Page6+Thermal+Envelope

__ Thermal Envelope Configuration __

For this design, there will be a thin shell over the building the will assist as the circulation for the intervention. The main building structure is steel. There would be vents on the ground in front of the building. This is for when its summer, the cool air would be drawn into the air spaces through the vent pipes in the ground and travel up throughout the building. Also at the top of the building there is a vent for the warm air that would gather up to be released back outside.

During the colder times, which there is less of them since Houston, Texas is hot humid area, the air would gain heat from the sun, house and the rising heat collected throughout the building because the air vent at the top would be closed.

Another feature that benefits the thermal envelope is the curtain wall located on the front entrance of the art space. The configuration is a double skinned curtain wall. The double skin will make a pathway for the heat to rise and to draw air from occupied spaces. During the colder days, the skin can be shut to provide an insulating barrier.

Erica Green 1269