COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Graduate School of Architecture

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Farnsworth House Multimedia Building Monograph

Homework Number 1

This homework is due in one week and may be done in teams of three. Helpful template heat loss analysis spreadsheets are given in these Farnsworth Monograph web pages, along with building geometry, material and climate data for the Farnsworth House.

1. Make a spreadsheet that calculates the radiative, conductive, and convective heat losses through the envelope of the Farnsworth house during a night with mild winds and outside temperature is 6 oF. Use the Farnsworth template spreadsheet in these Web pages as a basis for organizing your calculations.

2. Compare the total heat loss to that of a one story building of similar square footage constructed of wood platform frame construction sitting on a slab on grade. Refer to the in-class example and the generic template heat loss spreadsheet. Use class handouts for material properties, climate data, etc.

3. Suggest an improved type of glazing for the building, and a new connection system between columns and glazing that will improve the thermal performance of the facade. Be sure that your proposal is sympathetic with the architect's aesthetic intent (read some of the critical essays on the building in these Web pages). If you can, make a form-z model, with a level of detail similar to that shown in the image below, that clearly illustrates the constructive detail of your modified facade. If you cannot use form-z, make a labeled, axonometric cutaway drawing at 1-1/2" = 1.'

4. What is the heat loss of the building with your modifications? Modify your Farnsworth spreadsheet to answer this.

5. This is extra credit (part 5 only -- assignment continues below): If there are expected to be 8,000 degree days at the Farnsworth house this winter, electricity will cost .10 per kilowatt and the radiative heating system produces 1 BTU per kilowatt of electricity, how much money would be saved if your modifications were installed?

Please come to class prepared to:

  1. Pin up:
  2. Hand in your drawings and sketches, your summary heat loss comparison summary, and all your spreadsheets showing your heat loss calculations.
  3. Drop electronic versions of one spreadsheet, any computer renderings (tiff files), and computer models (form-z models) into the class drop box. Be sure to include the names of each group member.