design + energy + excellence

Tag: rainwater harvesting

A Space for Learning in New Ross

I have been working with the Transition Year students of Our Lady of Lourdes School in New Ross, Wexford, to develop an idea for a new space for learning in their school.

“A Space for Learning” is a design ideas competition initiated by the Irish Architecture Foundation to challenge current thinking on school design and architecture.

The starting point for this project was a discussion of basic Architectural concepts. The students had the opportunity to identify a number of different concepts from architectural books and magazines.

Final Submission - Panel 1

Environmentally sustainable design

Sustainability was an integral part of the design process. A number of passive solar design concepts were approached and the proposal aims to get the most from direct, indirect and isolated solar gains, as well as natural lighting and natural ventilation.

Natural lighting is reflected into the classrooms by the use of light shelves, thus reducing the need for electricity.

The green roof provides increased insulation and works as a thermal mass.

The greenhouses, below the South facing classrooms, capture solar radiation that is converted into heat. This heat is directed into the classrooms through vents that can be closed during Summer time.

Rain water is captured, stored and re-used for toilet flushing and watering within the gardens and greenhouses.

A recycling point comprising of four Moloks ® will support the sustainability strategy while maintaining an attractive and hygienic environment.

Final Submission - Panel 2

Systems

The proposal aims to contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. To achieve this goal, different systems are proposed:

 -two vertical wind turbines producing approx. 20,000kwh/year;

 -twenty-three photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity

 -a geothermal vertical system to power the underfloor heating.

An automated system provides a single point of control for lighting, heating, and cooling, for maximum efficiency. Each classroom operates independently, according to its designated schedule, so energy is not wasted in rooms that are not in use.

Exhibition

Between 5 and 10 selected groups will develop their design idea into an exhibition. Proposed ideas for the exhibition format had to be included in the submission.

Our final exhibition piece will allow visitors to experience the new building via a virtual world platform.

Visitors will be able to access the virtual model of our proposed building using a computer. They will be able to create their own avatar and tour around the proposed building. The software allows the same virtual world to be accessed by multiple visitors if more than one computer is available at the exhibition. It is also possible to continue this experience from the comfort of the visitor’s home, via the Internet.

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Visit the Facebook Page for this project: http://www.facebook.com/SpaceForLearningInNewRoss

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Why Harvest Rainwater?

As shocking as it could sound it is estimated that one sixth of the world’s population does not have access to clean drinking water.

A villager looking for water

A villager looking for water as he walks in a dried out lake. Photo by Sigit Pamungkas, Reuters.

According to the Irish Times developed cities and regions around the world are beginning to run out of water in advance of the effects of climate change. Many cities, including Dublin, are likely to face severe water demand over the next 20 years. Read more.

These are the key findings of a report published by the European Environment Agency looking at over-use of water across the continent: Europe running out of water.

This should make us all feel more responsible for the water we consume and take all the necessary measures to save as much water as possible.

What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the collection, filtering, storage and use of rainwater. This water is used in non-potable applications, such as:

  • WC and urinal flushing
  • irrigation and landscape watering
  • garden watering
  • vehicle washing
  • domestic laundry

The rainwater harvesting has re-gained its importance as a valuable option or an additional water resource.

There are a number of types of systems to harvest rainwater ranging from very simple to more complex and more efficient systems. Generally, rainwater is either harvested from the ground or from a roof.

The three basic types of rainwater harvesting system available:

  • Gravity (non-pressurised): Collected rainwater is pumped from the main holding tank to an elevated header / break tank. The connected appliances are then supplied from the header / break tank as in a normal Gravity fed system. KingspanWater Gravity System

        Gravity system by KingspanWater.

 

  • Direct (pressurised): Collected rainwater is pump fed direct from the main holding tank to the serviced appliances.

RainHarvesting Irelan Direct Domestic System       

         Direct domestic system by RainHarvesting Ireland.

 

  • Combination: Collected rainwater is pump or gravity fed to a low level break tank. In turn, the water is then gravity fed to an integral or external booster pump system for onward distribution to the serviced appliances.

RainHarvesting Ireland and KingspanWater are currently leading designers and suppliers of sustainable water solutions in Ireland.

Click to view Kingspan’s guide that provides an overview of the key points within BS 8515:2009 -Rainwater harvesting systems – Code of practice.

Posted by Isabel Barros

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