Easy? Breezy? Natural Ventilation in a Laboratory Building?

Steve Tatge, University of Washington
Chris Flint Chatto, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP

This presentation will focus on the tools and technologies used to inform the decision to utilize natural ventilation in the non-laboratory spaces of the new Molecular Engineering Interdisciplinary Academic Building (MEIAB) at the University of Washington. Technical experts will discuss the specific challenges of integrating natural ventilation into a laboratory building while meeting safety standards and the program needs of occupants.  Design of the building was developed and refined iteratively with the use of the following tools: 

  • Climate Analysis Tools (including Excel), which focused on feasibility of natural ventilation and analysis of local site climate conditions, including prevailing winds.         
  • Single-Zone Ventilation Model, which validated the initial concept and served to roughly size ventilation stacks and openings.
  • Multi-Zone Ventilation Modeling (IES), which confirmed expected performance, predicted interior temperatures, and helped quantify the role of wind, solar chimneys, and mechanical fan assist when needed.        
  • Whole Building Energy Modeling (eQuest), which determined peak conditions for the study, and helped predict energy savings.
  • Ecotect, which was used to develop the façade system and reduce solar loads, making natural ventilation possible

The team began by applying simple tools and model generation to the project parameters and progressed to utilize complex tools and analysis to determine specific information about the effectiveness of ventilations stacks, the role of wind and solar assist in enhancing ventilation, and how much (if any) mechanical fan assist was needed.

The data, charts and graphics developed during this process will be shared, along with the potential impact of these strategies and long-term plans for tracking the actual performance of the building. The presentation will also touch upon other ventilation-related strategies employed, including wind monitoring technologies, chilled beams, air change rates, and HVAC systems.  

The project team referred to the Labs21 philosophy and principals throughout design, using various tools and technologies in an effort to evaluate the building's energy use from a comprehensive 'whole systems' perspective, streamline energy and water consumption, and decrease the building's overall environmental impact.

Biographies:

Steve Tatge, LEED® AP, is an architect and senior project manager for the University of Washington's Capital Projects Office. He is currently managing more than $190 million in projects on the Seattle campus, including the new PACCAR Hall for the Foster School of Business, the renovation of the historic Clark Hall, and the new Molecular Engineering Building for the College of Engineering. Prior to joining the university in 2004, Mr. Tatge directed the quality control program for the Seattle office of Walsh Construction and managed various capital projects in Washington and Rhode Island for Immunex, the former Seattle biotechnology firm. He was the senior associate for the Miller/Hull Partnership, the 2003 AIA Firm of the Year, and managed several local and regional AIA award-winning projects during his 11 years with the firm, including the Bainbridge Island City Hall, Discovery Park Visitor Center, and Garfield Community Center. Mr. Tatge attended the Master of Architecture program at the University of Washington and has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Knox College.

Chris Flint Chatto, Associate AIA, LEED AP, is a sustainability specialist at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP. With a depth of expertise on large projects for both public and private sector clients, Mr. Flint Chatto focuses on optimizing building efficiencies through energy and daylighting studies in early project development and on tracking those building efficiencies in completed projects. Specializing in energy use and environmental studies, he is responsible for researching and facilitating the design of efficient and healthy buildings through the innovative use of materials, technology, and design techniques, the results of which have been presented at numerous conferences, lectures, and seminars throughout the country. He has led numerous project teams through the eco-charrette process, translating technical performance goals into tangible strategies. He was founding chair of the Seattle Emerging Green Builders and is active on educational and advocacy issues for the Seattle AIA Committee on the Environment. His most recent laboratory projects include the University of Minnesota Physics and Nanotechnology Building; the University of Washington Molecular Engineering Building; and The University of Texas at Arlington, Engineering Science and Research Building. Mr. Flint Chatto earned a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon, a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature from the University of Pennsylvania.