flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

U of Michigan team looking to create highly efficient building envelope designs

U of Michigan team looking to create highly efficient building envelope designs

The system combines the use of sensors, novel construction materials, and utility control software in an effort to create technology capable of reducing a building’s carbon footprint.


By By Tim Gregorski, Senior Editor | May 3, 2012
This article first appeared in the May 2012 issue of BD+C.

This fall a team of environmental and computer scientists, along with architects and natural resources specialists at the University of Michigan, will launch a research project to design, test, and build a new smart system for building envelopes. The system combines the use of sensors, novel construction materials, and utility control software in an effort to create technology capable of reducing a building’s carbon footprint.

Buildings account for about 72% of American electrical consumption—despite technology that could enable many structures to give back more power to the electrical grid than they draw through features such as solar panels, according to researchers Jerome Lynch and Geoffrey Thun.

Thun said building systems can become more dynamic and responsive to changes in light by adding temperature, light, and humidity sensors that are linked to digital control systems. BD+C

Related Stories

| Sep 9, 2011

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City opens this month

Theatre Projects played the lead role in theatre design and planning as well as in engineering the customized theatre equipment. BNIM in Kansas City served as the executive architect.

| Sep 9, 2011

$22 million investment made in energy efficient building maker

The buildings use at least 25% less energy than the strictest building codes in the U.S., and as much as 80% less energy in certain parts of the country. 

| Sep 8, 2011

Two promoted at ajc architects

ajc architects announced the promotion of Joshua W. Greene, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate to Associate Principal of the firm. The firm also announced that Kent Rigby, AIA, has been promoted to Associate Architect.

| Sep 7, 2011

KSS Architects wins AIA NJ design award

The project was one of three to win the award in the category of Architectural/Non-Residential. 

| Sep 7, 2011

Administration, Maintenance and Operations Facility in South Bend achieves LEED Platinum

The facility achieved 52 LEED points, including those for site selection, energy, materials and resources and innovation.

| Sep 6, 2011

Construction on Beijing's tallest building starts next week

The 108 floor mixed-use skyscraper consists of offices, apartments, hotels and shopping malls on the lower floors.

| Aug 31, 2011

Sebastopol, Cailf., invites designers to submit ideas for renewing city center

The goal of The Core Project is to explore how the physical presence of Sebastopol can become a more economically thriving and aesthetically vibrant place, reflecting the naturally beauty of the region and the character of the community. 

| Aug 31, 2011

Wythe Confectionary renovation in Brooklyn completed

Renovation retains architectural heritage while reflecting a modern urban lifestyle.

| Aug 24, 2011

Deadline Extended: 2012 "Best AEC Firms to Work For” Awards

We’re looking for firms that create truly positive workplaces for their AEC professionals and support staff. In other words, this awards program will recognize those AEC firms that nurture and develop their most valuable asset—their people.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Healthcare Facilities

Watch on-demand: Key Trends in the Healthcare Facilities Market for 2024-2025

Join the Building Design+Construction editorial team for this on-demand webinar on key trends, innovations, and opportunities in the $65 billion U.S. healthcare buildings market. A panel of healthcare design and construction experts present their latest projects, trends, innovations, opportunities, and data/research on key healthcare facilities sub-sectors. A 2024-2025 U.S. healthcare facilities market outlook is also presented.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021