Cost reductions in air-conditioning system supply and installation, and associated design fees, commissioning, O&M costs and ongoing energy consumption costs. Spatial reduction in extent of condenser banks. Ultra-high rise towers may include around half of a mid-rise floor for VRF system condenser banks due to height separation constraints. This area would be equal to that required for four 2-bedroom apartments. The saleable value of this plant area if it were halved through reduced building fabric loads would be over $1M. Reduction in substation size, capital cost and connection cost. Associated reduction in switchgear and power cabling infrastructure throughout tower. Reduction in cooling tower water infrastructure resulting in reduced pumping costs, connection charges, and associated water consumption. Outcomes from international pathfinder sustainability projects found reductions of 75% in mechanical plant capacities and 50% in electrical capacities resulting in up to 15% extra net lettable area. Translucent Walls Energy saving potential Translucent walls transmit diffuse light but have energy performance comparable with insulated external walls. They have energy saving potential where used to supplement daylight penetration in facades requiring low WWRs. There are a number of products produced internationally with a remarkable range of heat and light transmission properties (Table 8). Table 8: Comparison of translucent wall product characteristics Insulating performance of these products exceed that of wall constructions commonly utilised for NCC compliance in Australian dwellings. One product range incorporates semi-transparent phase-change material (PCM) which offers additional energy-saving potential. Ease of implementation Translucent wall products made from fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) were first established in the 1950s but still represent a niche market product. The majority of products are installed in thermally-broken frames making implementation similar to glazing installation procedures. These high performance products are imported and not commonly specified in Australia therefore additional design co-ordination effort will be required. Drivers and marketability Whilst high-performance translucent wall products may be considered relatively high-tech products they are a passive product (in contrast to electro-chromic glass), which may offer greater longevity and have insulating properties unachievable with solely glazed solutions. The diffuse light provided can be an asset if carefully applied. Creating a successful internal and external aesthetic will be a key a design challenge
Cost reductions in air-conditioning system supply and installation, and associated design fees, commissioning, O&M costs and ongoing energy consumption costs. Spatial reduction in extent of condenser banks. Ultra-high rise towers may include around half of a mid-rise floor for VRF system condenser banks due to height separation constraints. This area would be equal to that required for four 2-bedroom apartments. The saleable value of this plant area if it were halved through reduced building fabric loads would be over $1M. Reduction in substation size, capital cost and connection cost. Associated reduction in switchgear and power cabling infrastructure throughout tower. Reduction in cooling tower water infrastructure resulting in reduced pumping costs, connection charges, and associated water consumption. Outcomes from international pathfinder sustainability projects found reductions of 75% in mechanical plant capacities and 50% in electrical capacities resulting in up to 15% extra net lettable area. Translucent Walls Energy saving potential Translucent walls transmit diffuse light but have energy performance comparable with insulated external walls. They have energy saving potential where used to supplement daylight penetration in facades requiring low WWRs. There are a number of products produced internationally with a remarkable range of heat and light transmission properties (Table 8). Table 8: Comparison of translucent wall product characteristics Insulating performance of these products exceed that of wall constructions commonly utilised for NCC compliance in Australian dwellings. One product range incorporates semi-transparent phase-change material (PCM) which offers additional energy-saving potential. Ease of implementation Translucent wall products made from fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) were first established in the 1950s but still represent a niche market product. The majority of products are installed in thermally-broken frames making implementation similar to glazing installation procedures. These high performance products are imported and not commonly specified in Australia therefore additional design co-ordination effort will be required. Drivers and marketability Whilst high-performance translucent wall products may be considered relatively high-tech products they are a passive product (in contrast to electro-chromic glass), which may offer greater longevity and have insulating properties unachievable with solely glazed solutions. The diffuse light provided can be an asset if carefully applied. Creating a successful internal and external aesthetic will be a key a design challenge