Type of Project: Farmhouse/Residential

Design Architect: Dhi Space Architects

Sustainability Consultant: Reinvent Design Technologies LLP

Services: Energy modeling, Solar analysis, Microclimatic analysis, Artificial & daylight analysis, Natural ventilation and CFD, Dynamic thermal simulation, thermal comfort, renewable potential, Construction materials & LCA analysis

Mr. Bhoir Farmhouse project is designed by “Dhi Space Architects”, sustainability consultant “Reinvent Design Technologies LLP (RDT)” is appointed for the performance validation and optimization from conceptual stage up to execution stage. It’s a traditional-style eco-friendly farmhouse on a large plot of land in the outskirts of Bhiwandi. Project will feature a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, several bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment areas with swimming pool. The design of the farmhouse is intended to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment, with plenty of windows and outdoor spaces to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and countryside.

RDT has worked with design architect from early design stage, performed microclimatic analysis and provided input for passive design strategies and guideline for material selection based on thermal performance of the assembly. Sun-path analysis, building block massing development, WWR % and building orientation iteration studies performed to achieve optimum design as per architect’s design intent. Daylight simulation is also performed for various critical days and times of the year to maintain sufficient daylight throughout the day inside the habitable spaces and avoid unnecessary glare. Artificial lighting simulation was also performed for fixtures selection & placement to maximize the efficiency and light output ratio. Building envelope, sloping roof overhang, extended verandah and waterbodies are planned in such a way that external walls will be shaded for maximum time and direct solar exposure can be minimized to stop heat gain from external walls. Insolation analysis is performed for decision making and accordingly design is optimized for maximum envelope performance with the use of CSEB (compressed Stabilized Earth Block) for low U-value.

Construction assembly of the entire building (for external walls, flooring, roof, external glazing) is worked out after testing various combinations of better performing materials through dynamic thermal simulations throughout the year to minimize heat gain from envelope. For example in sloping roof, double layered terracotta tiles assembly is used. Considering the design intent of natural ventilation and no mechanical cooling, window opening, position and cross ventilation via central open to sky courtyard is also simulated and tested via air flow driven by wind pressure and buoyancy forces. External CFD analysis is performed to analyze wind direction, velocity, and positive and negative pressure zones around the structure. Using all the performance validation strategies and responsive design decision it helped the project to achieve maximum energy efficiency, better thermal comfort and with the use of local construction materials CO2 emission is also reduced. The embodied energy of the project is also considerably less as compared to benchmark standards due to locally sourced materials such as CSEB blocks, basalt stone, recycled wood and so on. Predicted annual operational energy use will be reduced due to high performance passive design strategies used in the project.