ZEDfactory have designed different building typologies , always investigating how to minimise embodied carbon and operational energy use...
Different typologies need different low carbon constructional systems
Different typologies need different low carbon constructional systems
ZEDfactory have spent a decade developing practical construction details that make new architectural forms easy and affordable to deliver
Beddington, London
Using a standard brick and block system, a distinct supply chain was set up for roll out of future projects
BRE Innovation Park, London
An innovation affordable zero carbon housing system (2016)
Buildings aerodynamically designed to capture wind creating wind speed up for renewable harvest and driving ventilation
Upton, UK
Glulam/box frame timber system with distinct packages that ties a great deal of the embodied carbon within sequestered timber building materials using thermal mass where necessary
East Yelland Quay, Uk
Using civil engineering products to create earth beamed structures allowing the reduction of spoil export from site by use within the building structure (2010)
Jingdezhen Ceramic Culture Centre
Jingdezhen City, China
The architecture and master planning are by ZEDfactory and will be one of the best global examples of low carbon urbanism applied to an interesting and diverse public realm.
Environmental Footprinting
The ideal scenario demonstrates the limit set for 2020 under the contraction and convergence data given the projected rise in population. Studies have shown that all sectors need to be significantly reduced to achieve the target emission levels. A severe change in lifestyles will be required to achieve these targets. The element that indirectly links all of the sectors is the built environment, encompassing local food sources, public transport, closed loop waste recycling or simply a school that is within walking distance.
The diagram below illustrates previous data collected from our projects as well as the hypothetical "ideal" scenario to be achieved for 2020.
Some of the projects' "buildings" segment falls to the left of the Y axis. This shows that in these cases, these projects' buildings generate more energy than they use (even after embodied carbon is taken into account). This therefore means that this "surplus" can be used to offset other parts of that resident's life, such as transport or services.
The climate neutral buildings concept provides a rigorous whole life carbon footprinting methodology. This shows how careful building and urban design becomes the mechanism that allows the other sectors to function and obtain the targets required.
All the technologies described have been developed by ZEDfactory with industry partners over decades. We have found that working with our supply chain consistently over a long time makes better, lower cost construction components that fit together easily and minimise the risk inherent in introducing new technologies into a conservative construction industry. We offer these products as options to clients, and they often help us deliver a far higher specification given tight budgets. We encourage other teams to specify these products, as larger orders for the manufacturers reduces costs for everyone. We also welcome new manufacturers wishing to participate in this low carbon supply chain – either regionally or internationally.
We also try hard to measure the environmental footprint of our supply chain, wherever possible accounting for regional production and site specific transportation strategies. We think its important to manufacture bulk materials locally and use local labour for both manufacture and site erection at the same time as creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy. However components that are compact and high technology often require lager investments in centralised production facilities and may have to travel some distance by sea.
Climate Neutral Methodology
ZEDfactory Climate neutral methodology flowchart
To obtain the ‘correct’ carbon footprint a range of interlocking technologies is required rather than a single solution. The footprint of the buildings sector can make buildings net producers of energy allowing some of this bonus to be placed within other sectors where societal values make reductions unfeasible for the general public.
The targeted intervention within other sectors although measured values are not significant can have a large influence on the reduction of emissions in these sectors. The scale and site constraints of such a development is vital in achieving the target footprint per resident with mistakes made at masterplan level resulting in target values to be unobtainable without a detrimental effect on quality of life of residents.
Note that this takes in part of the calculation within the buildings category in the report but to large degree has no input from any of the other sections
Net Zero Energy Bill Homes
Similar to above in replacing cladding panels on unshaded facades +/- 20 degrees to south given the rate of reduction of PV prices these are cost effective even though they produce roughly have the energy of a roof panel. The façade can also be used as a preheat twin façade to the surface of the building.
Although this has a positive carbon footprint the device delivers a heat recovery whole house ventilation system with hot water and heating to a unit. This is a fraction of the cost of conventional systems without the infrastructure expense of centralised plants
' Generating enough income from renewable energy to meet the monthly payments on the extra capital cost required to fund the zero carbon specification'
The ZEDhouse™
A low fabric heat loss design with high levels of insulation, thermal mass and passive solar gain.
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The Energy System
An integrated energy solution using the HiminZED ZEDroof™ system and the ZEDheat-hub™ integrated micro-heat pump, compact hot water cylinder & ventilation heat recovery system with additional coil for a wood stove.
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Income from Energy
The energy system provides an income under the FIT’s scheme that is sufficient to offset costs, even under the 2013 FITS rates using current pricing.
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The Costs
We take into account the additional mortgage repayment required to fund the technology. We estimate this as the cost over and above building to current building regulations. We also include running costs in the calculation..
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The Net Zero Energy Bill Home
The ZEDroof™ maximises FITS returns by substituting traditional roofing costs with a single integrated solar roof at around £150/m2 . The ZEDheat-hub™ reduces costs by integrating all heating solutions into a compact unit which replaces the standard boiler system. A small biomass wood burning stove provides top up space heating and hot water in the coldest months, although the superinsulated, draught proofed building fabric hardly needs auxiliary heating to stay comfortable.
Notes
The Zero Energy Bills concept is based on the annual offsetting of incomes and outgoing. For example the house will still incur an electricity charge for the electrical consumption at night however this is offset by the FITS income. £850 rebate for the ASHP is included
ZED Projects
Doncaster, UK
With a mostly transient occupancy, the design concentrates lesson heat loss, and more on pleasing and functional space (2001)
Upton
Terrace of RuralZED zero carbon homes: the first commercial development to achieve the coveted BRE Code 6 ‘as built’ certification (2007)
Chalkwell, UK
A sustainable refurbishment of a grade II listed building into an arts and community centre (2009)
Jingdezhen Ceramic Culture Centre
Jingdezhen City, China
The architecture and master planning are by ZEDfactory and will be one of the best global examples of low carbon urbanism applied to an interesting and diverse public realm.
Shanghai Art & Design Exhibition
Anji, Zhejiang Province
Shangchuan, Zhejiang Province
Hastings Zero Bills Home Development
Hastings, UK
Shangchuan, Zhejiang Province
Dalian, LIaoning Province
The masterplan consists of a development to accommodate 950+ apartments and more than 350,000 cubic meters of built space on farmers land
Dalian, LIaoning Province
Guangzhou Province
Tongshan, Jiangsu Province
This masterplan project is an example of how to design ecotowns for warmer climates
Tianjin