Sustainable Design: Rieth Village

Building Envelope | Walls | Floors and Ceiling | Windows and Doors | Roof

Windows and Doors

The prevailing winds on the site come from the southwest. Operable windows will take this into account, allowing wind to enter at an angle and provide cross-ventilation on all but the hottest days.
The windows are triple glazed in a fiberglass frame. The result is an outstanding, energy efficient window. These windows provide many advantages. Condensation protection is dramatically better than double glazing. They insulate up to 60% better than a low e argon gas filled double glazed window. Thermal comfort is improved as there is 80% less radiation heat transfer between glass and room. The cost starts at 5% more than double glazing.
Designing for minimal or no electric lighting in the building during most daytime hours will reduce the electricity required for lighting by at least 70%. Large windows with light shelves on the south side of the building and transom windows on the north will help accomplish this. Light colored interior surfaces with high reflectance values also reduce the need for electric lighting.