How architectural design can impact energy efficiency of a residential building. Case Study: ‘An addition for one-story house, adapting ‘Florida-room’ space.

Abstract

The purpose of this project and study is to determine and evaluate the sustainability of architectural solutions that will provide energetically efficient buildings. The add to an existing one-story house, by adapting an existing ‘Florida-room’ will expand surface of the conditioned area, and increase the value of the house by modern designed interiors. But the purpose was to reward this investment with an addition that will be sustainable and energy saving. The methods and materials used to complete this project include three stages of work: collection of data’s to compare then the final results for a conclusion, projecting and receiving a permit according to the building code, and construction. City Hall of Largo, department of ‘Permits and Planning’ gives information on construction permits and community planning codes for residents of Largo. Department of P&P provided with applications, forms, information about community standards and guidelines from the code council of Florida. With these information started design according to the codes and policies of the state, for an efficient project. This provided as a beginning a successful receiving of the permit and notice of commencement, which allowed us to start construction works. Assessment of major components of project and relations between them showed that: architectural solutions chosen for this project and constructing with new modern materials that meet the standards, affected consummation of energy in lowering consummation per square feet. Finally two approaches in architectural design were discussed for providing a sustainable design and energy efficiency building.