Toolkit 24: Ventilation
Objective:
Internal ventilation is an important factor to the wellbeing of a unit, this simple natural resource is evidently lacking in the two case studies of Choi Hung estate and Tiong Bahru estate. Choi Hung estate lacked the ability to cross ventilate such small units while Tiong Bahru estate lacked adequate cross ventilation in the inner depths of each unit.
Therefore, the toolkit aims to to improve the following features:
- Encourage better cross ventilation through strategically planned openings.
- Optimizing internal layout for better wind flow to different areas within a unit.
Toolkit 24 Options:
Option 1: Encouraging Cross Ventilation
Cross ventilation is a primary way to improve ventilation within a confined space such as apartment units, have cross ventilation allows fresh air to be constantly drawn into the space creating a better living environment and lowering internal temperatures through a natural method.
This should be achieved by:
- Strategically placed openings to allow cross ventilation
- Windows placed opposite of each other should be installed to initiate cross ventilation
Option 2: Optimizing the path of wind
Optimizing wind flow is another important way to improve ventilation, the constant movement of air is what provides a better internal living environment, still air causes stuffy air as air is unable to remove body heat or the lurking air for new air to enter the space. Having a good pathway for wind flow is an important factor in keeping the movement of air.
This should be achieved by:
- Strategically optimizing internal floorplans to remove as much obstruction to air flow.
- Overhead windows should be installed between parallel walls to maintain wind flow between rooms.
Toolkit 24 options/materials:
Brand: Knauf
Model: Regular Board
Type: Gypsum Wall
Purpose: Provide a new and easy internal wall application with minimal disturbance to residents
Colour: Ivory White
Dimensions: 1220x2440x9.5mm (WXHXD)
Thermal Conductivity: 0.16W/mk
Website: http://www.knauf.com.hk/uploadedFile/19748773201468471921.pdf
Benefits:
- Easy installation with gypsum boards to reduce construction period
- Easily replaceable/repair with wear and tear
Negatives:
- Limited supplies for home application in Hong Kong as it is not a popular choice
- Cannot freely hang things to the wall
Notes:
- Different gypsum wall thickness can be used for projects with bigger total floorplan area
Brand: Custom Fabricated
Model: Custom Fabricated
Type: Polycarbonate Opaque Louvers
Colour: Opaque
Purpose: Provide cross ventilation access point to shared corridor while retaining visual privacy and security through closable louvers
Benefits:
- Self fabricated allows for custom sizes
- Allows visual privacy and security due to its opaque design
- Easily replaceable
Negatives:
- Possibly hard to operate due to its high position
Notes:
- Dimensions determined by project situation such as ceiling height, width and depth of room etc...
Brand: Arup
Model: SoundScoop
Type: Sound Insulation
Purpose: Provide better ventilation between rooms while retaining audio comfort
Website: https://www.arup.com/projects/soundscoop
Benefits:
- Allows cross ventilation while retaining audio privacy between rooms
Negatives:
- Only allows small amounts of sunlight through
- Expensive solution
- Bulky solution
Notes:
- Opening dimensions determined by project situation such as ceiling height, width and depth of room etc...
Brand: Guangzhou Tainsheng Building Materials
Model: TSD -1941
Type: Sliding full height windows
Purpose:
Provide full height windows to allow ventilation to interior spaces and easy access to the balcony space.
Colour: Powder coated white or dark grey
Benefits:
- Allows user easier access to balcony space and allows more access to sunlight throughout the day
Negatives:
- Movable parts may get jammed after years of usage if not properly maintained as it is more exposed to the weather
Notes:
- Designed to be rigid for external usage
Brand: Moving Designs
Model: Top hung Acoustic Movable Wall
Type: Operable wall
Purpose:
Provide operable walls to create flexible spaces to allow more effective ventilation within internal spaces when needed
Colour: Matched to internal finishing
Website: https://www.movingdesignslimited.co.uk/tech-specs/
Benefits:
- Allows user to adjust the space to fit their needs
Negatives:
- Tracks may experience wear and tear because of heavy load and consistent movement in every day use
Notes:
- Several stacking options available
Brand: TruStile
Model: TSD -1941
Type: TRG600
Purpose:
Provide transom windows to allow ventilation into internal spaces with no direct window access while still allowing for privacy
Colour: Matched to internal finishing
Website: https://www.trustile.com/interior-doors/transoms
Benefits:
- Allows greater access to diffused light during the day in interior spaces
Negatives:
- Possibly hard to operate for older residents due to its high position
Notes:
- Multiple alignment options available.
Toolkit 24 application:
Toolkit 24 is applied to the following case studies:
