Sol design + consulting

The firm tested a few different design iterations to achieve its net-zero energy and daylighting goals. First, six forms were modeled in SketchUp and analyzed in Sefaira with the goal of maintaining at least 200 lux daylighting for 60% of the year in the main living areas. 

The final design incorporated a narrow plate, compact shape, taller windows, and an interior “light well.”  Once the ideal conceptual design was found, the challenge of maintaining a steady, passive temperature in a mixed climate with very cold winters and hot, humid summers was addressed. Eleven design strategies were analyzed using Sefaira, leading to the decision to specify an Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) and a combination of small fixed overhangs and operable shading screens over the south-facing windows.

Read more: https://blog.sketchup.com/home/tips-for-designing-a-net-zero-energy-home

Net Zero Energy Home, a post-occupancy assessment

Sefaira’s analysis is nimble enough to keep up with the pace of conceptual and schematic design. Run full annual simulations powered by industry-accredited analysis engines, and get your building performance results in minutes instead of weeks. The metrics you need Energy use and carbon emissions Understand your design’s impact on energy cost and CO2 emissions while also measuring the potential impact of a renewable system. Thermal comfort See how shading improves operative temperatures and measure the impact of window openings on air temperature. Daylight Choose between Daylight Factor, Direct Sun Exposure, and Annual Daylight outputs (including Spatial Daylight Autonomy sDA). HVAC Quickly assess the impact of your architectural features on HVAC sizes and generate preliminary sizes to improve cost estimation.

Sefaira

Bring your sketches to life: From schematic design to construction documentation, SketchUp’s 3D architectural design software gets the (whole) job done. Visualize in no time: SketchUp is designed to behave like your hand — more like a pencil than complicated 3D modeling software. SketchUp gets out of your way so you can draw whatever you can imagine, efficiently. Throughout the design-build process, SketchUp helps you analyze problems and get the project under construction. Create construction documents: SketchUp isn’t just for 3D modeling — it’s also great for communicating your designs in 2D. Draw plans, elevations, sections, build details, and finish it off with your title blocks. SketchUp is remarkably accurate, so you can be sure that anyone working on the project will have the information they need to get the job done. The best part: when your model changes, so does your document. Simple. Present to impress: Tell a richer story with your model using animations, images, and videos. Create flyovers and walkthroughs that glide clients through your project. Clearly communicate your design vision by exporting high-quality images and videos that show variations and details. Want to impress your clients even more? Immerse them in projects using our augmented and virtual reality apps and watch the “wow’s” roll in. Optimize your workflow: 3D Warehouse Need a chair, fern, or exceptional material? Pull anything out of the world’s largest 3D model library. Mixed reality Tour project models with your clients in the office or on site at 1:1 scale using our range of AR/VR and mobile apps. Extension Warehouse Bend geometry with a single click, create photorealistic 3D architectural renderings, and more with custom extensions. Detailed reports Generate cost estimates and cutlists by exporting reports directly from your model. Streamlining the project lifecycle: CallisonRTKL, a global architecture practice, relies on SketchUp’s architectural design software to quickly deliver alternative designs to clients, communicate project complexities, and speed up the coordination and approval process.

Sol design + consulting

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Net Zero Energy Home, a post-occupancy assessment

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Tools used by Sol design + consulting

SketchUp

Sefaira

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