High Performing Buildings - Spring 2009 - (Page 26) The south atrium opens onto the green roof terrace, which is used for ceremonial purposes and some recreation. The inclination of the blades shading the atrium is designed to block the peak summer sun. The shades’ steep angle allows significant daylight and passive solar heating, while preventing snow accumulation. and a south-facing atrium to provide daylighting. Moreover, the atrium is equipped with a shading device made of fixed blades strategically oriented. As shown in the pictures, the blades have a steep angle to prevent snow accumulation. Also, since the atrium is facing southeast, they are oriented westward to maximize natural daylight and passive solar heating during the winter while cutting out direct sunlight in the summer to prevent overheating the space. To maximize passive solar heating, the atrium has large areas of masonry walls and concrete floors serving as a solar collector. In case of overheating during the summer, natural ventilation in the atrium removes the heat. To complement the natural lighting, efficient direct/indirect lighting was used. The lighting is controlled based on sunlight and occupation of the space. Finally, the building’s green roof is accessible to the occupants. A separate area is dedicated to act as a bioswale to treat grey water recovered from the lavatories before storing it for later use as flushing water. Photo © marc Cramer Conclusion The Normand-Maurice Building, the first federal building in Quebec designed to meet the ecological goals The building was designed to maximize daylighting while controlling solar heat gains and glare. The winter sun penetrates deeply into the building, illuminating the office spaces through interior windows open to the atrium (left). External and internal shading blocks summer sunlight (right). Additionally, a system of skylights was designed to allow sunlight to penetrate the indoor spaces through the three office levels. A reflective cone at the top of the skylight helps daylight penetrate the building floors. 26 HigH Performing Buildings spring 2009 Photo © Beauchamp-Bourbeau
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