Contagious Retrofit
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Transcript of Contagious Retrofit
THE CONTAGIOUS RETROFIT:
GREEN REDESIGNING FOR SINGLE DWELLING
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This thesis is submitted to the Department of Architecture,
at Hampton University in partial fulfillment toward
the degree of Master of Architecture.
By Tyshawna Antoinette Spell
ARC 601-602: 5th
Year Thesis Studios
Professors S. Robertson and Professor C. Sanchez-del-Valle, Studio Professors
Professor Shannon Chance, Thesis Advisor
Spring 2009
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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me great spirits to
produce and excel in what lies before me. I also want to thank my professors in the
Hampton University Architecture Department for their full time knowledge and energy
that helped me develop as an architecture graduate student. I appreciate the love and
support from my family in New Jersey who have been the most loving and supportive
people in my life. I would also like to give thanks to my colleagues at Hampton
University for all of their support and prayers. May we all be blessed and succeed within
our own expectations.
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Table of Contents
Section I: Thesis Argument and Research Proposal .................................................................. 5
Abstract ................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction: The Dream Needs Alterations ........................................................................... 8
Background: Architecture vs. Global Warming ..................................................................... 11
Reason I: Green Strategies can Become Consistent .............................................................. 17
Reason II: Green Hybrid Dwellings......................................................................................... 22
Reason III: Communicating Communities = Acceleration ...................................................... 27
Design Research Proposal ...................................................................................................... 32
Section II: Thesis Design Research......................................................................................... 44
Introduction: Recap of Research ........................................................................................... 45
Design Research Agenda and Approach ................................................................................ 49
Design Research Summative Essay: Green Infrastructure Provocation ................................ 74
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 89
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Section I: Thesis Argument and Research Proposal.........
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A Contagious Retrofit
As the American Dream promotes living farther and larger,
the consumption of energy and materials increases.
Suburban single dwellings have been one of the greatest
contributors to Global Warming and if this state remains,
the dream will become a nightmare. One must realize that
our finite resources must be used wisely.
Global Warming has caused us to rethink the way we live. Many suggestions have been
given on how Architecture can assist in reducing energy and waste consumption. We
must consider multiple ways of sustaining finite resources and applying this insight to
what we know best, architecture.
I argue that when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a contagious
reaction will begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and the study of
this new site will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that follow suit. This
is a contagious retrofit. I propose rethinking the design of these homes by initiating
architectural green systems, utilizing green spaces, and integrating shared built spaces
that bring more interaction between neighbors.
To investigate this argument I searched for provocations of yielding in
sustainable green systems by studying linear formations of the vegetative gardens,
developing studies of green walls, while considering irrigation and water harvesting
techniques that can work together as one system. This was studied using a suburban
site in Newport News, VA.
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“Contagious Retrofit” must be considered because green vegetative
infrastructure penetrating the current landscape and climbing the walls of the home will
reduce global warming in multiple ways as each home begin this retrofit. Relationships
will develop with a respect to ones passion for living a green lifestyle. American housing
will gain a new responsive architectural style that will develop and contribute to
reducing current emissions. Each retrofit will begin to take its own form that will extend
new insight into how we reside in the twenty first century.
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Introduction: The Dream Needs Alterations
“Each group reveals harmony, and every house gains something from its
neighbor as well as the broad picture formed by natural surroundings.” 1
As Americans, we value living a lifestyle that represents success. Success in the
United States of America is deeply rooted in what we call the American Dream. The
American dream is to become educated, get a fantastic job, buy your dream home, and
to have two kids and a dog. Well, for what I could remember, that is the image that this
country’s advertisements and television consistently featured during my childhood and
even today. “Freeways, shopping malls, commuters, lawns, detached homes, soccer
games, mortgage payments and home fix-it jobs define the texture of life for many of
us, as we go through our daily routines shaped by the suburban framework of life.”2 Yes,
this is a situation for many, but not for all.
When this dream was advertised in the 1870’s, those who moved to the new
suburbs were assured of an escape from the problems of poor health, social unrest, and
vice associated with urban life.3 The suburbs were a getaway, a place that defined who
you were, and how you deserved to live. Today the suburbs have sprawled and
consumed a great amount of energy, while producing plenty of waste. The suburbs have
also has a consistency when it comes to style. Journalist Charles McGrath observes:
“...suburbs have become the aluminum-sided theme parks -celebrations of
sameness- and nowhere else on earth can you find architecture of such awfulness and
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pretension”4 However, as he stayed he grew an appreciation. It is quite interesting how
we adapt to what is new for the sake of doing what is best.
It is now 2008 and we are in a recession, people are losing their homes, and we
have finite resources. The dangers of global warming are not only a discussion between
environmentalists, but it is now being considered in every field of study. What was a
dream is now the problem.
Suburbia must now adapt. Our wants, dreams, habits, and intentions for a great
life are leading us to a disastrous future for generations to come. As an architecture
student who is coming into a career of integrity, with a concern for the user’s health,
safety, and welfare I asked: “How can an architect design for sustainable living?”
I agreed with Our Ecological Footprint that humans’ wasteful habits are affecting
the emission rate on earth.5 As we live in larger homes, we need more materials, waste
space, and use HVAC systems for spaces that are not being used. I recognize that LEED,
(Leadership in Environmental Design), test new commercial buildings for sustainable
design. The materials and techniques used have not been explored in many older
American suburban housing neighborhoods.
Homeowners must keep up with updates on their home, and at many times fall
short of what is needed today under the circumstances of global warming. It is time to
educate ourselves and each other on how far an older home can go when it comes to
maximizing energy conservation. For that very reason, I suggest that energy
conservation can be maximized by designing dwelling so that retrofitting one will
benefit neighbors if they follow suit. This is a contagious retrofit.
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Suburban homes are the first place to start because they offer space and
opportunity to explore sustainable design techniques, while offering an opportunity for
neighbors to work together on living and building green. Home is where we began our
journey of life. Home is where we can establish a place as being ours.
In this argument, I will explore the strategies that are being used to reduce
energy and material consumption in building, while considering ways it can be applied
to an older residential single dwelling. I will also be exploring how the style of the home
in its neighborhood will be affected. One other thing that will be considered is how
effective relationships with neighbors can be, when making physical changes to ones
neighborhood. This will be the root of what can make this retrofit so contagious.
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Background: Architecture vs. Global Warming
“They use forty percent of the worlds energy, emit fifty percent of its
greenhouse gases, they are not the cars we drive, they are the buildings where we work
live and grow.”6 Architecture has made its contribution to global warming; now we must
consider a better way to design.
Global warming is defined as the observed gradual increase in average global
temperatures attributed to greenhouse gases that started in about 1850, coincided with
the Industrial Revolution.7 Since the Industrial Revolution architecture has played its
part in increasing hazardous emissions in our environment very quickly. As architects,
we have designed tall buildings using materials from other countries, and we have
introduced heating and cooling systems in buildings that control the environment’s
conditions.
To further understand the possibility of what I am studying, I have defined some
key terms. These key terms are energy conservation, sustainable design technologies,
green lifestyle, and my own contagious retrofit.
Energy conservation simply means reducing the amount of energy that is being
used in all contexts.8 This thesis will focus on the energy used in one’s home and within
the neighborhood as a whole. Conserving energy is a way of reducing the emissions rate
that creates global warming. Sustainable design techniques are creative physical
solutions that can be applied to architecture.9 The goal of the solution is to create a
comfortable space that does not fully depend on systems that uses excessive energy.
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I define green lifestyle as living life without consuming unnecessarily. One must
always keep in mind what is necessary to live and what is not. This is a lifestyle that does
not keep up with trends, but recognize the value in the things one have already and find
ways to reuse it at its highest potential. This is what is intended for the retrofit of each
home. Instead of building new, let us preserve what we have and make it better. A
contagious retrofit is when a retrofit of a dwelling maximizes energy conservation
through architectural design, so that its neighboring homes will benefit if they follow
suit. This definition gives my goal, by what means it will be accomplished, and its effect.
Each of those key terms contributes to the reason I am exploring the possibility of a
contagious retrofit. So what have we done so far?
Buildings are now being designed under LEED, Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design, Certification. The purpose of LEED Green Building Rating System
is to encourage and accelerate global adoption of sustainable green building and
development practices through the creation and implementation of universally
understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.10 These tools have not applied
to a single dwelling home.The LEED Green Building Rating System is used to guide the
professional about designing sustainable buildings, and to teach owners and users of
buildings about the value of green design.11
What are sustainable buildings? Sustainable
buildings are defined as buildings that have been deliberately designed to have a
minimal impact on the environment.12
What is green design? Green design is the design
techniques used to create a built atmosphere that does not emit green house gases, as
well as using a limited amount of the earth’s energy.13
Although this has been very
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effective in the latest building construction, we must not forget the one thing America
thrives from financially, that is the single dwelling suburban home.
This is a time where extreme effects are calling to immediate and long term
suggestions. A newer suggestion given in Architectural Record is “Glassy Reclads”. This
involves removing the original façade and to reclad an old building with a glass curtain
Glassy Reclads are used on old skyscrapers to boost their energy efficiency.14
Old
skyscrapers are so old that they tend to use more energy as time progress. Gensler
notes that many office buildings entering their fourth decade leak fresh air, or generate
so much heat that they require extra air conditioning. So a host of structures with
similar weaknesses need new skins—and fast. 15
This new skin covers the old creating a
new visual façade for each building.16
This idea of changing the exterior was an idea that
was started by Gensler who has completed four, and currently has another seventeen
energy efficient design projects. Some argue that because the new cladding is so simple,
it may strip the building of its distinctive architectural qualities.17
I argue that until a
better solution comes, we must continue to move forward with anything that will
reduce emissions, and that a new distinctive quality will come through this era of
change.
The future of architecture is what we have started now. The future of
architecture is going towards building ‘green’. All architects will have to be LEED
certified, and new habits will have to develop in order to push this need into reality. The
development of a green building is an architectural reaction to the crisis, not just in
America, but in the world. This issue of “green” architecture will be the global stimulus
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to the current Global Warming problem. In the article “Inconvenient truths: Get Ready
to Rethink what it Means to be Green” Allex Stephen argues that the planet is heating
up and will be at the point of no return in a few decades, therefore making it our focus
will threaten our progress on any other issues18
This green architecture will affect our
design with integrity to the global issue at hand. Then we must address the local issue of
building community, and interaction of people with building by understanding their
culture and habits. In the book Building Green, Clarke Snell and Tim Callahan it states:
Once we remember that a house’s job is to be a conduit and filter between an
exact environment and an exact group of people, our course is clear: each act of
building is to grow out of the site it inhabits; it needs to work with the
environment and climate that surround it; and it needs to fit its inhabitants like a
glove and a house are augmentations of a human body. 19
That statement so eloquently puts what I truly believe the future of architecture must
be. We must create places that react with our environment not act as separate entities.
Our environment is not a backdrop; we are weaved within one another. So becoming a
conduit and filter is creating an easy passageway that can benefit the built environment
as well as the natural environment. This way we can live off each other, rather than
acting as separate pieces that do not have a need for each other, because it is obvious
that we do.
From the statistics presented by Steven Alex, one cannot believe that the
lifestyle that we have been living will be able to continue. Things will have to change
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radically to start the battle.20
The key word is "start". The options that were given by
Steven Alex were life changing for many and yet we are still not guaranteed changes
that will be seen in our own lifetime. This reminds me of a person going on a diet after
having eaten all their life what they wanted, then when all the weight is gained and
health is in trouble, the diet starts. But before one can see results one becomes
discouraged, and goes back to old habits. This is not speaking for everyone, but it is
something that happens psychologically with many. In a scenario such as sustainability,
dieting, and others; we must work in groups. We will need diligence and dedication for
the rest of our lives, as well as the lives of our children. Education and updated
information needs to be extending to the masses and become as familiar as the Star
Spangled Banner. This can only be done when there are facts that prove the issues of
global warming and the solutions began to become consistent.
Griffin Burgh and John Wilson argue that false information has been given about
the issue of global warming. In this text it was stated that "The widespread disregard for
the factual truth has resulted in the promotion of several popular but questionable
assumptions regarding our energy options for the twenty first century."21
Doing
research to find ways to fight against global warming can be very difficult because of the
different views involved. Many disagree with its causes. I suggest that we find ways to
counteract what has happened since the Industrial Revolution, to make sure it does not
get worse. Although there is no agreement on the main causes, and exactly what will
come of global warming, the steps towards better living conditions seem to be
consistent. Burgh and Wilson state:
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Increasing utilization of environmentally friendly alternatives such as wind, solar,
nuclear energy, or the conversion of coal into clean fuel, and employing clean
processing technologies represent a step in the right direction, but the scale of
the substitution challenge is so large that a return to energy independence
seems impossible for the next century.22
Although the numbers are staggering, and it seems to be an endless problem, we must
be proactive in every aspect that we can. The cities have been a great solution to the
problem, and we are proactively working to get them at that their best. I have decided
to analyze a suburban home, which has a high energy use with its aggressive heating
and cooling systems, and evaluate the problem and give potential solutions and ways of
implementation.
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Reason 1: Green Strategies can Become Consistent
When retrofitting a suburban home one may get advice such as: change your
light bulbs, get some solar panels, and invest in energy star appliances. These are
definitely good ways to start, but it is not the way to maximize energy conservation. We
can take it much further. As architects and engineers have explored sustainable design
techniques that are being practiced in new built environments, one must also consider
single dwellings that will need upgrades every ten to fifteen years anyhow. I can imagine
the gossip and inquiry in the neighborhood when the building envelope and landscape
begins to transform. When one house is done it will give opportunity for others to learn
and began to invest.
The strategies that have caught my attention are double envelopes, green
infrastructure for storm water, and front lawn mini farms. Each technique represents a
different part of what can make a home work at its best. Double envelopes affect the
exterior of the home, the storm water system affects the infrastructure and mini-farms
affect the residential landscape.
The ‘double envelope’ is a system that has been practiced on commercial
buildings starting with the Hooker's office building designed by HOK and Canon
Associates. 23
This double skin wall of the Hookers office Building was constructed in
1983.24
The outer wall was double glazed and the inner wall was single glazed; they
were separated by five feet.25
The blue green iron oxide glass on the exterior maximizes
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light penetration and limits solar gain.26
Another example of the double skin wall is
Genzyme Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts designed by Behnisch and Partner, which
was rated platinum by LEED Building Rating System.27
This building glazing worked
opposite of Hookers office building. The outer wall has single glazing while the inner wall
had double glazing. The double glazing on the inner wall provides an optimum thermal
barrier, while the single glazing on the outer wall provides a buffer space.28
From the
Hooker building that was designed in 1983 to the Genzyme Center in 2003, there has
not been consistency in this technique. Very little buildings have been designed using
the double envelope although it has proved to be a great insulator. So how does this
apply to a home?
Let us go back to 1977 when the double envelope house was designed by Lee
Porter Butler and Tom Smith. These architects used a two shell concept that was initially
theoretical.29
This concept was one that created a circulation pattern that began in the
green room, and went up towards the clerestory windows back around to the north wall
and back down to the crawl space. Eighty percent of its thermal needs were generated
by the sun.30
Twelve inches of airspace separated the roof from the ceiling, the north
wall from a separate interior wall and the floor from the earth fill beneath.31
On this
house the outer wall was the load bearing wall, unlike many of the curtain wall
structures we design today. This double envelope created an R-value of 30. This R value
is very high considering some of our strongest insulation materials only guarantee us an
R-value of 18. The R value is the measure of the thermal transfer’s resistance.32
Why is
this double envelope important? This is a feature that can insulate older homes, while
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creating a green room which gives plenty of options. Using glass cladding will change the
face of a home and may even change the way we live within the space. This may be
refreshing to some and may be uncomfortable to others, but its design must be tested
in this contagious retrofit.
Now that we have discussed the building envelope let us discuss the front
landscape. Many have started gardens in a corner of their yard, or an area of their
backyard, but Kip Nash from Boulder Colorado has taken it further and has started an
agricultural business. Since 2006 Kip Nash has uprooted his front and backyard and has
done the same to the lots of eight neighbors.33
Some neighbors are uncomfortable with
what the front lawns are turning into, and the disturbing smell of the manure. Kip starts
his day by driving the school bus at 5 a.m., completes his shift, spends the day planting
and watering his yard farms, and then stores the seedlings in the greenhouse behind his
house. 34
This greenhouse that is used by Kip Nash can be the same green house that is
created by using as a double envelope of a home, therefore having this mini-farm will
give great use to the idea of the double envelope acting as the greenhouse for the idea
of the contagious retrofit. So what is this mini-farm about? Having a mini-farm not only
helps to create our own fresh produce, but it is an opportunity to sell to local
consumers, while saving energy from traveling from a farm that is at farther away.
Roxanne Christensen has been contributing ways to make this happen to anyone
anywhere, she calls it ‘spin farming’. Spin stands for small plot intensive.35
Spin makes it
simple for someone to start a farm on a small piece of land. It offers the opportunity to
rent land. Roxanne’s Partner in Spin Farming, Wally Satzewich, operates Wally’s Urban
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Market garden which is a multi-location sub acre urban farm. It is dispersed over 25
residential backyard plots in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.36
While resources are finite, land
surrounding single dwelling residential can be put spin farming to use. The
Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly a third of all residential water
uses go to landscaping; why not use it to grow food instead?37
Considering Spin Farming
in a residential neighborhood would definitely change the streetscape, and get people
involved in creating resources for their neighborhood services.
On the issue of water, storm water techniques have been highly considered
when it comes to infrastructure of sustainable design. Green Infrastructure has been
adopted by many areas and has been helpful with controlling storm water. This
technique requires neighborhood involvement for it to work successfully. Green
infrastructure is defined by Steve Wise as the interconnected network of open spaces
and natural areas --greenways, wetlands, parks, forest preserves, and native plant
reserves, and native plant vegetation—that naturally manages storm water, reduces the
risk of floods, captures pollution, and improves water quality.38
How is this related to
the single dwelling? Certainly this network can be extended by green roofs and tree
planting. A green network can also connect homes and the use of its green roofs.
Communities around the US are expanding their green infrastructure practices to
embrace entire neighborhoods and cities. Washington D.C. and Portland Oregon are
investing funding to green roofs.39
A green roof is a roof covered with vegetation. Green
roofs can be used to provide rainwater detention or retention, to increase the thermal
resistance and capacitance of a building roof. Green roofs also reduce the urban heat
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island effect and to provide green space for animals and people on what would
otherwise be a hard surfaced area.40
There are two types of green roofs: extensive and
intensive. Extensive green roofs are shallow and limit the type of planting that is used.41
Extensive green roofs work on slopes up to thirty five degrees, although slopes above
twenty degrees require a baffle system to prevent soil slump.42
Intensive green roofs
has deeper a deeper soil base and can hold all kinds of planting.43
The intensive green
roof is not one that will be considered for a retrofit for a single dwelling because it
requires the strength of a larger commercial building. The extensive green roof will work
well to accept the storm water, as well as increasing thermal resistance. The green roof
will also give opportunity to create what was once the front lawn before the mini-farm,
on top of the home.
The research indicates the three green systems that were described can be
beneficial when retrofitting a single dwelling, but it will change the face of the
neighborhood while providing opportunities to reconnect to the natural environment.
New habits will form through the use of these systems such as farming, roof lounging,
and looking at views of the neighborhood through the glazed double wall green house
solarium.
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Reason 2: Green Hybrid Dwellings
What do I mean by green hybrid dwelling? We know green represents ways in
which we practice sustainability. Webster’s dictionary defines hybrid as consisting of
diverse components. Dwelling is the place in which we reside, home. So a green hybrid
dwelling represents a home that integrates green systems and materials with existing
building construction and materials to create an architectural design that represents this
contagious retrofit. This home wants to benefit from the features of a new sustainable
house design, but will not be built from scratch. Such a transformation can bring interest
and controversy to those who seek traditional housing design. One must first compare
what has been consistent in the traditional design of the American dream house, to
then consider the design of newer sustainable homes. After those comparisons we
must consider the current retrofits, and determine whether the integration was a
successful one. Understanding each will begin to give clues as to how far this green
hybrid dwelling can go.
The American Dream House established itself with the Bungalows of 1920’s, to
the Cape Cod Cottages in the 1940’s, to the Ranch House in the 1950’s, to the Split level
house in the 1960’s.44
Each of these homes made changes to its space from the inside,
but materials and common shapes had not change that much. The hip roof is
incorporated in each style. All of the houses required a fireplace. All had shingled roofs.
One thing that started with the Bungalow that did not continue is the porch. I contend
that when the porch was lost communication between neighbors took more effort.
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The Bungalow was an inexpensive one and a half story cottage with pleasant
front porch and an easy open plan, the bungalow was a very livable house and
surprisingly commodious for its size.45
Cape Cod Cottages, introduced by Beaux Arts
architects for individual clients became the first assembly line house of the mass
subdivision, its parts clicking together in programmed sequence, like parts of an
automobile.46
This was a house that was easily mass produced; this house still
represents suburbia today. The Ranch House came just in time for the returning
veterans of World War II. The Ranch house was sold for as little as 8,000 to 10,000 with
no down payment.47
After the Depression, in the prosperous Eisenhower years, the split
level house was born.48
These homes are shaping the suburban neighborhoods and has
expanded into larger square footage today, but what will happen when brick, shingles,
and hip roofs begin to transform into glass facades, flat green roofs, and useful
farmland?
New sustainable homes get a fresh start to be designed using sustainable
techniques, although I argue that sustainability is truly accomplished through reusing
what we already have. These sustainable homes initially incorporate green design which
begins to look different than the American home that many of us reside in today. A new
sustainable home was built in Boston, Massachusetts, designed by Maryann Thompson.
This house was organized on the site to take advantage of the daily paths of the sun.49
Their advantage of the daily paths of the sun is something that will be considered when
retrofitting the traditional home. Although the house cannot move, the way the facades
are used to absorb the sun’s energy will be beneficial. All rooms of this house receive
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light on two sides and the combined living room, dining room, and kitchen area receive
light on four sides with the use of clerestory, enabling the sun to always be an ever
changing presence in the main body of the house.50
Natural lighting helps to conserve
energy and using clerestory windows will benefit traditional homes. Natural light coming
through spaces that were previously lit by electricity will give its user a different, yet
natural experience.
The sustainable features on this home include a more insular north façade, while
the south façade opens the house to the site and the sun.51
This can be accomplished in
the retrofit by making sure the north façade is insulated well and making use of open
glass facades on the south side. All rooms use cross ventilation.52
For cross ventilation to
work successfully in the traditional home, the floor plan must open up. This will create
opportunity to use rooms in creative ways. Ultimately there are a few things that can be
used in a retrofit that currently benefit new sustainable homes, although it may be a
costly upgrade.
One example of a retrofit was done in Mottingham, South East London, by ECD
Architects. According to PassiveHaus-standards, it was recognized that the average
household can save up to 25 per cent of its annual carbon emissions through energy
efficiency, and retrofitting is one way to achieve this.53
ECD put their goal extensively
higher with the goal of achieving at let three times the conservation. "This Hyde Housing
Association property is a nondescript brick terraced house built in the 1930s, with a flat-
roofed rear extension added in the 1980s.”54
The project adheres to PassivHaus-
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standard U-values of 0.15W/m[sup2]K for external walls and 0.1W/m[sup2]K for the
roof, and has an air tightness value of 3.55
The term 'PassivHaus' refers to a specific
construction standard for residential buildings in UK which have excellent comfort
conditions in both winter and summer.56
These principles can be applied not only to the
residential sector as the name suggests, but also to commercial, industrial and public
buildings.57
This retrofit included solar thermal panels, breathable multi-foil insulation,
photovoltaic paneling, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, and passive-haus standard
windows. This house was started in October of this year and will be a two year project.
This architecture firm does refurbishing projects, and is a strong initiator in green
design. This retrofit gives us insight on what this architect is considering to achieve 80%
conservation. These are options that can be helpful in the contagious retrofit that I
propose, but I am interested in the systems that will affect the architecture the most.
Another example of a retrofit done in Louisville, Colorado; was improved in
2006. Its retrofit included; energy audit (an assessment of how much energy your home
consumes combined with suggestions on how you can make your home more energy-
efficient), 4.7 kW grid-tied PV system, flat-plate solar collector for domestic water
heating with tankless high-efficiency electric boiler for backup, a ground source heat
pump, evaporative cooler, CFLs (A modern light bulb with integral ballast using a
fraction of the electricity used by a regular incandescent light bulb),programmable
thermostats, separable upstairs/downstairs zoned heating, Energy Star appliances, use
of clotheslines for drying, and ceiling fan in the living room58
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All of the items listed besides the clothes line are technological ways in which a
home can benefit, which can be highly supportive, but this does not change how the
older exterior affects our emissions rates. The architecture must undergo the make-over
also. This home was fairly new, built in 1990; its retrofit took place in 2006.59
This house
involved multiple contractors but no architect. The integration of new design techniques
did not happen in this retrofit.
It is important to consider what can happen with this green hybrid design because it
gives the home an opportunity to use systems that does not involve intense technology
to operate at its best. Technology is very helpful, but it has its problems also. The green
systems I propose takes a dwelling further, so that it engage in a relationship with its
natural environment and create a working relationship with earth itself.
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Reason 3: Communicating Communities = Acceleration
We have heard sayings like, “two heads are better than one”. Working in
numbers gets the job done. This was proved in communities who came together to
proactively create their green community. What is interesting is that two examples of
these communities were in Colorado. Through research of energy efficiency I have
noticed that Boulder County in Colorado has been very effective in greening their city.
Techniques have been used to create a place that is quite different from what these
neighbors were use to. These communities are Harmony Village and Smart Grid City,
which are both places in Colorado, and North Street Cohousing in Daly, California.
Harmony Village used a technique where the people who were interested in
making a new community that was green, would come together in meetings that
incorporated creative ways to make design decisions. Their participation method
involved understanding ways that their lifestyle can change to become one that can be
sustainable. Harmony Village was a dream of Architect Matt Worswick and his wife
Linda, in the early 1990’s.60
Matt Worswick also designed other sustainable
communities. His firm is called Synergy Design and he focuses on the design of energy
efficient and environmentally responsible residences, including cohousing communities,
custom homes, remodels and additions.61
Matt defines synergy as the exciting
chemistry that can happen between the homeowner and the designer, which enhances
the effectiveness of both parties.62
Synergy goes back to the two heads are better than
one theory. This technique that Warswick uses has been very effective in creating a
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knowledgeable relationship of what is needed to be sustainable and how participation
can assist in it getting done cost effectively.
The Harmony Village had much frustration when trying to find land, but then
they found what they would call a gift from the cohousing Gods. They found land that
was only eight blocks from downtown.63
It was now time to build. Step by step they
created design criteria for homes and landscapes to guide their thinking as they co-
created the features of their community.64
Harmony Village team agreed that the style
of architecture they wanted was south-western.65
This was not a choice of sustainability,
but just an agreed aesthetic.
What was specifically interesting and valuable about Harmony Village is how
they would come together to build for their community while saving thousands. So
much was learned while working, getting to know each other, and respecting the place
they live because they had physically put in work. Their first project was called the tiling
cooperative, where they tiled each other floors together one house at a time.66
The
tiling initiative started a new community custom where they would take off their shoes
when entering each other’s home.67
Another cooperative project was thinning a
mountain forest owned by the project superintendent in order to harvest logs for the
rustic front porches, this project saved 6,000. 68
They did landscaping themselves and
saved 6,000 and bricked their center walking area over a summer. This project was
complete in May 1997 and immediately received the National Building Innovation
Award presented by the assistant secretary for housing.69
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Smart Grid City, Boulder Colorado, had a different technique. Since the smart
grid program started they were able to produce 590.7 fewer pounds of carbon.70
Smart
Grid is using sustainable technology that will exist as a network that everyone will
benefit from. "We like to think of Smart Grid as bringing the world of Thomas Edison
together with the world of Bill Gates," said Ray Gogel of Xcel Energy, a utility company
involved in the system's installation.71
Soon, 50,000 homes in Boulder will soon be
decked out with the latest in environmentally-friendly, energy-saving technology --
including solar panels, electric cars and, for some, a specialized heating, cooling and
lighting system -- all of which will be integrated into a monitoring system that reports
the home's carbon footprint to the homeowner.72
Smart grid will be very effective and
be able to give an idea of how much energy is being used. This type of technological
advance can fulfill awareness to consumption.
University of Colorado Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson and his wife, Val, were the
first to let Xcel transform their home. Xcel energy put solar panels on the house, gave
them a new smart meter and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that literally plugs in to
their house.73
His wife Val states "I pretty much get on my computer, tell my house and
my car what to do and then I walk away," she said. "My solar panels are talking to my
house, are talking to my car, and are talking to my house. It's a beautiful system." This
system is very intelligent and has created a way to tell people how to conserve energy.
This system excludes architecture. Is this system proving that architecture does not have
to change to become more efficient? I disagree, newer homes are able to react to
technology without as much concern for changes of their wall systems, but older homes
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built thirty years or more are using old systems with high emissions, and that must be
eliminated.
North Street Co-Housing was not just technologically driven, it was community
driven. North Street had a goal of developing a common house and other facilities that
meet the priorities and needs of the evolving community.74
Cohousing can be defined as
a living arrangement that combines private living quarters with common dining and
activity areas in a community whose residents share in tasks such as childcare.75
As of June 2007, we have grown to 19 houses by a process of adding one house
at a time as they become available. We have taken down the fences between 17
houses and integrated the backyard landscaping. We also added two houses
from across the street. The ownership structure is very diverse - some houses
are owned by community residents, some by absentee landlords, and others as
partnerships of (former) tenants in the community.76
What I find interesting about this community is its use of in-between spaces. N.
Street cohousing addresses the issues of increase population and continues to add
homes in spaces available. All of the suburban fences are gone. Since the first two
houses were joined in 1986, the community has grown to 50 adults and 14 kids.77
This
community promotes sharing space and doing everything together.
All three of these communities prove how sustainability is a group effort and a
whole community can maximize its energy efficiency. The green technique that was
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most effective that can work in a contagious retrofit is the technique used for
cohousing. Making shared spaces will bring the community together while sharing
greener ways to live. This will then create an atmosphere that supports my argument
which states:
“Energy conservation can be maximized by designing dwelling so that retrofitting
one will benefit neighbors if they follow suit. This is a contagious retrofit.”
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Design Research Proposal
What I have claimed does not give detail to what type of retrofit is taking place.
Now that the perimeters have been established; there is an understanding of what the
retrofit consists of. This is a retrofit that has specific components that will contribute to
creating a comfortable home that lives off nature, while feeding nature as well.
Through the research of the green systems, understanding how new design will
affect the old design, and neighborhood participation; there is now a strong base of how
this retrofit will indeed began and then be unstoppable. I argued that energy
conservation can be maximized by designing dwelling so that retrofitting one will
benefit its neighbor if they follow suit. It is now understood that three main components
established through reasoning has built a recipe for making these dwellings efficient,
therefore maximizing energy. The application of the three components; green systems
(double envelope, farming, green roof, green wall, and water catchment system), hybrid
design solutions, and communal activity, will be what can be applied to make an
architecturally green retrofit of a dwelling. I stress that because the facades and
structure integrated with nature will form the future of architecture for not only new,
but applied to the old. This retrofit is not just an application of technology, or exterior
buffers, but it is a chance to renew the relationship between ground, structure, and the
building envelope.
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I now claim that when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a
contagious reaction will begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and
the study of this new site will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that
follow suit. This is a contagious retrofit that maximizes energy conservation. I have come
to this conclusion by understanding the connection of how each piece opens the
opportunity for the next to be beneficial and supportive. Each evidentiary component
researched provides a link that benefits the next. Let’s began with the mini-farm, the
mini-farm provides an opportunity for neighbors to come together and learn a new way
to use the land that they own. It provides an income, food, and land that are able to
absorb and recycle water. Hence, neither land nor water gets wasted. The connector to
the mini-farm is the double envelope; this space provides a green house for planting and
holding vegetables grown in the yard, while creating a buffer space that holds heat and
provides a house with a comfy atmosphere in the winter. In the summer this same
envelope will use its openings and shades to offer vertical circulation. With the use of a
green room to store crops it opens up the house to views. These views are what will
make neighbors aware of each other; it makes another layer that extends itself to a less
private atmosphere before being outside.
The connection to the double envelope is the opportunity to create other ways
to keep the house warm while enhancing water retention and detention by using green
roofs and green walls. The green roof, wall, and mini-farm need water so the water
catchment system will circulate the water while tying in all the benefits of these systems
working together. These systems may support each other, but they are not enough.
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To be contagious and effective, the present style of the home must be
recognized and must easily show a smooth integration while having an architectural
aesthetic appeal. One will not want their home to follow suit, if their home is going to
look worst than what it had been initially. The home must generate an inspired sense of
built materials knitted with nature. How will I know when that is accomplished? That
can only be accomplished by understanding how materials can work together, designing
and sketching different options will began to show whether they can become cohesive. I
believe that this is accomplished when nature is no longer a backdrop but a ‘house
hugger’, becoming one whole and using each other to survive.
The portions of my claim that will be studied through design are green systems
applied to a dwelling, emerging hybrid design, and site condition changes used as a
catalyst. These three areas will be studied as each additional green system is applied.
Once each one is explored, it will be studied by design when all green systems are
working together. It is understood that the structure may be affected, so studies of the
process of what will stay, what will go, and what will be added to the home, will be
beneficial to exploring this transformation.
The claim is a full design research claim that can only be tested by application
and reacting to each step. Each component will give clues on how the next will work if
identified properly during the design. I will be using multiple forms of media as a guide
in exploring what is truly happening on this site and in what ways they can support each
other. This design proposal is one that begins with ground, moves to rooftop, and then
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extends out to neighbors. Its contagious outbreak must be studied the same way I
intend for it to take place.
Through this research by design, I imagine nature having its own way with
dwelling while communities take interest in a green lifestyle. Once these principles are
adopted I expect it to continue all over the globe. It is an architectural solution to the
problem of global warming. It is also a chance to enhance what we have before it is too
late. Each single dwelling has a different style that varies from community to
community, but it gives architects an opportunity to adapt every style of home, and
prove their personal design competence. Architects will no longer have a fear of
becoming obsolete and have a chance to offer something that contributes to a bigger
picture.
Objects to be Studied
I will be studying a small street of single dwelling in Newport News VA. These
dwellings are fairly new being built in the 90’s. All of them consume great amounts of
energy and waste tons of water through there upkeep and household needs. One of
these dwellings is owned by my classmate Bruce Firestone. I will document analysis of
what is currently taking place at his home, and how it relates to the site. I will also be
doing a study of the homes that are neighboring. In this study there will be more site
analysis to assist me in the design research as well as material investigation. All of the
original site studies will take place during winter break 2008.
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During the semester after all initial investigation is done, I will study the mini-
farm and understanding how it can work on Bruce’s yard. I will investigate ways this has
been done to enhance the relationship between street curb, lawn, and house. Through
the investigation I will create a mini-farm prototype that will represent Bruce’s new
yard. It is important that this study prove its benefits not only financially and
ecologically, but also aesthetically. I will also study the double envelope and consider
where it is most applicable to Bruce’s home. The double envelope will be studied by
understanding ways a glass façade can be incorporated with the initial house design.
Green roofs will be studied next. The roof that is on this home must be
understood structurally. The structure will began to give hints to what can change and
what will not change. The location of the green roof is preferably one that can be
accessed by users of the home. That will be a goal that drives the green roof’s location. I
consider that to be important because the users will no longer lounge in their front
yards due to the produce growing in the front and back, so the green roof gives
opportunity to have that same feeling, but literally on a much higher level.
The next study will be green wall. The green wall will be a great contributor to
insulation and must fall along the north side of the home. This will create a strong
barrier for the northerly wind, while not getting too much sun exposure, yet enough
light to grow. This study will determine how much green wall is too much. The hybrid
design must be kept in mind to make that decision. From there I will study how the
water catchment system will work to connect each green system and house uses. These
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green systems studies constantly incorporate how it will affect the new hybrid style of
the home.
As each piece is designed and applied I must consider the step that came before
hand, making sure that the design of the next system is applicable right along with the
system that was previously applied. They will not necessarily be studied all at once,
rather each piece will be added and must adapt to the last piece, unless the last design
solution cannot work with the next green system because of its location or structure.
Next I will study the site changes; I will be looking for clearer wind patterns, new
views, green infrastructure line up, and any other parts that may not be as obvious but
beneficial. These sight studies will be used to began this process again on the next
home.
Approach
Week 1
Using sketch vignettes of this neighborhood, street elevations, and physical
models generated during the Christmas break, I will began the semester by studying the
idea of the mini-farm. For ideas to generate by using specific information I will be
drawing some landscape sketches. These sketches will explore the idea of what can
happen in the yard with these fruits and vegetables. Being sensitive to the space needed
and its linear form used so one may walk through to pick the produce, I will diagram
ways this can happen using the landscape sketches that was drawn simply by placing
trace over the drawings and drawing routes that are logical. I will then study this in plan
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view, then elevation view to understand ground with façade. The farm will then be
applied to the original site study models and documented.
Week 2
The green roof studies will be applied to structural models of the house, these
models will inform me of what is needed and what load bearing walls are most
important. This model will help me construct a new structural model that is ready for
the green roof. Next I must draw sections and consider how the accessibility to the roof
will affect the household. I will question, what is the best way to enter the green roof?
Next there will be synthesis plan drawings including green roofs and farm. These
drawings will show me where roof and ground is lining up in ways to benefit water. The
green roof will then be applied to the initial site study model and documented.
Week 3
The green wall will be built and applied to the site study model to where it can
be moved and played with. I will take photographs of how it is affecting the style of the
house while drawing elevations that come to mind, by trying different solutions on the
model. Once one is found to be effective, then it will be applied to the original site
model with the first two green systems. This will now be the time to stop and draw
elevations of the changes that are made. To see how the materials are working together
clearer, there will also be a computer generated model rendering that brings it all
together. This information will then be documented.
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Week 4
Next I will create diagrams of how the water catchment system will work while
noting places in which the system is exposed. These are the places in which will give me
room to bring the hybrid design together using green columns or any other details that
will take it further. In those exposed places I will do a digital model of the water
catchment system with the original digital model and explore solutions. These new
design pieces that enclosed the water catchment system will consider water spills and
any other precautions, while using materials that will benefit the hybrid design.
Week 5
I will create a drawing of the site that now exists from the new retrofit of Bruce’s home.
This model will be examined and drawn in plan noting considerable site changes due to
his retrofit. I will then generate a 3D animation showing this transformation
Week 6-10
A new site analysis diagram and model will be created to specify changes and the steps
used in week 1-5 will began again in the same pattern.
Criteria
The criteria for week one is to understand what it takes to start this process
beginning with the uprooting and cleaning of the soil, to creating a landscape design
that functions well. I will have to understand each step and apply the solution chosen
from the diagrams and drawings made that were the most effective. I would like to
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make at least six options to choose from with each option being distinctively different,
so I can cover a broad range of what is possible in the yard area.
Week two criteria involve structure models, I have to create a structural model
of the house to find the best place to change the roof from sloped to flat or add a
structural grid to carry the load of the green roof. The house will conclude its own
possibilities. I will be choosing the green roof’s location by understanding what is best
for the structure and also if it is easily accessible by the inhabitants.
Week three criteria will be the ultimate test of the hybrid design; the green wall
will be determined by whether it is on a northern façade, as well as its cohesiveness
with the original house design. There will be multiple tests and drawings used to find
out how the facades design can be carried out at its best.
Week four criteria is to create a water catchment system that reuses the
rainwater and circulates it to the system that waters the yard, the green wall, and is use
within the home. The main concern is how it moves about in this new retrofit and how it
can happen without being exposed. Once there is a main circulation path for the water,
the architectural elements of this new design must be embracive and hold the water
systems discreetly.
Week 5 criteria is to document the changes in many ways, one including a digital
animation. This will show where the retrofit starts and how the house changes right
before it becomes contagious.
Week 6-10 criteria involves taking clear note of sight changes. These site changes
must expose new design decisions that create the scenario previously followed. The
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mini-farm must be free to connect with the neighbor’s yard previously done, this needs
to happen to create a continuous field that makes friendly neighbor interaction or
partnerships. The green wall might work differently but must still uphold the same
standards as the first home. The green roof to the second home should give some clear
view of the first home’s green roof; this is where neighbors can interact with each other
from roof to roof. The green roof will act as their new lawn, it should be used more
frequently in a social manner than previously. The water catchment system will not be
fully determined from the sight conditions, this system will be determined from the
homes form, and will follow the rain water and where it naturally begins to accumulate
in order to help guide a new circulative diagram that recycles the water. The same
embracive design decision to keep this system unexposed will be applied, just as the
initial house was considered and designed. When these two homes sit together, they
must prove to be developed enough to where the next house looks lost without the
same kind of retrofit, this element will be one that is of opinion, but must spark the
sense of curiosity of what if I joined the new crowd of retrofits. The 3D animation will
then be continued showing the retrofit extending to this site.
Scale
This project will discover how much a single dwelling can be changed without
destructing its main structural components. To understand this, I must understand how
each home is brought together and where the load bearing walls lie. This will create a
clear diagram of what can and cannot happen. The exploration will cause for a green
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roof to placed well to hold dead and live loads. The structure is very important and I will
not be testing the exact amount it can hold, but I will make an educated decision on
whether a wider beam is needed for a span, or whether the house will take on an extra
column.
The house will become contagious to the neighbor on the right side, the
neighbor to the left has an extreme buffer between itself and Bruce’s home, and it is
oriented on the street adjacent to the street in which I am focusing. I may give a touch
of what can happen as a scenario but the depth will happen with the home to the right.
The home on the right embraces the corner. As far as the homes across the street, they
will be minimally developed as a scenario also within a conclusive state of the project to
show what it might be like, if it were to continue.
The two homes that will receive the retrofit will cover exterior effects more than
interior. Assuming the house would want to upgrade to energy star, and other
technological systems, the area can be controlled to conserve. My focus is on the
building envelope integrated with landscape. I will understand the steps of spin farming
from the cleaning of the soil to the growth of the crops. This is an in-depth exploration
to help me understand the time table of this retrofit. It will also give hints of how far this
mini-farm can go when it comes to designing its landscape. I will also calculate the
square foot to determine how much this household can make annually according
Roxanne Christensen. Although some of these details are not architectural, they are a
base of what can make this retrofit contagious. The worldly conditions give opportunity
for extreme changes like this to prosper.
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The green wall will be designed showing planting, but there is no specificity to
what type of plant should grow on the green wall, I will be trying a few combinations of
things but it will ultimately be user’s choice. They key component in the green wall is
finding a way it can be put onto the wall using its metal framing, and what is the best
place for it to be located without becoming an ugly disturbing piece that looks like one
just placed it on the wall with no consideration of architectural aesthetics. As these
things are discovered they will be documented with a written piece stating, in journal
form; what is working, how I arrived to the solution, what does not work well, and
whether it should no longer be considered. This is what I propose for a contagious
retrofit to come to life.
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Section II: Thesis Design Research.........
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Introduction: Recap of Research
When green systems are applied to a single dwelling a contagious reaction will begin: a
hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and the study of this new site will be a
beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that follow suit while conserving maximum
energy.
Green strategies used on contemporary architecture projects must be
considered when retrofitting an older home. One strategy that can be applied is The
Double Envelope. The Double Envelope House was the first house that applied such a
technique. The double envelope was discovered through a concept that created high
insulation, but was not continually practiced on houses over time. It was designed by Lee
Porter Butler and Tom Smith and constructed in 1977. Hookers Office Building (Niagara, NY)
was the first commercial building that introduced the double envelope. Designed by
HOK and Canon Associates and constructed in 1983. Today we see it more often for
example the Genzyme Center (Cambridge, MA) shows that we are practicing the double
envelope as a sustainable technique but once again its applied to commercial buildings.
Genzyme Center was designed by Behnisch and Partner an rated platinum by LEED Building
Rating System when constructed in 2003.
Another green strategy that is applicable are Mini-farms. Kip Nash (Boulder, CO)
disturbed his neighborhood by farming on front lawns. He spends the day planting and
watering his yard farms and stores the seedlings in the greenhouse behind his house. Roxanne
Christensen’s book and practice of Spin-farming proves that this can be economical and self
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efficient. Spin-farming makes it simple for someone to start a farm on a small piece of land. It
also offers the opportunity to rent land.
Green infrastructure brings together a system of natural vegetative structures
which has high benefits. Green Roofs began to connect the green surfaces needed to create
joint vegetative planes. The roof is covered with vegetation and provides rainwater retention
and detention. It also increases the thermal resistance and capacitance of a building roof while
reduces the urban heat island effect. Let’s not forget that it even provides green space for
animals and people on what would otherwise be a hard surfaced area. One other joint plane is
the vertical green wall. A vertical green wall is a direct connector from green roof to lawn for a
more sustainable infrastructure. It cools the building significantly, is a water absorber, and has
aesthetic appeal. This can be applied in panels with choice of species. Then one should consider
bioswales to control the water runoff while removing silt and pollution from surface runoff
water. Bioswales have a drainage course filled with vegetation or compost that slows down
the flow of rainwater runoff. The Bioswales will give opportunity tomake use of a
good water catchment system that will recycle the storm water. This will complete a
strong green infrastructure. This system accumulates storm water in storage in
preparation for future water usage.
A Retrofit on a home gives opportunity to create a hybrid architectural style that
can represent the sustainable housing transformation. The American Dream House is
where consumption began, so it is best to recognize them and consider how far the
transformation can go. The homes that represented the American dream are the
Bungalow of 1920, the Cape Cottage of 1940, the Ranch of1950, and the Split Level of
1960. We must consider applying things we see in ne sustainable homes. Geothermal
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Residence (Boston, MA), designed by MaryAnn Thompson, helps recognize sustainable
techniques that can transfer and develop in the retrofit. This house was organized on
site to take advantage of the sun. All rooms of this house receive light on two sides and
the combined living room, dining room, and kitchen area receive light on four sides with
the use of clerestory. This home has an insular north façade, while the south façade
opens the house to the site and the sun.
Brick Terrace House Retrofit (Mottingham, London) shows how a retrofit has
taken place and but not much difference is made to the exterior. This is a retrofit by
ECD Architects in Mottingham London. This Hyde Housing Association property is a
nondescript brick terraced house built in the 1930s The project adheres to PassiveHaus-
standards which uses techniques very similar to LEED.
Contemporary green strategies used in a retrofit can create a sustainable
lifestyle can be shared by more than one home, which will save money and energy while
building relationships. One can see this in Harmony Village (Golden, CO) whom
developed their own sustainable lifestyle together through meetings. This community
was designed by Matt and Linda Worswick whom designed other sustainable
communities. Their firm is called Synergy Design and focuses on the design of energy
efficient and environmentally responsible residences. These community members had
meetings that incorporated creative ways to make design decisions.
Smart Grid City (Boulder, CO), designed by Xcel Energy, uses technology only;
while inhabitants still have the choice of not reaching out to each other to become
sustainable.
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Since the smart grid program started they were able to produce 590.7 fewer pounds of
carbon.
50,000 homes in Boulder will soon be decked out with the latest in environmentally-
friendly, energy-saving technology. This system is very intelligent and has created a way
to tell people how to conserve energy. A community that does not use technology is
North Street Cohousing.
North Street Cohousing defines community through an open house relationship. North
Street had a goal of developing a common house and other facilities that meet the
priorities and needs of the evolving community. Since 2007 this community has grown
to 19 houses by a process of adding one house at a time as they become available. They
have taken down the fences between 17 houses and integrated the backyard
landscaping. Their ownership structure is very diverse. This community promotes
sharing space and doing everything together.
I will be investigating whether the integration of the double envelope and green
infrastructure will bring a cohesive hybrid design into discovery. This retrofit is of high
importance because the current techniques, tried by each individual homeowner, have
brought an aesthetic appeal that is under par for neighborhood streetscapes . With a
clear understanding of the benefit of the green systems discussed, they must be applied
with site conditions being its ammunition.
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Research Proposal The Contagious Retrofit: GREEN REDESIGNING FOR SINGLE
DWELLING
By Tyshawna A Spell Hampton University Architecture Department
Prof. C. Sanchez + S. Robinson
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Stages 1
Green Systems Application FARMING
VEGETATIVE WALL
GREEN ROOF
2 Glazing the Sunny Side
DOUBLE ENVELOPE SRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
3 Hybrid Design Development
SYNTHESIS OF SYSTEMS
AESTHETIC DETAILS DEVELOPED
4
Site Conditions Exposes Extended Development SITE ANALYSIS
PROPOSED CHANGES FOR NEXT HOME
SCHEMATICS OF OPTIONS
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Site 452 Burnham Place
Newport News, VA 23606
United States of America
North America
This two story home
with a garage makes us
of a small porch and a
connected garage. This
home’s front façade
faces west while the
back façade faces east.
The south façade is the
right façade of the
home. This street gets
very little traffic and
ends as a dead end on
its south route.
This site is adjacent to Warwick Avenue which
includes services such as Harris Teeter, Food
Lion, Firestone, Plaza Azteca, Sun Trust Bank,
7-Eleven, Asian Grill, Centre Court Indoor
Tennis Club, and Glendale Shoppe Pharmacy.
This neighborhood is very close to Christopher
Newport University.
Newport News is a part of the Peninsula in
South East VA. It is on the inner water side of
the James River with Hampton to its right and
Williamsburg to its North West.
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Front View Left Side Sun Porch left-back
Back Right Side Front Landscape
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Newport News GISViewer
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Newport News GISViewer
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1 Green Systems Application
FARMING, VEGETATIVE WALL, GREEN ROOF
THEME- Greening the Connective Surfaces
Thematic Focus In this stage the focus will be on greening the landscape through farming, creating a
vertical green wall for the north side of the home, and breaking down pitches to create
green roof capabilities and applying the extensive green roof.
Part of Argument Addressed
I argue that when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a
contagious reaction will begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and
the study of this new site will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that follow suit.
Because the contagious retrofit starts with green systems applied it will also start as the first
stage. I argue this because these green systems have benefits of sustainability.
Hypothesis Applying Farming to the front lawn and connecting this vegetative process to the
vertical green wall with choice of species, and developing the green roof will create a
green infrastructure that will circulate water well, cool the house, give opportunity to
produce one’s own produce, reduce the heat island effect, and reveal new architectural
techniques to be further developed.
Foundation • Kip Nash (Boulder, CO) disturbed his neighborhood by farming on front lawns.
• Roxanne Christensen’s Spin Farming proves that this can be economical and self
efficient.
• Green Roofs began to connect the green surfaces needed to create joint
vegetative planes needed to create this green infrastructure.
• Vertical Green Wall is a direct connector from green roof to lawn for a more
sustainable infrastructure.
56 | T S p e l l
Task/Context/Media- Greening the Connective Surfaces
When?
Dates of
Exploration
What?
Task Identified
How?
To do Method
Media?
Idea
expression
Who?
Beneficiaries
01/25/09
Sunday
Measure out site
and determine
rows and widths
of farming beds.
Draw out
property line
and measure
lawn footprint.
Draw the site
and label
square
footage.
Using the
width of beds
and width of
walkways,
calculate
potential linear
formations.
Note
Findings...
Sketch Pad
Documentatio
n as
reference.
AutoCAD 2D
Drawing in
plan view
Photoshop
show
potential
diagrammatic
linear
formation
options
This will
benefit the
homeowner;
this
information
will give an
estimate of
yearly gross.
I will
understand
the
limitations of
design
through
formation of
vegetative
bedding.
01/26/09
Monday
Diagram Possible
Circulation lines
two and from
home.
Diagram linear
passages for
front and
backyard
bedding of
Using diagrams
formed, layout
how one would
circulate from
street side to
door, driveway
to door, front
to back, and to
neighbor.
In Photoshop
make solid
circulation
paths with
linear
diagrams
slightly
transparent.
Print out
The visitor
and the
residency.
57 | T S p e l l
vegetation. Create multiple
Possibilities
Note
Findings...
multiple
possibilities.
01/27/09
Tuesday
Do Synthesis Draw
Landscape
Perspective
Drawing
Note
Findings...
On an 11x14
Sheet of
Vellum Draw
out one of the
combinations
in perspective
using color
pencils.
A vision to
the
homeowner
of possible
vegetative
landscaping.
01/28/09
Wednesday
Identify home
materials and
wall structure
Take photos of
walls and
identify history
of materials
Note
Findings...
Photographs
Matrix of
material
usage and
capabilities.
This will
benefit me in
understandin
g how the
vegetative
wall can be
applied.
01/29/09
Thursday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
--------- ---------- ------------
01/30/09
Friday
Identify home
materials and
wall structure.
Identify inside
effects of
programming.
Draw wall
section by
hand.
Draw wall
showing
interior
programming
and exterior
landscaping.
Note Findings
11x14 sheet
of vellum and
lead pencil.
11x14 sheet
of Vellum in
color pencil.
This is to
benefit the
residence
and their
way of life.
01/31/09
Saturday
Diagram best places
for vertical
In Diagram Form
mark out great
places to vegetate
Create
Diagrams by
hand using ink
This will be
beneficial to
design
58 | T S p e l l
vegetation.
Look up Breeds
with lawn
vegetation
choices in mind.
and show why
diagrammatically.
Show Multiple
Diagrams.
Draw
vegetation
options.
Note Findings
and markers.
Using Ebony
Pencil & Color
pencils Draw a
few options of
planting for
wall
decisions and
panel setup.
02/01/09
Sunday
Sketch out three
potential ideas
for application of
green wall, using
resources found.
Make three
exploded
axons in of
wall, showing
materials
through
rendering.
Note Findings
Form Z This will be
helpful to the
contractor
applying this
wall system.
This will also
benefit the
residence by
keeping the
house cool
during the
warmer
months.
02/02/09
Monday
Physically apply
to small wall
section detail.
Take materials
similar to
house and
make a square
ft. wall detail
model applying
vertical green
wall.
Note Findings
Supply list will
come through
research
steps.
3D Physical
Model
This provides
a full visual
to user.
02/03/09
Tuesday
Rest Day (reflect) ------------- --------------- ---------------
02/04/09
Wednesday
Evaluate wall
section detail.
Generate free
hand sketches
showing details
Small detailed
sketches in
4x6 sketch
Designer
concerns in
which one
59 | T S p e l l
and areas of
concern.
Note
Findings...
pad might
address and
create new
ideas.
02/05/09
Thursday
Identify
Structural
changes to roof.
Create current
structural
diagram of
home.
Make changes
to
accommodate
green roof.
Note
Findings...
Form Z 3D
models
This tells how
the structure
will directly
be affected
due to slope
change and
green roof.
02/07/09
Saturday
Diagram
circulation to
green roof.
Identify
programming
changes
Create a
Section Cut of
the house
showing the
circulation
access to roof.
Draw original
Section of
house
AutoCAD
Section
Drawings of
house
including site.
This will
show access
and
programs
changes and
whether it is
feasible for
home-owner.
60 | T S p e l l
Goals- Greening the Connective Surfaces
Criteria- Greening the Connective Surfaces
61 | T S p e l l
2 Glazing the Sunny Side...
DOUBLE ENVELOPE STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
THEME- The Sun is My Light and My Heat
Thematic Focus The focus of this theme is to create a double envelope that will be a buffer and heat
absorber for this household in the winter but also gives controls through its joints for sun
shades and other possibilities.
Part of Argument Addressed
I argue that when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a
contagious reaction will begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and
the study of this new site will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that follow suit.
The double envelope is a green system that is used to bring in natural light and create a warm
atmosphere for the house’s inhabitants.
Hypothesis Using a double envelope will bring in light through the home, give views out into
neighborhood, and create a buffer zone that can be used as a sun porch, or garden. This
beneficial element will bring a sense of nature into the household.
Foundation • The Double Envelope House was the first house the double envelope was
discovered through a concept that created high insulation, but was not
continually practiced on houses over time.
• Hookers Office Building (Niagara, NY) was the first commercial building that
introduced the double envelope.
• Genzyme Center (Cambridge, MA) shows that we are practicing the
double envelope as a sustainable technique but once again its applied to commercial
buildings.
62 | T S p e l l
Task/Context/Media- The Sun is My Light and My Heat
When?
Dates of Exploration
What?
Task
Identified
How?
To do Method
Media?
Idea
expression
Who?
Beneficiaries
02/08/09
Sunday
Rest Day
(reflect)
-------------------- -------------- ---------------
02/09/09-02/10/09
Monday-Tuesday
Understand
components
(interior
spaces vs.
exterior)
Make a break
apart 3D
Model of
house that
diagrams
program and
exterior
current
materials.
Note
Findings...
Chipboard
and
transparent
sheets for
physical
model.
The user
private and
public
spaces must
be
recognized
and treated
in a manner
where
glazing is
chosen
correctly.
02/11/09- 02/12/09
Wednesday- Thursday
Design
three ideas
of double
envelope.
Make sketches
of multiple
renditions
Create 3D
model
Note
Findings...
4x6
Sketchpad
and ebony
pencil
Form Z
Renderings
The User
will
experience
a more
exposed
experience.
02/13/09
Friday
Research
best glass
choices for
design
options
Go to library
and find
information on
latest
materials
Matrix User and
designers
choice.
Must be
eco-friendly.
02/14/09
Saturday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
--------- ---------- ------------
63 | T S p e l l
Valentine’s
Day
02/15/09-02/16/09
Sunday-Monday
Draw
section
detail of
wall
proposed
Take
schematics of
wall and
develop
double
envelope
section
labeled.
Draw wall
showing
interior
programming
and exterior
landscaping.
Note Findings
AutoCad
Give
designer
view of
options.
02/17/09-02/19/09
Tuesday-Thursday
Develop
multiple
possibilities
of what can
happen
with section
due to site
conditions
and user
lifestyle.
Create
diagrams
showing what
is happening
with new wall
using intuition
and sun
studies.
Sketch
possibilities of
new double
envelope
Create Drafts
of four new
Sketch
diagrams
on sketch.
Hand
Drawings
on Vellum
AutoCAD
Section
Drawing
Details
labeled
Designer
develops
detail for
best
options.
64 | T S p e l l
options
Note Findings
02/20/09
Friday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
-------------------- ------------ ------------
02/21/09-02/22/09
Saturday-Sunday
Gather
research
and fill in
gaps
Take all
research
material and
put I
presentation
order.
Photoshop Audience
and
Professors
02/23/09-02/27/09 MIDTERMS MIDTERMS MIDTERMS MIDTERMS
65 | T S p e l l
Goals- The Sun is My Light and My Heat
Criteria- The Sun is My Light and My Heat
66 | T S p e l l
3 Hybrid Design Development SYNTHESIS OF SYSTEMS AESTHETIC DETAILS DEVELOPED
THEME- Traditional Embraces Contemporary
Thematic Focus The focus of this theme is to do a synthesis of the green systems working together.
Through viewing what is happening solutions shall develop. Can this really work, is it
appealing? These are the questions we are looking to answer in this development.
Part of Argument Addressed I argue that when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a contagious reaction will
begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and the study of this new site
will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that follow suit. The systems applied are
used in contemporary designed architecture and will cause an interesting dynamic when applied
to traditional American housing.
Hypothesis The study of how these elements can work together will bring a solution for this hybrid
aesthetically, structurally, and functionally. (firmness, commodity, delight)
Foundation • The American Dream House is where consumption began, so it is best to
recognize them and consider how far the transformation can go.
• Geothermal Residence (Boston, MA) helps recognize sustainable techniques that
can transfer and develop in the retrofit.
• Brick Terrace House Retrofit (Mottingham, London)shows how a retrofit has
taken place and what difference it made to the exterior.
67 | T S p e l l
Task/Context/Media- Traditional Embraces Contemporary
When?
Dates of
Exploration
What?
Task
Identified
How?
To do Method
Media?
Idea
expression
Who?
Beneficiaries
03/02/09-03/04/09
Sunday- Tuesday
Take info
Gathered
and make
3D Model
of Original
Home
Digitally build
the original
house from
structure to
landscape.
Form Z
Renderings
This will be
the before
model image.
03/05/09-03/06/09
Wednesday-
Thursday
Add
landscape
d farming
to Model
Digitally add
the farming
chosen from
earlier studies
with
circulation
paths
included.
Note
Findings...
Form Z.
Renderings
This will show
where retrofit
starts
03/07/09
Friday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
--------------------
-
---------------- ----------------
03/08/09
Saturday
Add
Vertical
Green
Wall
System
Digitally
configure
paneling
location and
add to 3D
Model
Note Findings
Form Z
renderings
This will show
connection
between
ground and
wall.
03/10/09-3/11/09
Sunday-Monday
Add
Green
Roof
Reconfigure
roof into a
green roof
Form Z
renderings
This will show
connection
between
ground and
68 | T S p e l l
Show detail of
layers on
Model and off
model
Note Findings
wall and roof.
03/12/09
Tuesday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
-------------------
---
-----------------
------------------
-.
03/13/09-03/14/09
Wednesday-
Thursday
Add
double
envelope.
Use initial
drawings to
create double
envelope in
digital form in
detail
Note Findings
Form Z
renderings
Began to see
synthesis
3/15/09- 3/16/09
Friday- Saturday
Evaluate
Synthesis
Do Sun Studies
Diagram in
Elevation
details that
must change.
Form Z
AutoCAD
Elevations &
Hand
Renderings
See
difficulties
and successes
03/17/09-03/18/09
Sunday-Wednesday
Create
Schematic
of new
possibiliti
es
through
issues
found.
Make an
Exploded
Axonometric
AutoCAD hard
lined Axon
w/notes
Hand
Rendering
Photoshop
Details
Documentati
on of pieces
working
together.
03/19/09-03/21/09
Thursday-Saturday
Rest Days
(Reflect)
--------------------
-
--------------------
--
-----------------
69 | T S p e l l
Goals- Traditional Embraces Contemporary
Criteria- Traditional Embraces Contemporary
70 | T S p e l l
4 Site Conditions Exposes Extended Development SITE ANALYSIS, PROPOSED CHANGES TO NEW HOME, SCHEMATIC OPTIONS
THEME- Retrofit Catalyst
Thematic Focus The focus of this theme is to expose options for the neighboring home through the site
analysis of new design.
Part of Argument Addressed I argue that when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a contagious reaction
will begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and the study of this new
site will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that follow suit. The
systems applied are used in contemporary designed architecture and will cause an
interesting dynamic when applied to traditional American housing.
Hypothesis The study of the changes on the new home will create a reactive effect on the
neighboring home that will be beneficial to conserving energy and building relationships.
Foundation • Harmony Village (Golden, CO) developed their own sustainable lifestyle together
through meetings.
• Smart Grid City (Boulder, CO) uses technology only while inhabitants still have
the choice of not reaching out to each other to become sustainable.
• North Street Cohousing (Daly, CA) defines community through an open house
relationship.
71 | T S p e l l
Task/Context/Media- Retrofit Catalyst When?
Dates of
Exploration
What?
Task
Identified
How?
To do Method
Media?
Idea
expression
Who?
Beneficiarie
s
03/22/09-03/23/09
Sunday- Monday
Make a
intuitive
site
diagram.
Draw Site
including both
homes
including
changes.
Note Findings
AutoCAD Site
Plan
Hand
Rendering
Symbolism
Analysis
Photoshop
The
neighbors
03/24/09-03/26/09
Tuesday - Thursday
Create
Drawings of
possibilities.
Hand sketch
ideas formed
through study
of new site.
Perspectives of
specific areas.
Note
Findings...
Vellum and
pencil.
Neighbors
03/27/09
Friday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
--------------------
-
---------------- ----------------
03/28/09-04/04/09
Saturday-Sunday
Wrap up
Research
Finish any
finishing
touches and
details.
All Medias All
04/05/09
Sunday
Rest Day
(Reflect)
------------------- --------------------
--
----------------
-
04/06/09-04/12/09
Monday-Sunday
Presentatio
n Prep
Outline Verbal
Presentation
Format &
All
Audience.
72 | T S p e l l
Ordering,
Last Research
Issues
04/13/09
Monday
All
Materials
are Due
--------------- ----------------- ---------------
Goals- Traditional Embraces Contemporary
73 | T S p e l l
Criteria- Retrofit Catalyst
74 | T S p e l l
Green Infrastructure Provocation.................
75 | T S p e l l
The proposal helped me begin a design research process that was developed to
support the research and evidence that was provided in Section I. As I began this
process, what was intended within the proposed schedule was not efficient for the time
and observation needed to prove my claim. As the semester progressed I reached a
point where I focused on Stage I: Green Infrastructure. Green infrastructure provocation
is the initial setting of this retrofit and will provide the base of the following stages
which will be the design research done at a later time. Green infrastructure is the
connection of vegetative land from ground, to wall, then to the roof. Due to many
suburban homes having a roof pitch that gets sufficient sunlight, the options of solar
panels would be the best solution, rather than vegetation. So I explored the lawn and
the wall to understand the underlying point that makes this concept so contagious. This
idea had its own hidden agenda’s that included irrigation, soil properties, and an
understanding of transformation that may be accepted or rejected. With these issues
ahead, I began to understand and resolve through design.
Site When choosing the site, the objective
was to choose a neighborhood that had
a typical suburban atmosphere. Each
home was approximately 20 ft apart
and there was plenty of space to
cultivate the lawn. The aerial view map
shows how the home that is being
76 | T S p e l l
studied relates to its neighbor’s home. The lot being studied has a lawn that covers
approximately 7, 773 square feet of the property.
The contour map reveals topography that gives a clear idea of how water drifts
along the site. In the far right corner of this map the topography goes down
approximately six ft. This is the location of a small stream that is in the backyards of
many of the homes in this neighborhood. This stream currently has a water pipe that
takes all of the access water into the city’s sewer system. As I viewed this map I also
noticed the land to built ratio. There is plenty of land but it has been mowed and
obtained by chemicals so that weeds and other sources do not sprout consistently.
I then created a zoning map that shows how this neighborhood fits into a larger
scale. The map shows that this area is majority single family homes but has a strip in the
middle, Warwick Boulevard, which has business/retail. There are also two park districts
on the left side of Warwick blvd. As one rides down Warwick Blvd, there is plenty of
traffic and parking for the current large strip malls. The single-family homes are tucked
behind these strip malls, yet they are very close.
Sun Studies
Vegetating land takes careful planning, space, sunlight, and wind.78
I began with sun
studies of my site and its neighboring home. Understanding the sun and its effect on
vegetation will assist in choosing which vegetation should grow where and what time of
the year it should be prepared. I chose to include the neighbor’s home because it is very
important to understand the effects that relate to the changes on this site. In this case
the neighbor affects the initial home due to the shadows it casts directly into the front
77 | T S p e l l
and back yard. The neighbor lives on
the corner with little influence from
another home which gives plenty of
opportunity to use sunlight.
The site tends to get the
most sunlight in the front and
backyards simultaneously in each
season diagram around 10am-
12pm. The shadow from the home
is longer in the cooler seasons of fall
and winter. The shadow is shorter in
spring & summer. Knowing when to plant seeds is very important. The best time to
plant is between periods of frost, from spring to fall, when there is normally sufficient
warmth to germinate seeds and sufficient sunlight to mature vegetables.79
These
diagrams give me an idea of whether vegetation is a good idea on this site. The site gets
plenty of sun and air. It is a good candidate to vegetate upon according to these studies.
78 | T S p e l l
Vegetation Bed Layout Observations
Option A explores traditional bedding. Traditional bedding is used on large farms
because it makes it easier to take large equipment through to till the soil and lay seeds.
Traditional bedding on this site may not be necessary. The site is smaller than the usual
farming landscape and has plenty of room to take different forms. Option A works well
for Dutch Beds which are highly recommended in How to Grow Vegetables. In Dutch
beds poor soil can be made into good soil and good soil can be made nearly perfect.80
These beds can be about three to four feet wide. Dutch beds are designed to have good
width but most importantly they are designed to come approximately twelve to
eighteen inches higher than ground level.81
This creates a cleaner layout that is easier to
obtain.
Option B takes a traditional linear formation that is horizontal. This option works better
than the last because the beds are at reasonable length. A reasonable length for a bed is
Option A Option B Option C
Option D Option E Option F
79 | T S p e l l
approximately fifteen feet.82
Each Row extends from an inner portion of the property
line unlike option A which extended from the street to the end of the yard which made
the bed walkways that are between difficult to be accessed. This is one option that can
work for someone who wants something very simple and easy to layout.
Option C explores curved bedding. Curved bedding brings movement of the site. It
begins to tell a different story and is preferred by many as an aesthetic choice. Creating
bedding templates for this would explore using a material that may easily bend or many
short pieces of material that can be put together in a curved formation.
Option D is what I call pod bedding. Pod bedding creates walkways that curve and
creates a staggered effect from the street. What is interesting about the pod bedding is
that, if he pods are large enough in diameter, family or friends can gather around one
and seed or pull together. Creating this style can be very difficult; one might prefer to
make circular pods in different areas of the yard to create similar results.
Option E is a bedding design that is more complex. It breaks up the yard by creating
random linear walkways at different angles. So, if one was to begin by digging their
walkways first, it can be very simple to implement. The problem with this example is
that it creates bedding that is far too wide.
Option F is very similar to option E but it creates smaller width beds. When I looked at
this bedding design, I realized that the rows begin to make groups of beds that can give
the option to grow certain vegetables together at different ends of the yard. This option
can bring something very interesting to a neighborhood but may be too complicated to
layout.
80 | T S p e l l
Out of all six options, option B, C, and F can be very successful depending on the
household and their personality type. These three options are very diverse and can fit
for someone who is simple, loves movement, or has a complex nature.
Treating Soil
Every yard may carry a different grade of soil, but not all soil can produce great yield.
The soil must be loose enough to hold water but not compact and stiff. Poor soil will
limit the plant growth. A method that I found to be the most natural, simple, and
promotes conservation, is creating your own compost. Compost loosens heavy soil,
facilitates drainage, and goes to work on clods to break them into smaller pieces. Well-
made compost have been shown to have plant growing benefits far in excess of its
simple ‘nutrient analysis’ and to be an active factor in enhancing plant resistance to
pets.83
This compost can be prepared before spring and lie approximately two to three
feet below the beds and covered with mulch to prepare for planting season. One can
also start compost piles in their backyard below the ground, holding all materials and
waste and can be covered and kept
shut. In this example I have
modeled a scenario where the
compost has its own box dug into
ground and covered with a solar panel. This solar panel will absorb the sunlight while
restoring electricity back into the grid.
81 | T S p e l l
Bed Design
Dutch bedding was one of the types of bedding that is very significant
and helpful in creating a yielding garden. I tried to understand how
these beds can be designed to create a simple layout. The first design
was a bed that was made of clay and created steps that would be easy
to sit on while seeding or pulling. These steps would be pretty low but
starts to create a uniform design to the home’s yard. It also can be a
style that symbolizes vinyl siding that is the exterior clad upon many
suburban homes. The second example was a
bed design that was made for kneeling on the knees. This
example shows a grassy felt that curves in from the top of the
bed to the ground holding the curve of the knee. The system
used to design this bed is very similar to Patrick Blanc green
wall systems where there is a metal framing, a pvc layer, then
the felt that the planting grows from. It will be very interesting
seeing it all at full bloom. As I came up with multiple examples
of what can happen with these beds, I was curious about what would happen along the
pathways. It was very common for mulch to be laid along the
paths, so I tried to find a more sustainable solution. Endurasafe
was that product that would be the substitute for mulch and is
one of the best alternatives. Endurasafe is a recycled rubber
product that is typically used as an alternative to natural based
82 | T S p e l l
mulches in landscaping application, and as a resilient surfacing material for shock
absorption application in playgrounds and outside sports facilities.84
Endurasafe also
comes in different color choices and does not have to be re-laid constantly. Due to its
material it outlives natural based mulches. This is definitely the sustainable and easy to
implement solution.
Irrigation
Vegetating on the lawn will not be a success if there is no way to get water to the living
organisms. Many people use their water hoes,
sprinkler systems and many other ways to water
their lawn, but when it comes to vegetating upon
the land, too much water or too little water can be
a problem. I suggest that a few systems working together to begin a base grid will help
send an efficient amount of water to each plant.
This system recycles water and uses storm water.
This system was created using multiple systems
such as water harvesting, water filtering, drip irrigation, and bioswales. Water
harvesting is when one holds the water runoff in a cistern and uses the water at a later
time. This water being held in this cistern will then go through the filtration system that
clean the water and pumps it into the house and/or the drip irrigation system. The drip
irrigation system releases just the amount of water needed for the vegetation to grow
at its best. This reduces excessive use of water. Bioswales can also be created along the
property, but instead of creating ditches that catches water I suggest that we use it as
83 | T S p e l l
an opportunity to create what I call Bioswale Structural Art. Bioswale structural art is a
frame designed to hold vegetation vertically. This frame can be constructed at the
midpoint of this bioswale as a signifier that this water system is located here. All water
from the site will drain into these bioswales and will be pumped up to the vegetation or
back into the cistern where it will be recycled as well.
Once these systems are integrated together it creates a garden that recycles
water and waste, produces food, and reduces the heat island effect. This organic
vegetation that will create a healthier household brings many benefits although these
are simple solutions. The systems brought together can create an atmosphere of
curiosity and talk around town. What
are they growing? Am I paying for
water that he/she is reusing? This will
begin the cycle of being contagious.
The network of water systems
connected will make a vast change in how water is conserved and penetrated through
the land to grow the vegetation that once resided on the same land many years ago.
Green Walls
Applying a green wall
to a home is very
different from
applying a green wall
to a larger commercial building. The home structural system is created to hold
84 | T S p e l l
approximatelt only two floors, is usually wood framed, and has a light cladding material;
with the exception of brick homes or clay homes in our southern regions. With this in
mind I explored a few green walls to decide what would be best. Earth Cinch was a
green wall system that was very interesting to me. Earth cinch was proposed as a
transitional biodegradable growth system for vertical and horizontal surfaces.85
When
modeling this type of green wall. I realized that it would be considerably heavy and even
bulky for the traditional American home.
I then reviewed G-Sky green wall panels. G-Sky Green wall panels are patented modular
planting system for vertical walls.86
This system is low maintenance and is sent with the
planting ready to set up. The modular panels are made up of an ultraviolet resistant,
non flammable Polypropylene.87
This system is an investment but is very easy to create
oneself. I would recommend creating similar planting pots and creating a grid structure
to place them within each niche, which will create a similar effect.
Then I explored the planting shelf where all plants that are grown, line up
standing vertically on a shelving area. The model that I created produced double rows of
plants that would not be as effective if it was put against the wall of a home. A single
row would suffice to get plenty of sunlight and just enough shade from the shelf above.
A significant amount of both is very important when growing any leafy vegetation.
As I reviewed the previous options of green wall systems, I wanted to come up
with a design solution that would be much lighter on the home and creates a canopy
shaded area. I decided that a tensile structure extended from tall bamboo that is
mounted deep into the ground and pinned to the side of the home would be a solution
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to grow vine like vegetation that will begin from a garden bed and create a web of
vegetation. This wall will extend from home to ground but look as if the vegetation is
embracing the home’s exterior. This solution is not as heavy and creates a green wall
that will reduce the heat island effect.
Contagious?
As I focused on each system; understanding why it was the best for the context,
structure, and easy to implement by the homeowner; I realized that there are so many
things that I am still up against when creating such a contagious retrofit. Although these
systems bring benefits, will they really carry over? So I began to explore on a large-scale
to get an overview of what I am working with using such systems.
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The water system must be an easy grid system that can be
extended to each home as a simple twist pipe hook-up. If it is
hooked up initially vertically extending from street to backyard,
there will be one main hook-up space to a similar grid system of
the neighbor’s home. The second example hooks up to each
horizontal tube which is a more difficult option to implement.
Understanding the design of the grid water system helps me to
understand the larger scale in which this idea can potentially progress.
There are also great financial benefits to using
the produce that is grown on the lawn to sell to
neighboring businesses. Roxanne Christensen who
started spin farming has stated that a half an acre of
land is potentially 50,000 gross per year. Cultivating
one’s own land can pay as much as a second job or even
make up for a lost job. Due to the loss of homes
because of the economy, I suggest this as a very
sustainable, life fulfilling option that can bring a lot of
benefits to homeowners. With the site that I studied in
Newport news VA the area that can be vegetated was
aproximately 7,773 square feet. If I estimated using
Roxanne Christensen numbers. This home can make approximately 17, 884 a year. The
average mortgage in Hampton roads is about eight hundred dollars. Using the bar gaph
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below I calculated his mortgage range that would be covered if the owner chooses to
use this option. This is so important to analyse because, we have come too far from
living off our own land. Homewners have lost their control and are now loosing their
very home that they have invested so much in. Instead of taking the same procedures to
keep our homes. Growing food and selling our food will bring us closer to having a
grounded relationship with nature as well as create a permenant environment for
children who will know where their food comes from.
This implementaton is something I believe will accelerate if neighbors were to
come together and work as a team. Although it is very important to open up the
community to its residence as a full playground, it is also important to set boundaries
and not necessarily barriers. The design of the
vegetation beds and the choice of heights will
begin to distinquish where property lines are, yet
still show a more welcoming cohesiveness to the
neghborhod design. If one chooses to create a
full barrier, e.g. a green wall on the property line,
it will probably not work as well with creating a more inclusive environment. This wall
will block sun and also look as if the personal lot is not a part of a whole.
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Neighborhood Sun Study Observations
I decided to look at a full sun study of this
neighborhood including eleven lots. Each lot
created its own shadow. The trees on the site
created plenty of shade in certain areas which
may become future play areas for children. All
areas marked in green is potential vegetation
land. This is the level in which this idea
becomes contagious. Communities will begin
to see themselves as a whole community and
designate areas to do activities together with the
same goals of producing from their land and
providing organics to local groceries. These sun
studies also gave me an idea of where vegetation
should gow vertically. Each home has a wall that can potentially grow vegetation. The
best wall to vegetate would be one that is east, west, or south; and it must recieve
shade from the house next to it. In the photographs below I marked which walls they
would be in this scenario.
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Conclusion
It must be ‘Steadfast’: Learning from the 70’s
The issues we face today are the same ones we faced in the 1970’s when we
Had the energy crisis. America came up with solutions as President Jimmy Carter gave
incentives. It was a time of innovation and proactive solutions, but it began to fall short
as Ronald Raegan did not support the same venture. Today Global Warming is one of
the biggest obstacles we face on earth. The world has become more aware and green
lifestyle has been the marketing strategy that makes us knowledgabe of what each one
of us can do. With the support of Barack Obama and his administration, this will very
well work as the solution for suburban consumption. This can not end with Barack
Obama’s term as it did Jimmy Carter. In the 1970’s ideas where at its hieght when it
came to solutions for conserving energy which has been suported by my evidence (See
Apendix A). These solutions will prevail at higher rate today due to the advances in
technology in which we have progressed. I acknowledge the attempt to fight these
issues then and hope that this retrofit is one that will be supported now and for a long
time.
Simplicity an esquisite exhibition will help this follow through. With the
application being a clean simple institution as well as one that one would want to invest
in, a homeowner will not feel as if he is loosing a lifestyle but gaining a more preferable,
integral, and sustainable way of life that can bring longer lifespans to future
generations. Integrity is key when it comes the architectural profession and this concept
90 | T S p e l l
provides a way of living that protects the health, safety, and welfare of people. I do
believe that my mission will be accomplished by 2020.
Through the design research I learned that less is more and there can be
complexities in things that seem so simple. I think that is the key to starting something
lifechanging. A friend of mine name Kory Saunders always says, “it takes a baby steps.”
The green infrastructure provocation is just one step to creating the contagious retrofit.
The double envelope must still be explored and the hybrid analysis study will also reveal
new things about the site. I call this initial mission green infrastructure provocation
because it provokes the steps that will follow. This first step was so important because it
creates such high results within this one idea. This very idea is being explored by Fritz
Haeg, author of edible estates. His idea exhibits the effect of community and how a
garden can bring them together. We have gone so far from protecting, feeding, and
knowing our children and families due to our fast paced economic system, but consider
this quote by Thomas Jefferson:
Whenever there are any country uncultivated lands and unemployed
poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to
violate natural right. The earth is given as a common stock for man to
labor and live on. The small landowners are the most precious part of
state.88
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So I claim one last time: when green systems are applied to a single dwelling a
contagious reaction will begin: a hybrid style emerges, the site conditions change, and
the study of this new site will be a beneficial catalyst for the neighboring homes that
follow suit. So let’s vegetate!
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