Comfortable and Cosy surroundings
Maintaining the temperature, humidity and air mobility of any space is always a challenge for any architect or designer today. Indoor microclimate conditions depend on several parameters related mainly to the building destination, envelope materials and orientation, its technological equipment, and to the specific region climate. The use of right shading can induce energy savings also in winter, by reducing heat losses from the external surface during mainly the night. The hardship is that choosing the right method of cooling or heating is not the only thing to worry about. If you want a comfortable microclimate, and continuously monitor the indicators and regulate the work of the technology we bring you options to achieve it easily! We want to address those factors that impact comfort, including humidity, changing weather conditions, sunlight in a space and even how a user’s metabolic cycle affects what feels hot or cold to them.
Most efficient air conditioning!
Until very recently we as architects fully relied on HVAC consultants for pitching and designing the perfect air conditioning layout for our projects. Only to realise very soon that the efficiency of the plant largely depends on the area of the room, the orientation, position, materials used and so much more. We are headed towards a performance-based building. HVAC systems need to be planned and integrated with the architecture and design of the building during the initial phase. This will ensure proper planning of the aesthetics as well as cooling functionality. Integrating HVAC and mechanical system into the architecture design is one of the challenges faced by architects. This is especially so when the building is working towards performance-based design which include energy performance level. Hence, we assist in bridging the gap and make sure neither the efficiency of the unit nor the architectural design is sacrificed.
Cooling spaces at a budget!
For smaller scaled projects or individual room demands, we always opt for smaller air conditioning unit. They prove to be much more efficient, cost reducing and easy to manage as well. Air-conditioning system design is governed by either thermal comfort condition or special requirement for material or processes. We can’t emphasise enough the importance of thinking about air conditioning system design early in the planning stages of the renovation or build project. We carry out a detailed site survey and study the basic layout plans to understand the space. Then we calculate the required heating and/or cooling load to identify which unit will be the most suitable in the space and the required capacity of the unit. We discuss the options and make recommendations based on the design and requirement followed by identifying the optimum positions for the units. This process makes it easier for the installer as well as the client and is never a hurdle in the desired aesthetics planned by the architect/designer.
Magic shading devices!
Awnings are the perfect “smart” addition to any space. The awnings can be completely autonomous by default so one never has to search for a remote or remember to extend or retract the awnings. Awnings help to keep the temperature just right whether in homes, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, shops or urban parks while also reducing the carbon footprint and saving money! One can configure their preferences and manually operate the awnings whenever the please. The awnings can also automatically detect and react to excessive motion due to windy conditions. There are quite a few awnings that use solar power to charge the battery it operates on, eliminating the need for any electrical wiring to the building! Imagine the patio awnings adjusting automatically to weather conditions thanks to the sun and wind sensors. When the sun starts to beat down, the awning extends while when the wind starts blowing, it retracts automatically.
Blinds and Curtains
Motorised window treatments that can open and close on command, on a schedule, or even based on room occupancy are the ultimate finishing touch we need for any smart project today. Like smart lighting, smart window treatments offer a lot of benefits in terms of convenience, security, and energy conservation. These blinds or curtains can be opened and closed simply by a remote control, touching a button, or through a smartphone. These shading devices will actually know whether to close during the hottest part of the day, to reduce HVAC usage or to open during a sunny day in the winter to allow the sun to heat a room naturally. The integration of thermostats can help in sensing that a room is getting too hot and close the shades instead of turning on the air conditioning or do the reverse when it knows a room is cooler than it should be. In fact, opening the blinds can trigger smart lighting to turn off, and vice versa. There’s a safety angle, too: They can help fool would-be burglars into thinking a home is occupied by opening and closing the blinds at a schedule.
Efficient irrigation plans!
With the world’s population approaching 8 billion, water is becoming more and more scarce. Up to 70% of world’s water consumption is used for irrigation. It is not surprising that this is also where most of the water withdrawals are wasted. Up to half of the water we spend on irrigation is wasted due to inefficient irrigation methods. Smart irrigation systems tailor watering schedules and run times automatically to meet specific landscape needs. These controllers significantly improve outdoor water use efficiencies. They can simplify lawn and garden care, and reduce water consumption. Instead of fixed timers, these systems draw on data from sensors, weather forecasts and plant-care databases to determine watering needs and deliver just enough moisture at just the right time. Lower your water bill, and check up on your plants from anywhere in the world using mobile and web apps.
Stars at a command!
Skylights are like a private window to the universe. Mornings, the sunlight gets in, and at night, you get to stargaze! It offers the comfort and energy savings of free daylight and fresh air. The added convenience of remote control and built-in rain sensors make it the ultimate solution to add to a smart/ intelligent building project. Skylights are designed for flat or low slope roofing applications where the spaces can benefit from natural light; thereby reducing energy load.
Retractable roofs are a great way to liven any outdoor or indoor space. The options of glass, wood or fabric is always there to fit any kind of aesthetics. While these roofing systems have been vastly used for stadiums all over the world, they are now a fun element to add to Atriums, hotel rooms and even homes. Great for outdoor sitting areas, patios, next to swimming pools and open restaurants! We advice to explore and make use of this feature for a head turning experience!