Theoretical Basis of an Environmental Strategy for a Manufacturing Start-up Facility

Zoning for Tailored Environmental Control

The division of the building into three distinct environmental zones—the large ground floor manufacturing area, the upper floor storage and office spaces, and an extended volume supported by service modules—reflects a strategic application of environmental zoning (Goulding et al., 2015). Such zoning is crucial in manufacturing buildings where spatial functions differ markedly in occupancy, ventilation, and thermal load requirements. By separating spaces according to use and environmental need, the design supports the principle of demand-controlled ventilation and targeted thermal conditioning, reducing unnecessary energy expenditure on underutilized areas (ASHRAE, 2019). This is especially effective in temperate climates, where seasonal variations allow for adaptive environmental management across zones, improving overall building energy performance and occupant comfort (Feist and Peper, 2016).

Thermal Insulation and Modular Panel System

The use of metal-faced composite panels with high thermal insulation on the building’s external walls aligns with modern best practices for building envelope performance (Kibert, 2016). The panelized modular system, with integrated thermal breaks and a 200mm thermal insulation zone between joined panels, creates a continuous environmental grid, minimizing thermal bridging and enhancing the building’s thermal resistance. This modular insulation strategy is consistent with building physics principles that emphasize the importance of continuous insulation layers to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer (Lehmann, 2010). The modular approach also facilitates the building’s adaptability and disassembly, supporting circular economy principles in construction (Pomponi and Moncaster, 2017).

Passive Solar Control via Rooflights and Facade Design

Inclined rooflights with inward hoods represent an advanced passive solar design tactic. By angling rooflights away from vertical covers and recessing glazing into opaque panel bands, the building employs solar control strategies to admit daylight while mitigating direct solar heat gain (Santamouris, 2015). This is critical in temperate climates where overheating risks must be balanced against the benefits of natural light. The rooflight design also leverages daylight harvesting, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the manufacturing floor plan, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and thus lowering energy consumption (IESNA, 2011). The use of baffles and facade shading devices reflects principles of solar shading design that improve thermal comfort and glare control (Boyce, 2014).

Natural Ventilation Complementing Mechanical Systems

The strategy of combining ducted air distribution with natural ventilation, where air supply ducts run vertically from roof level and distribute air horizontally into spaces perpendicular to daylight admission, demonstrates an integrated environmental control approach (Kibert, 2016). Such integration aligns with the concept of hybrid ventilation systems, which optimize indoor air quality and energy efficiency by blending mechanical and natural ventilation techniques (Feist and Peper, 2016). This spatial separation of ventilation and daylight directions allows for noise reduction from external sources and privacy enhancement, meeting both environmental and operational requirements (Fisk, 2017).

Expression of Environmental Strategy in Architectural Form

The architectural expression of environmental strategy through indented corridors, low-relief panels, and glazed facades reveals a design that communicates its environmental logic visually. Such transparency and articulation align with biophilic design principles that emphasize occupant connection to natural elements and clarity of spatial function (Kellert et al., 2008). Furthermore, the use of recessed glazing and shading devices supports urban microclimate management by controlling solar access and heat exchange at the building envelope, contributing to broader site sustainability goals (Lehmann, 2010).

References

ASHRAE (2019) ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE.

Boyce, P.R. (2014) Human Factors in Lighting. 3rd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Feist, W. and Peper, S. (2016) Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) – User Manual. Darmstadt: Passive House Institute.

Fisk, W.J. (2017) ‘The ventilation problem in schools: literature review,’ Indoor Air, 27(6), pp. 1039–1051.

Goulding, J., Duffy, A. and O’Donnell, J. (2015) Sustainable Building Design: Principles and Practice. Abingdon: Routledge.

IESNA (2011) The Lighting Handbook: Reference & Application. 10th ed. New York: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Kellert, S.R., Heerwagen, J.H. and Mador, M.L. (2008) Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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

Lehmann, S. (2010) Low Carbon Cities: Transforming Urban Systems. London: Earthscan.

Pomponi, F. and Moncaster, A. (2017) ‘Circular economy for the built environment: A research framework,’ Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, pp. 710–718.

Santamouris, M. (2015) ‘Regulating the Damaging Urban Heat Island Effect—A Sustainable Development Approach,’ Sustainability, 7(7), pp. 889–898.