ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 651
Building Envelope and Insulation
Strategy Intent
Nightjars have very light thin skin covered with feathers, during the winter the bird protects his
body and restores heat by saving an amount of fat under its skin, where this fat acts as insulation
layer that reduces heat loss during the cool night, on the other side in summer the bird becomes
more active and get rid of the amount of fat that he gained in winter to prevent heat gain.
Strategy Implementation
Metro station is consisted of three main components; the building itself, the curved structure
covering the station, and the rail that the metro passes on. The rail and foundations are constructed of concrete, where the skin is constructed of steel structure and panels; the metro building is
constructed of concrete walls. The main aim in this strategy is to use materials with lower U-value
in order to reduce cooling loads inside the building and save energy. In the study, using Autodesk
Ecotect Analysis software to simulate the monthly cooling loads according to the current situation of the building envelope. Figure 26 shows the amount of cooling consumed through the
months of the year.
Figure 26: Monthly Heating/Cooling Loads- Saturday 1st September – Before (Autodesk 2011)
Figure 27: Hourly Gains- Saturday 1st September – Before (Autodesk 2011)
Thermal comfort through biomimicry in the case of Emirates Towers Metro Station in Dubai
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