Cooling of new buildings

Recommendation 84
Measures against incoming solar heat

Chapter (theme)
Architectural spaces (temperature)

Because of
sensory sensitivity (warmth), stereotypical patterns: rigidity

In order to
contribute to the thermal comfort in order to create a better learning environment.

Elaboration
The theme temperature estimates that in roughly 40% of Dutch schools it is often too hot or (less frequently) too cold. This estimate squares with the statement of Dutch teachers who find the school regularly too hot. Such estimates are usually in general alignment which those in other developed countries. Students with autism suffer more from this circumstance than others because many are unable to adjust their body temperature to the ambient temperature. This leads to unwell-being, even to those who don’t consciously experience this maladjustment.

For this reason it is important to take extra measures in order to keep the temperature in school within the range of thermal comfort. This can – among other things – be achieved by preventing solar heat on the roof of newly built schools from pushing up the temperature too much.

An architect who has done much work for the Kannerhuis makes the following three suggestions: “Heat that penetrates the building one can remove at an early stage though mass (concrete, Sedum roof), roof pitch and a second roof (air layer).”

Measures don’t have to be limited to the roof. Dual-glazed windows also keep much solar heat out.

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Kannerhuis