy vs. low glare probability. The question of appropriate thermal comfort was of major importance to the net zero energy story. Rather than designing conventional thermal comfort systems with low air temperature and low humidity - which drive up energy cost - the design team chose a hybrid system that combines a carefully designed supply air system with ceiling fans for elevated air speed. This system satisfies goals of high thermal comfort, good indoor air quality and a low energy budget that in turn allows the building to achieve its target of net zero.
Keywords: net zero energy building, integral design process, adaptive comfort, hybrid system, daylight, glare, tropics