Theoretical Basis of an Environmental Strategy for a Resort Hotel

Integration of Mechanical Ventilation within Structural Facades

The strategy to locate mechanical ventilation routes within the zone of the structural facades reflects an innovative approach to building services integration. By positioning ducts and mechanical equipment externally but within the facade depth, the design frees the roof for amenity use (terraces) and keeps floor plates flexible for future subdivision or reconfiguration (Lechner, 2014; Kibert, 2016). This spatial separation enhances service accessibility and maintenance efficiency while minimizing interruption to hotel operations (Fisk, 2013). The facade-integrated service zones support thermal buffering, where external ducting can precondition air or reduce heat gain, leveraging the thermal mass and shading characteristics of the structural elements (Gou and Prasad, 2013). This aligns with bioclimatic design principles that advocate for minimizing mechanical cooling loads by optimizing the building envelope (Santamouris, 2013).

Zoning and Flexibility through Environmental Cores

The use of service cores along the building’s long sides, accommodating lifts, stairs, washrooms, and mechanical risers, establishes clear vertical environmental zones. Each zone supports a distinct microclimate, facilitating zoned HVAC systems that improve energy efficiency by conditioning only occupied areas (ASHRAE, 2017). This zoning also enables flexible spatial layouts for hotel suites, enhancing adaptability to changing operational needs without extensive retrofit (Kibert, 2016). The central spine core serves as a distribution hub for locally ducted air systems employing ceiling and floor plenums. This dual plenum system enables efficient supply and return air distribution, promoting balanced ventilation and improved indoor air quality (IAQ) (Fisk, 2013). Moreover, mixing recycled and fresh air in plenums reduces conditioning energy by utilizing pre-tempered air streams (Lechner, 2014).

Passive and Hybrid Ventilation Strategies

The use of 45-degree inclined structural elements and vertical columns as air inlets facilitates a natural draft mechanism, capitalizing on stack effect ventilation principles (Givoni, 1998). Air handling units located at ground floor level draw fresh air through these structural features, distributing it upward via ductwork hidden behind the primary structure. This reduces reliance on mechanical fans and enables hybrid ventilation systems that balance natural and mechanical airflow depending on external conditions (Santamouris, 2013). Cross ventilation is enhanced by the building’s spatial organization, with rooms and suites ventilated from both external walls and internal ‘streets’—an internal open space network—thus increasing air movement and reducing cooling energy demand (Gou and Prasad, 2013). Avoiding central corridors not only improves daylight penetration but also reduces the volume of conditioned air needed, increasing system efficiency (Lechner, 2014).

Thermal Energy Storage through Swimming Pools

The innovative use of adjacent swimming pools as thermal energy storage units represents a sustainable cooling strategy, characteristic of passive cooling and heat recovery systems prevalent in subtropical climates (Santamouris, 2013; Fisk, 2013). Pools absorb solar heat during the day, storing it and releasing cooling at night through heat exchangers integrated with the hotel’s HVAC system. This cyclic transfer reduces peak cooling loads and smooths energy demand, contributing to the building’s overall energy efficiency and occupant comfort (Givoni, 1998).

Solar Shading and Daylighting Control

External solar shading devices along the long east and west facades protect interior spaces from intense high-angle solar radiation, a critical factor in subtropical climates to reduce overheating and glare (Santamouris, 2013). These cantilevered shading elements, integrated with GFRC panels, also reflect diffused light to enhance daylighting without direct sun penetration, reducing reliance on electric lighting (Lechner, 2014). Internally, manually operated blinds provide seasonal and occupant-controlled shading, allowing users to adjust daylight levels for comfort and energy savings (Nejat et al., 2015). This dual strategy supports adaptive environmental control while promoting occupant satisfaction (Kibert, 2016).

Overall approach

This environmental strategy exemplifies a holistic and integrated approach to subtropical building design, combining innovative mechanical service integration, passive and hybrid ventilation, thermal energy storage, and adaptive solar control. By embedding mechanical systems within structural facades and emphasizing natural ventilation and daylighting, the building minimizes energy consumption while maximizing guest comfort and operational flexibility.

References

ASHRAE (2017) ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Systems and Equipment. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Fisk, W.J. (2013) ‘Health benefits of particle filtration,’ Indoor Air, 23(5), pp. 357–368.

Givoni, B. (1998) Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. New York: Wiley.

Gou, Z. and Prasad, D. (2013) ‘Zoning of Building Services for Energy Efficiency and Occupant Comfort,’ Energy Procedia, 42, pp. 91–100.

Kibert, C.J. (2016) Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Lechner, N. (2014) Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Nejat, P., Jomehzadeh, F., Taheri, M., Gohari, M. and Majid, M.Z.A. (2015) ‘A global review of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and policy in the residential sector (with an overview of the top ten CO2 emitting countries),’ Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 43, pp. 843–862.

Santamouris, M. (2013) ‘Cooling the cities – A review of reflective and green roof mitigation technologies to fight heat island and improve comfort in urban environments,’ Solar Energy, 103, pp. 682–703.