Introduction

Building Services Engineering is the design and management of the internal environment and
environmental impact of a building. Building services engineers are responsible for the design,
installation, operating and monitoring of the mechanical, electrical and public health systems
required for a safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly operation of modern buildings. The
term "building services engineering" is widely used in the United Kingdom, Canada and
Australia, but in the United States of America, the field is also known as architectural
engineering or building engineering, though these terms can also have other meanings, even in
the United States. In India the engineers are known as facilities planners. A Building Services
Architect is an engineer with experience in the integration of all Building Services.
The principles of building services were used to conceptualize and design a one-room
mansion, with the aim of providing all the needs that the occupants would require and to
maximize the comfort and usefulness of the limited spacing. On application of these principles
include providing different lighting based on the rooms, for instance, rooms such as the study
require far more lighting that say the laundry or bathroom, hence the windows need to be
different and also the artificial lighting. Also the living room would require different acoustic
qualities such as long reverberation time, compared to a room used for reading or sleeping.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings are in great demand and to a certain
extent are now expected in modern times. As an engineer, one must take into full consideration
the amount of energy being used when building the structure, and during its lifetime. It is very
important that engineers design building that comply with the principles of sustainable
development and use the smallest amount of energy required. Building services helps the
engineer to maximize the amount of resources produced in the environment to create a
comfortable living area, with little effect on the environment. This report shows how the
principles of Building Services was used in the construction of a one room mansion, and show
the practicality of these principles.

Objectives :

Conceptualize a design for one room house, with considerations for optimal comfort and
use of space.
Ensure that sustainability is taken into consideration when constructing the building.
Ensure that there is harmony between the building and its environment.
Ensure the building is safe and that building codes are observed during its construction.

Part A: Climate and the Built Environment

1

Description of Building Selected

The building which was design in this project was a one story mansion
located in Central Trinidad. It consists of one bedroom, two bathroom, a
kitchen, living room and a study.

Macroclimate
Generally, in the country of Trinidad the climate is warm and humid and can
be characterized by an average internal and external temperature of 26C
and 32C respectively. However, the temperature values tend to vary
throughout the year.

Country

January

January

July

July

Annual

(minimu

(maximum

(minimum)

(maximu

Rainfal

m)

l (cm)

31 C

172.0

m)
Trinidad

21.4 C

)
29.6 C

23 C

&
Tobago
Table 1 : Average temperature and annual rainfall in the Trinidad and Tobago
(www.weather-and-climate.com)

Microclimate

The microclimate of a building may be describe as the climatic features specific to a

building due to its immediate surroundings (McMullan, 2002). This consist of the
effect that the presence of hills, valleys, large bodies of water, shading, wind
direction and other surface features may have on the conditions experienced in a
building and immediately around it. The microclimate of a building can also be
affected by the building itself because of its orientation as it may restrict the flow of
wind or receive excessive sunlight (heat).

The microclimate factors that can affect the internal thermal environment:

Soil
Terrain
Surrounding Buildings
River (water) and trees

Soil
The type of soil present in the area can affect the internal thermal environment of a
building especially in the summer time. Due to lack of rain, loose-dry soil can be
created. Loose-dry soil can be created due to lack of rain. The loose particles of the
soil type can be easily blown into the air as dust and create problems with the
ventilation additionally adding heat to the atmosphere.
Terrain
Contours are used to denote elevation or altitude and depth on maps. From these
contours, a sense of the general terrain can be determined. A contour map is a map
illustrated with contour lines, which thus shows valleys and hills, and the steepness
of slopes. The contour interval of a contour map is the difference in elevation
between successive contour lines. When the lines are close together the magnitude
of the gradient is large: the variation is steep. The building is constructed on flat
gently sloping terrain. This allows for smooth steady winds and proper ventilation
without the damaging defects of high wind. Cooling of the room is done faster

Thermal Comfort
Sun
Solar radiation emitted from the sun makes contact with buildings as a result it is
transferred inside by the means of conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction may be defined as the heat generated by the solar radiation which is
transferred through the building material.

Convection occurs where heat is transferred through a material by the bodily

movement of particles.

The radiation is the direct solar radiation entering the building through an opening.
This heat from the sun adds to the total amount of heat within a room and the
apartment in total. Human beings become uncomfortable at temperatures above
25oC

Measure to control internal and external environmental factors

Orientation of building
Selecting the most optimal building orientation is one of the critical energy
efficient design decisions that could have impact on building envelope energy
performance, as it can be used to minimize the direct sun radiation into the
buildings through windows and building openings.
This orientation lets you consistently harness thermal gain, or consistently
avoid it, along the long face of the building. It also lets you minimize the area thats
subject to faster energy swings from the rising or setting sun. Solar heat gain on
the east side can be acceptable or even useful, because it happens in the morning
after the cooler night; but solar heat gain on the west side is rarely desirable at the
5

end of an already warm day. When laying out the house the direction the sun rises
and sets was taken in to consideration, therefore the house was angled by using the
equation E = W/(m x Cos). By angling the house, no side of the house will be
exposed directly the sunlight hence diminishing the heat gained into the house.

Proposed Orientation Of the House

Fenestration
In the proposed one bedroom house one of the measures used was natural
ventilation in which the wind was allowed to enter and cool the building.
Therefore we decided to use large double hung windows along with timber
hoods which were designed to provide shade from the rain and sun, they are
adjustable allowing between 0 to 100 percent opening hence the amount of
air in and air out can be regulated, additionally the some windows had tinted
glass which can help reduce glare and heat transfer.

Figure 7 shows an example of an double hung window.

Figure 8 shows the timber

hoods used.

The selection of color used on the house was very important in its design and
the decision was made to use a light yellow paint for the external walls. Due
to the fact that light colors reflect heat and hence can prevent walls from
becoming excessively hot where on the other hand dark colors absorb heat
which would then be transferred into the home. Thus, choosing light colors
for the roof and external wall finishes is vital for reducing heat gain and
therefore the need for air conditioning would be decreased.

Figure shows a sample of the pale yellow painted external wall

Shading
Shading is a means of blocking or deflecting the suns energy from directly
making contact with a building. This means that the general indoor
temperature is reduced and thermal comfort increased. The building then
7

requires less energy to maintain that level of comfort and therefore less
energy is used on a whole, which increases the buildings sustainability.
The building in question has no other buildings directly adjacent to it and
therefore has no shading form existing buildings. However, there are several
trees around the building which provide some form of shading, although not
substantial.

Figure 9 Shading By Trees

Materials, Energy consumption and Conservation

The design of the house consists of the following building materials: Cement
products (which includes Concrete, Concrete blocks as well as Plastering and
Grouting), Timber, Glass, Plastic and Coconut fiber for floors and EPS
insulation for the walls.
All of these materials impact on energy consumption be it in their
manufacture, transport to the construction site and ultimately their use
throughout the structure life span.
Concrete

In these modern times concrete is use quite extensively more often than not
throughout the civil environment which can be found in buildings whether
commercial or residential, roads, bridges and dams etc. Due to the fact it is
very durable and also has an extended life span as compared to timber.
Concrete is a compound material where it is a combination of various
materials which includes cement, sand, aggregate and water, a paste is form
due to the chemical reaction between the water and the cement. Cement is
a very important component of concrete and in its creation from raw
resources it requires the use of extensive amounts of fossil fuel addition
cement consumes large quantity of energy. However concrete in buildings
provides good insulation to heat and sound. In this design the use of recycle
aggregate was used to help conserve energy.

Timber
Timber was used for several parts of the apartment. In contrast with most
building materials it imposes less harm to the environment and hence it is
regard as a sustainable material if managed properly. However most of the
timber use in Trinidad and Tobago is imported from outside regions, and thus
is an example in which non-renewable energy consumption can be seen
through shipping from one country to the next. In contrast the use of timber
in homes allows for good air ventilation and as a result can lead to the
reduction of cost in energy consumption. However excessive use of timber
can lead to increase deforestation when the rate of reproduction is exceeded
by the rate of consumption, can have negative effects such as soil erosion,
landslides and increase in Co2 contributing to global warming.

Coconut fiber
Coconut fiber is a locally available material which is effective in insulation
purposes. Due to its insulation ability, it is able to reduce the need for
excessive cooling in the event that air conditioning is installed or fans are
utilized.
Sick building syndrome is normally defined as a poorly understood phenomenon where people
have a range of symptoms related to a certain building, most often a workplace, and there is no
specific identifiable cause (National health services, UK). The symptoms are range from
headaches, dizziness, nausea, aches and pains, fatigue (extreme tiredness), poor concentration,
shortness of breath/chest tightness, eye and throat irritation along with other symptoms. This
phenomenon occurs because of factors such as:

Poor ventilation

Low humidity

High temperature or changes in temperature throughout the day

Airborne particles, such as dust, carpet fibres or fungal spores

Biological contaminants

Poor lighting (Lighting should be adequate for task being done)

Noise pollution.

Measures must be taken so as to prevent this situation from occurring as the persons on the
building team (Engineers, Contractors etc.) are liable if occupants fall sick due to their
negligence.

10

Part B: Thermal Comfort and Heat Gain

When building a one room mansion many factors have to be taken into consideration in order
to achieve optimal thermal comfort. Thermal comfort is defined as the state of mind that
expresses satisfaction with the surrounding environment, in this case the interior of the one-room
building. Temperature is expected to be kept at approximately 200c (Avg. Room temp.) and
humidity between 40 and 70%. The thermal comfort parameters are also governed by many
physiological mechanisms variable for each individual. This will be affected by:
1. Personal - Age, Clothing, Sex, Physique, Activity
2. Physical Temperature, Air velocity, Humidity, Ventilation

Heat Transfer
Heat is the transfer of energy also known as thermal energy from one
body to another due to the temperature difference between two bodies.
Three mechanisms heat is known to be transferred are conduction,
convection and radiation:
Conduction may be describe as when heat is transfer through a solid
substance to another, molecule are heated, it begins to move and shake
11

rapidly as it does so, it passes some of its heat energy to the other
molecules around it. Through this process heat energy is passed from one
object. H = KA (T2 T1)/L.
Convection may be defined as the mass movement of thermal energy in
fluids.

Radiation is the transfer of heat energy by electromagnetic waves.

Can be transferred In a vacuum
Travel in straight lines.
Can be reflected
Thermal bridges
Thermal bridges are junctions where insulation is not continuous and as a
result heat loss occurs, the main thermal bridges in a building can be found
at the junctions of floors, cross walls; roofs, low floors. However Insulating
materials are used to improve the thermal insulation of buildings. They are
generally of low density to prevent heat conduction through the material or
of high reflectance to reduce heat gains via radiation. Air spaces, though a
poor conductor of heat via conduction, is known to be a relatively good
conductor when circulation is allowed and convection currents flow. Common
insulating materials include mineral wool which also improves the acoustic
properties of a room and more recently coconut fiber.
Insulating Materials
Building insulating materials are thermal insulators in the construction
industry, hence these materials help prevent the transfer of thermal energy
by conduction, radiation or convection. Thus, by allowing this to occur,
favorable conditions can be achieved such as thermal comfort and the
amount of energy needed to keep the room cooled would be reduced. Some
of the materials used are:

Aerated concrete blocks

EPS Insulation

12

In addition, the materials mentioned above have some or most of the

following properties:

Suitable thermal insulation

Moisture content

Fire resistance

Compatibility with adjacent materials

Harmless to human and the environment

Heat Gains
Heat gains can be divided into several categories: fabric heat gains, solar
heat gains and casual heat gains:

Fabric heat gains occur due to heat transferred from the external
environment into the inside of a building via the building envelope or
fabric which includes the walls, roof, flooring, etc.

Solar heat gains occur though fenestration (windows) which allow for sun
radiation to enter the building.

Casual heat gains arise from activities and appliances within the building
itself; for instance, the heat give off by the respiration of human
occupants.

Heat Balance
This occurs when the sum of all the different heat gains (fabric, solar and
casual heat gains) and the heat losses (ventilation) of the building is zero
which means the building is losing as much heat as it gains.
Buildings usually require cooling or heating to keep inside temperature
constant for thermal comfort of the occupants. After the determination of the
heat gains, the extra energy required in balancing these losses and gains can
be calculated via the following equation.

13

Energy for heating/ cooling + Ventilation Heat loss = Solar Heat gain + Fabric
Heat gain + Casual Heat Gain

Calculation of heat gain for Building in Project

Area of walls, windows and doors (quantity length width)
Area of windows 1 = 52.41.2 = 14.4 m2 , Area of windows 2 = 41.21.2 = 5.76 m2
Area of doors = 220.9 = 3.6 m2
Area of walls 1 = 2133 = 78 m2 , Area of walls 2 = 293 = 54 m2
Effective area of wall= Total area of wall (Area of doors + Area of windows)
= 132 m2 (3.6+5.76+14.4) = 108.24
Fabric Heat Calculation

Table 1: Fabric Heat calculation

Ventilation Heat Calculation

Using formula Pv =

C v NV T
, where Pv = rate of ventilation loss, Cv = volumetric specific
3600

heat capacity of air, N= air infiltration rate for room, V= volume of room, T= Difference
P =0.33 NV T
between outside and inside temp. The formula used in practice is v
.
V= 38.7127= 331.47 m3
T= 110c
N=1
14

Pv= 0.331331.4711= 1203.24 Watts

Solar Heat Calculation

Heat Gain/unit area

Hnorth-east
Hsouth-west
Hsouth-east
Hnorth-west
24.48
27.2
27.2
24.48

Wall area m2
heat gain
Wall/Window Ratio=

39
954.72
0

39
1060.8

27
734.4
Total W =

27
660.96
3410.88W

Table 2: Solar Heat Calculation

Casual Heat Calculation

Table 3: Casual Heat Gain

Condensation

15

Table 4: Showing Temperature at each Interface

16

Table 5: Showing Dew Point at each Interface

17

Chart 1: Showing Plot of Temperature gradient and Dew point Gradient

Cooling Load Design

Cooling Energy needed (P) = Heat losses Heat gains
P = (solar heat gains + casual heat gains) - (fabric loss + Ventilation loss)
= (3410.88+5480) (2613.27 +1203.24) = 3816.51 8890.88 = 5074.37 Watts
So P= 5074.37 J/s, therefore to get work per hour 5074.37 6060= 18,267,723 J/h

The use of an air condition unit is used in the apartment in order to get the heat out the room. The
heat obtained by the room is 18,267,723 J/h or 18,268 KJ/h
Assuming: 12,000 Btu/h = 12,661 kJ/h
Hence: 18,268 KJ/h would require 18,267 KJ/h 12,661 = 1.443
Therefore: 1.44312,000 = 17,313 Btu/h
Thus an AC unit corresponding to 17,313 Btu/h

AC system

18

Wall Section

Floor Section

19

Heat Measuring Equipment

Thermal imagers/ Infrared Cameras- A thermo graphic camera or infrared camera is a device that
forms an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using
visible light. Instead of the 450750 nanometre range of the visible light camera, infrared
cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm (14 m).
The human eye cannot see the heat energy emitted by materials; this is because of the
wavelength at which they radiate energy. The Images help us see the heat emitted from materials,
allowing detection of any abnormalities in the building. The device works by measuring the
amount of radiation emitted by materials into the atmosphere and representing the measurements
graphically in a coloured image. Hot/warm objects will usually appear as bright yellow, red or
white colours on the camera, while colder objects will usually appear as dark blue, purple or
green.

Infrared images

Infrared Imaging Device

20

Part C: Lighting
Light may be defined as the electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength
whether noticeable or not. Furthermore three important properties of light
consist of intensity, brightness, polarization, direction of the wave oscillation
and frequency or wavelength. Light allows persons to see. Additionally it can
be provided from the sun or artificially, meaning by heat energy via
electricity.
Comfort Parameters
The comfort parameters for lighting in the room are affected by the
following:

Simplicity of Access to Light Switches and Artificial Lighting Lamps

Presence of glare in the room
Efficiency of lighting
Heat generated by artificial lighting
Degree of contrast

Simplicity of Access to Light Switches and Artificial Lighting Lamps

Light switch locations can affect the comfort levels within a room in terms of
its accessible therefore they should be simply made reachable from certain
locations. The switches in the apartments rooms are positioned in arms
reach of where you are, example: the lamp for the desk has a switch two feet
away from the person using the desk; the lamp for the sink has a switch
situated one foot above it. Along with the switches the lamps can be easily
reached. This is good in case there is need for lamp replacement or repair.
Presence of Glare
When it comes to comfort as it pertains to lighting the presence of glare
plays a major role. Hence a rooms lighting should be completed in such a
manner that glare doesnt exist or it is significantly reduced as a result of
various health infirmities directly caused by glare, example migraines.
Efficiency of Lighting
The requirements of a room must be satisfied by the balance of natural and
artificial light. Furthermore the efficiency of an electric lighting source is
determined by two aspects:
21

The electromagnetic radiation visibility.

The speed at which the source transforms electric power into

electromagnetic radiation.

Hence the room should be designed in such a way to ensure the light doesnt
cover the complete room but instead be placed in such an area where it is
required utmost. Consequently the room is capable to function as both a
bedroom and a work space. Illustrated in the room plan lights are located at
strategic points in which being the sink, the desks and above the bed areas.
The lighting is efficient as the room has more than one function and cannot
be restricted to a particular lighting
Heat Produced by Artificial Lighting
The heat produced by artificial lighting is a major issue in relation to heat
gain within a room. However lamps are known to produce light as well as
heat. Moreover some lamps release more heat than others. In the design of
apartment fluorescents lamps were used due to the fact that they are
predominantly more energy efficient and produce less heat, unlike
incandescent lamps that 90% of its energy consumed is discharged as heat
instead of visible light.

Degree of Contrast
Contrast maybe defined as the difference in brightness or colour between
two parts of the visual field, According to McMullan R. Environmental Science
in Building, Fifth Edition. In respect to lighting with in a room the level of
contrast is a very significant aspect to be resolved. Additionally too high a
contrast or too low a contrast can likewise lead to discomfort to an occupant
of a room as a result of the straining of the eyes due to the poor contrast
level of the room causing an uncomfortable environment conditions .
Daylight Factor
Daylight factor may be defined as the ratio, which is expressed as a percentage, of
daylight illuminance obtained at a specified point within a room to the simultaneous
illuminance on a horizontal plane outside exposed to an unobstructed sky. Hence it
provides an approximation of the natural light reaching work surfaces within a room.
Furthermore a room which has a daylight factor of 5% or more is considered a welllit room.

22

It is therefore important to know the daylight factor of a room as. The daylight
factor is the ratio of the actual illuminance at a point in a room to the illuminance
provided on by an unobstructed hemisphere of the same sky. The daylight factor is
a combination of three components: sky component, SC; externally reflected
component, ERC; and internally reflected component, IRC. The equation below
denotes this:
DF = SC + ERC + IRC
Using the manual method with BRE (British Research Establishment) protractor for
CIE (Commission Internationale dEclairage) sky:
The Sky component of the above formula would be determined by using the
Building Research Station daylight protractor. The figure below shows the
protractor.

BRS Sky Component Protractor for Vertical Glazing

The Daylight Factor will be calculated using the following equation

D.F. = SC + ERC + IRC
Where:

D.F. = Daylight Factor

SC = Sky Component
ERC = Externally Reflected Component
IRC = Internally Reflected Component
23

Using the Floor Plan and Section drawings of the one-room mansion, together with a
similar daylight protractor, values of the daylight factor at certain grid points in the room can be
obtained manually.

Primary scale: Top reading = 14 %Bottom reading = 2.5 %

Uncorrected sky component = 14 - 2.5 = 11.5%

24

Auxiliary Scale: Top reading = 0.22, Bottom reading = 0.28

Correction factor = 0.50

Sky component = Uncorrected sky component x correction factor

= 11.5 x 0.50 = 5.75 %
CALCULATING INTERNAL REFLECTED COMPONENT
The average internal reflectance will be calculated using the BRS inter reflection formula, which
is shown below,
IRC =

0.85 W
x ( C R fw + 5 R cw )
A ( 1R )

Where:

W = Area of Window
A = Total area of ceiling, floor and walls including window (A)
R = Average reflectance of ceiling, floor and all walls, including window
(expressed as a fraction)

25

Rfw = Average reflectance of the room below mid-height of the window

(excluding window wall)
Rcw = Average reflectance of the room above mid-height of the window
(excluding window wall)
C = A coefficient. Value dependent on obstruction outside window
CALCULATING AVERAGE REFLECTANCE

Table 6: Average Reflectance

Calculating Rfw = Average reflectance of the room below mid-height of the window (excluding
window wall)

Table 7

Calculating Rcw = Average reflectance of the room above mid-height of the window

26

Table 8
Using the coefficient of 20 degrees.
Therefore C = 31
0.854.32
( ( 310.29 )+ ( 50.55 ) ) =
Average IRC = 350.73 ( 10.44 )

0.22%

Minimum IRC = 0.67 x Average IRC = 0.67 * 0.22% = 0.15%

ERC = SC/5 = 5.75/5 = 1.15
Daylight Factor = 5.75 + 1.15 +0.15 = 7.05 %

Artificial Lighting
Artificial light obtains its energy from electricity, it can be turned on and off
at a flick of a switch. Hence it can be describe as any lighting which is
neither sunlight nor moonlight and consequently can be describe as an
unnatural light source and is man-made. Additionally artificial light unlike
natural lights does not fluctuate and therefore yields a consistent percentage
of light as long as it is switch on where on the other hand natural lighting is
limited. In the apartment design a mixture of natural and artificial lights were
used and hence the two main types of artificial lights that were focus on are
incandescent and gas discharge.
Incandescent maybe describes as a light bulb that attains its energy
from electrical current, its artificial light is created with a filament wire
which is heated to a high temperature by an electric current passing
through it, until it glows . Furthermore the hot filament is protected from
oxidation with a glass bulb that is filled with inert gas. However most
incandescent bulbs convert less than 5% of the energy they use into
visible light with the remaining energy being converted into heat
27

 Gas discharge is an artificial light which produce light by transferring

electrical discharge through an ionized gas. However the character of the
gas discharge depends on the pressure of the gas as well as the
frequency of the current. Tubular fluorescent lamps are one example of
gas discharge bulbs and in the construction industry they are known to be
very energy efficient hence they were the most economical solution for
general lighting applications in the design.
Artificial light design
During the design of the apartment the Lumen Method was used to
determine the amount of artificial light fittings necessary to spread light over
all regions to achieve the standard specifications. The lumen method of
design follows:
N=

ExA
F x UF x LLF

Where:
N = Number of lamp fittings required
E = Illuminance level required (lux)
A = Area at working plane height (m2)
F = Initial luminous flux output of each lamp (lm)
UF = Utilization Factor
LLF = Light Loss Factor
The utilization factor is governed by the reflectance of the room surfaces as
well as the type of lamp chosen to be used. Hence this is calculated by the
Room Index (RI) which formula follows:

RI =

L W
H m (L W )

Lighting For Study Area

L Length of room = 4.2 m
W Width of room = 3.1 m
28

Hm Mounting Height of Luminary = 0.85m from floor level

RI =

4.2 x 3.1
0.85 x (3.1+ 4.2)
RI = 2.1

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 for Stipulated Illuminance Levels

Type of
Building

Space

Dwelling House

Illuminanc
e (lux)

Kitchen
study
area

300
300

Lamp type selected - A 75W fluorescent lamp with luminous efficacy of

90lm/W
Ceiling Reflectance= 0.3 Wall Reflectance = 0.3
Utilization factor = 0.39
Area of study = 3.1 x 4.2 = 13.02
From codes: LLF = 0.95
F = 75 x 90 = 6750lm
Recommended from table: E = 300lux

N=

300 x 13.02
6750 x 0.39 x 0.95

N = 2 Fluorescent lamps

Spacing of lamps: 2.1 x 0.85 = 1.7 m

Lighting for Bedroom

L Length of room = 4.7 m
29

W Width of room = 6.7 m

Hm Mounting Height of Luminary = 0.85m from floor level
RI =

4.7 x 6.7
0.85 x (4.7+6.7)
RI = 3.25

Lamp type selected - A 75W fluorescent lamp with luminous efficacy of

90lm/W
Ceiling Reflectance= 0.3 Wall Reflectance = 0.3
Utilization factor (found using linear intrapolation) = 0.46
Area of study = 3.1 x 4.2 = 31.49m
From codes: LLF = 0.95
F = 75 x 90 = 6750lm
Recommended from table: E = 300lux

N=

300 x 31.49
6750 x 0.46 x 0.95

N = 3 Fluorescent lamps

Spacing of lamps: 3.25 x 0.85 = 3 m

External/Emergency Lights
When constructing a building it is necessary to place external lights and emergency lights
so that the outside of the building has sufficient lighting during the night and dark conditions. An
emergency light is a battery-backed lighting device that comes on automatically when a building
experiences a power outage. Emergency lights are standard in new commercial and high
occupancy residential buildings, such as college dormitories. Most building codes require that
they be installed in older buildings as well. These lights help to provide security for the
30

occupants, especially when they arrive home in the nights, so they can be aware of their
surroundings.
The following diagram provides an idea of how the lights would be placed around the building.

Part D: Acoustics
Sound
Sound may be defined as variations in the pressure of air which produce an
effect in the ears and brain. Furthermore it is form of energy transferred by a
series of pressure pulses. However in contrast noise may be describe as unwanted sound which affects the human comfort level. Noise can lead to
31

annoyance, aggression, hypertension, high stress levels, hearing loss, sleep

disturbances and tinnitus, which can lead to forgetfulness severe depression
and panic attacks.
Noise transfer
Noise is transferred into buildings by different mechanisms. Two main types
of sound involved are:

Airborne sound:- May be describe as sound which travels through the air
before it reach and react with its surroundings. Typical sources of
airborne sound include radios, musical instruments, voices, traffic and
television.

Impact sound:- May be describe as sound generated on structures.

Typical sources of impact sound include footsteps, slammed doors and
windows, noisy pipes.

Sound insulation
Sound insulation is the reduction in sound energy transmitted into an
adjoining air space (p.215, McMullan 2002).In addition Insulation is the
principal method of controlling both airborne sound and impact sound in
buildings. Good sound insulation depends upon the following general
principles:
Heaviness: - The high density of heavyweight materials restricts the size of
the sound vibrations inside the material so that the final face of the
structure, such as the inside wall of a room, vibrates with less movement
than for a lightweight material.
Flexibility: - Stiffness is a physical property of a structure and depends upon
factors such as the elasticity of the materials and the fixing of the structure.
Therefore flexible materials have good insulation properties because they are
less likely to undergo resonance or coincidence and therefore increase sound
transmission.
Completeness: - Areas of reduced insulation or small gaps in the construction
of a wall have a far greater effect on overall insulation than is usually
appreciated. The completeness of a structure depends upon airtightness and
uniformity.
Isolation: - Discontinuous construction can be effective in reducing the
transmission of sound through a structure. As the sound is converted to
different wave motions at the junction of different materials, energy is lost
and a useful amount of insulation is gained.

32

Reverberation
Reverberation may be described as an enhancement of a sound due to rapid
multiple reflections between the surfaces of a room (McMullan 2002). In
addition they are so rapid the human ear interprets them as one sound but
the distinct repeat of the original sound cannot be recognized. However in
contrast to reverberation, an echo is a delay in reflection where a distinct
repeat of the original sound can be heard.
Reverberation time is the time taken for a sound to decay by 60dB from its original
level. Reverberation time is calculated using: T R

0.16 V
A

Where: TR reverberation time (s)

V Volume of the room (m3)
A Total absorption of room surfaces (m2 sabins)
A = (surface area absorption coefficient)

Calculations using actual house

Surface
Floor
Ceiling
Occupants
(people)
Walls

Absorption
A-area (m2)
Coefficient
108.24
108.24
5
110.49

Abs.
units
0.05
5.412
0.1
10.824
0.46
0.02

Total

2.3
2.2098
20.745
8

V = 3 8.7 12.7 = 331.47 m3

0.16 331.47

TR
= 2.56 seconds
20.75
Reverberation time required to be less than 1 second, the absorption required to take the
reverberation time to 1 second:
1

0.16 331.47
A

, Hence

A=

0.16 x 331.47
1

= 53 sabins
33

Extra Absorption needed: 53- 20.75 = 32.25 sabins

Airborne and Impact Sound Insulation
Airborne sound insulation is important for both walls and floors. Airborne
sound insulation between rooms can be measured by generating a steady
sound of a particular frequency in one room (the source room) and
comparing it with sound in a second adjacent room (the receiving room).
These measurements are made at a number of different frequencies. The
difference between the two levels is referred to as the level difference D. This
level difference is influenced by the amount of acoustic absorption in the
receiving room. When a sound wave reaches a surface it will be partly
reflected off the surface back into the room and continue travelling in a new
direction, and it will be partly absorbed by the surface. The sound absorption
of a room can be estimated by measuring the reverberation time T. The
reverberation time is the time taken for the reverberant noise to decay by 60
dB. A sound created in a room with a long reverberation time will sound
louder than the same sound created in a room with a short reverberation
time. In order that airborne sound insulation measurements in different
buildings may be compared, the level differences can be adjusted to a
standard reverberation time of 0.5 seconds

34

Impact insulation is generally only relevant to floors. A standard impact sound

source (a tapping machine consisting of automated hammers) is used to strike the
floor repeatedly at a standard rate. The resulting sound in the receiving (downstairs)
room is measured and this value is termed the impact sound pressure level L.
Measurements in buildings can be standardized to a reverberation time of 0.5
seconds.

35

Sound Insulation Standards

The updated Standards of sound Insulation in the building regulations for
England and Wales are designed to provide extra sound insulation compared to that
achieved in the past.
A common method of meeting the requirements of sound insulation
regulations is to adopt standard approved construction. A few of these standard
constructions are summarized in the Table below.

36

Sound Measuring Devices

A sound level meter may be defined as an instrument which is made to
give measurements of sound. Hence the meter converts the variations in air
pressure to variations of voltage which are amplified and displayed on an
electrical meter calibrated in decibels. Sound level meters can be small
enough to be hand-held and are supplied in several grades of accuracy.

Sound level Meter

37

Part E Electricity Supply

Single Phase Electric Supply

A single-phase electric power refers to the distribution of alternating

current electric power using a system in which all the voltages of the supply
vary in unison. Single-phase distribution is used when loads are mostly
lighting and heating, with few large electric motors. A single-phase supply
connected to an alternating current electric motor does not produce a
revolving magnetic field; single-phase motors need additional circuits for
starting, and such motors are uncommon above 10 or 20 kW in rating.

Application of Single Phase Electric Supply

Single-phase power distribution is widely used especially in rural areas, where the cost of a threephase distribution network is high and motor loads are small and uncommon.
High power systems, say, hundreds of kVA or larger, are nearly always three phase. The largest
supply normally available as single phase varies according to the standards of the electrical utility. In
the UK a single-phase household supply may be rated 100 A or even 125 A, meaning that there is

38

little need for 3 phase in a domestic or small commercial environment. Much of the rest of Europe
has traditionally had much smaller limits on the size of single phase supplies resulting in even
houses being supplied with 3 phase.

Three Phase Electric Supply

Three Phase Electric Power
Three-phase electric power is a common method of alternating-current electric power
generation, transmission, and distribution. It is a type of polyphase system and is the most
common method used by electrical grids worldwide to transfer power. It is also used to power
large motors and other heavy loads. A three-phase system is usually more economical than an
equivalent single-phase or two-phase system at the same voltage because it uses less conductor
material to transmit electrical power. However in this case, the single phase power supply is
better for domestic dwellings.
A three-phase circuit combines three alternating currents of the same frequency, each 120
degrees out of phase with each other. This produces three separate "waves" of power, as
represented below. The power in a 3threephase power supply never drops to zero, but in singlephase the power falls to zero 3 times per cycle. Thus, in a 3-phase power supply, the power
delivered is constant.

39

Diagram Showing connection of power lines to house

40

Expected Power Usage and Supply needed

Appliance

Power usage

Washing machine
Clock radio
Clothes iron
Printer

400
10
1000
45

Computer

150

25" Television

150

Toaster

750

Air-conditioning
Flourescent lamps (11)

28800
90

Blender

300

Refridgerator 12 cu. Ft.

275

Microwave

800

Measures take to reduce Energy and Power Consumption

Energy can be conserved a number of ways in the room. Some of these are:
1. Using Fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.
2. Only using light when it is needed.
3. Reducing the wattage of bulbs used.
4. Using insulated wires which would reduce the amount of current wasted or held by the
wires.
5. Using computers, washing machines or equipment that has an energy star logo, this
means that it is very efficient and does not use as much energy.

41

6. Hanging out the clothes, using dryer only when enough heat is not in the atmosphere.
7. Using the Air condition unit when needed, like in summer where the days would hotter
than the rainy season.
8. Using a gas stove to boil water instead of using an electric kettle.
9. Using the television and computer for entertainment less, instead engage in outdoor
activities.
These are just a few ways in which energy can be saved. Energy conservation is also very
dependent on what persons do for their careers and jobs.
Calculation for Power usage per year
Appliance
Washing machine
Clock radio
Clothes iron
Printer
Computer
25" Television
Toaster
Air-conditioning
Flourescent
lamps (11)
Blender
Refridgerator 12
cu. Ft.
Microwave

Power usage Hours used in

Days used in
Total energy for
(W)
a day
week
year (W)
400
0.3
2
12480
10
14
6
43680
1000
0.06
3
9360
45
0.13
2
608.4
150
8
6
374400
150
4
6
187200
750
0.05
5
9750
28800
0.6
4
3594240
90
300

7
0.1

7
3

229320
4680

275
24
800
0.23
Total Power Required =

7
5

2402400
47840
6915958.4

Total Power required per year = 6916 kW

42

Health and Safety

People are injured when they become part of the electrical circuit. Humans
are more conductive than the earth (the ground we stand on) which means if
there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies. In
order to prevent this we must exercise extreme caution and follow health
and safety regulations. Some general safety tips are:

Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords,

power bars, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use.
Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.

Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of

amperage or wattage that you are using.

Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger
size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.

43

Preliminary Energy Audit

The following properties are important for the energy audit.
1. Thermal Properties the walls and floor were built with insulating materials
2. Cooling Load 28,800 Btu was the size of the air- conditioner unit calculated
requirement to assist in cooling down the overall heat gains of the one room house.
3. Lighting The power requirements for lighting within the one room mansion was reduce
by the use of fluorescent lamps with a luminous efficacy of 90lm/W
T & TEC Rates Billing rates obtained from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity
Commission are indicated in the table below
. The range mentioned applies to a two month period, so dividing the annual power usage of the
mansion by six would give a value falling within the range of 1 400 kWh.
kW/h Range

Cost per kW/h

1 - 400 kWh

$0.25 TT

401 - 1,000 kWh

$0.32 TT

Over 1,000 kWh

$0.37 TT

The total energy cost to operate the one-room mansion in one year:
6916 x 0.37 = $ 2558.92

44

Part F: Waste Water and Drainage

Water supply is the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organizations,

community endeavours or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes. Water plays
an important in the life of human civilization. Water is needed for drinking, bathing, washing and
waste disposal. The hydrological system is also very important as it is the way how water is
cycled throughout the earth, it is necessary that this cycle be maintained and not disturbed as it
will be detrimental to all living organisms.
Waste water treament
Waste water or Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from
wastewater and household sewage, both runoff (effluents), domestic, commercial and
institutional. It includes physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove physical,
chemical and biological contaminants. Its objective is to produce an environmentally safe fluid
waste stream (or treated effluent) and a solid waste (or treated sludge) suitable for disposal or
reuse (usually as farm fertilizer). Using advanced technology it is now possible to re-use sewage
effluent for drinking water.
The typical sources of wastes water from the house are:

Kitchen waste.

Bathroom waste.

Rain from roof and yard (storm water).

In buildings a drainage system is normally used where water flows by gravity and carries
along small amounts of solids. Furthermore other that moving the waste water, this system also
needs to satisfy the following technical specifications:

Protection from health risk.

Protection from foul air.

Self-cleansing of system by normal flows.

Easy access to all parts.

Protection from extremes of weather.

Minimal chance of blockage.

.
45

In the house a separate drainage systems was used. Hence the surface water is kept in
separate drains and disposed in separate sewers than the foul water. However a septic tank and
water tank was used in the wastewater drainage system.
Waste water Systems
Water tank - water tank is a container for storing water in this design the tank was located
underground and it was use to collect rain for irrigation agriculture etc.
Soak-away pit - A soak away pit allows the liquid from a septic tank to soak away into the soil,
or other medium naturally.
Septic tank- A tank, typically underground, in which sewage is collected and allowed to
decompose through bacterial activity before draining by means of a leaching field

Grease traps- (also known as grease interceptors, grease recovery devices and grease converters)
are plumbing devices designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a
wastewater disposal system.

46

Manhole A small covered opening in a floor, pavement, or other surface to allow a person to
enter, esp. an opening in a city street leading to a sewer.

Diagram of Waste water systems

47

References
48

http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jsd/article/viewFile/8580/7281
http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/buildingorientation#sthash.ikYSntvQ.dpuf
http://www.ashraethailand.org/download/ashraethailand_org/pub_tawee.buildingenv
elope.pdf
https://ttec.co.tt/services/tariffs/images/TTECRatesSummaryEffective1Sept2009.gif

http://www.emergencylighting.net/types-of-emergency-lights/
http://www.bre.co.uk/
http://www.orbee.org/images/5cc-resource-files/1312447045_thermal-conductivity-of-buildingmaterials.pdf
http://roar.uel.ac.uk/1491/
McMullan, Randall. 2007. Environmental Science in Building (Sixth Edition). Palgrave
Macmillan, Hampshire.

http://www.csemag.com/single-article/fire-and-life-safety-emergencylighting/924837a1eb33386283ffd5d151cf3701.html

49