Windhover Contemplative Center

Daylighting improves the quality of visual comfort while reducing energy use. We use scale physical models and calibrated simulations with RADIANCE software and proprietary scripts to:
• Predict and evaluate illumination levels and light distribution
• Predict and analyze luminance gradients and glare potential
• Analyze thermal and energy use implications of daylighting design
• Design and evaluate daylighting to exhibition and curatorial performance criteria
• Predict energy savings from daylight harvesting
• Coordinate daylighting and electrical lighting design
• Post-occupancy HDRI analysis of luminance and visual comfort

See examples of our Daylighting Projects →

Effective shading reduces glare and minimizes solar heat gain without impeding the use of daylight for visual tasks. We assist the architect to design shading appropriate to the program, the climate and context of the project. We use scale physical models and calibrated models with RADIANCE software to:
• Analyze site conditions for solar access and shade potential
• Design sun control and glare control alternatives for local skies and climate conditions
• Evaluate shade alternatives for visual and thermal comfort

See examples of our Shading Design Projects →

We use thermal comfort as the first target of analysis in energy efficient building design. When people are comfortable, no energy will be needed to heat or cool the space they occupy. Using a variety of software tools, we generate:
• Annual hour-by-hour simulations of thermal conditions inside the building without mechanical systems
• Parametric analysis of the role of each building component in providing thermal comfort and autonomy
• Design recommendations for achieving greater thermal comfort and greater energy autonomy

See examples of our Thermal Comfort Projects →

We provide both performance energy modeling and regulatory modeling (such as Title 24) as part of the design process. Performance energy modeling is used to understand the actual energy use, without regulatory defaults, to better characterize and compare building performance and energy costs during design and after occupancy. We use EnergyPlus, a whole building energy simulation program with proprietary scripts to model energy consumption for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and plug and process loads. We complete regulatory modeling to meet the permitting requirements of energy codes. Energy modeling includes:
• Simulating annual building energy use at all stages of design process
• Developing early energy use parametrics to identify energy saving opportunities in design alternatives
• Developing suites of energy strategies to reconsider conventional approaches to building energy use
• Comparison of mechanical strategies and HVAC systems in terms of energy use
• Green building certification
• Quantification of energy cost
• Future weather energy simulations

See examples of our Energy Modeling Projects →

CURATORIAL DAYLIGHTING

In coordination with the architect and/or curator, we design the luminous environments for art.

• Inventory of Artwork and Conservation Requirements
• Review of Proposed Artwork Locations
• Physically Accurate Simulation or Physical Modeling of Predicted Daylight Conditions
• Performance Testing of Complex Shading and Glazing Assemblies
• Artwork Lux-hours Exposure for Conservation
• Light Distribution and Brightness for Visual Comfort
• Dynamic Shading Controls Recommendations
• Supervision of Full Scale Glazing and Shading Mockups
• Light Level Commissioning

L+U provides schematic system design for space conditioning and ventilation systems.  We work in coordination with the architect, mechanical engineer, and mechanical subcontractor to create comfortable and sustainable environments that are architecturally-integrated, cost-effective, and low-maintenance.

• Preliminary system sizing and load calculations
• Systems diagrams and controls sequence of operation narrative
• Equipment performance and code compliance specifications
• Preliminary equipment specification