What really makes a high-performance, energy-efficient building?
How do we judge the success of a sustainable building? We shouldn't just
reward good intentions based on the building design, argues Vidar Lerum in High-
Performance Building; we must look at the evidence of the actual performance of
architectural objects "as built."
High-Performance Building gives architects a practical guide to excellent,
sustainable design, showing how to analyze and evaluate the buildings "as
built." Taking a hands-on view of sustainability, the author provides
designers with specific benchmarks for high performance and energy efficiency.
Utilizing the latest methods for analysis of climate responsive design, he asks:
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Where does a building that claims to be "green" or
"sustainable" check in on a scale relative to benchmark buildings
of the same type?
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How does the building contribute to a sustainable development in its
demand for energy and natural materials?
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Does the building provide a high level of thermal comfort to its users?
To illustrate, Lerum takes the reader on an on-site tour of seven buildings
around the world that exemplify these standards. Ranging from the west coast of
Greenland to the Sonoran Desert, the buildings are examined as physical, built
objects. For additional perspectives, the author interviews the architects and
speaks with engineers, owners, and users. At the sites, something unexpected
often shows up. The author's work reveals unknown or hidden features,
characteristics, or details.
By understanding what works and what does not in notable buildings around the
world, High-Performance Building enables architects to discover the challenges
and opportunities in their own designs, whether simple residences or large
commercial structures.
High-Performance Building
