Description

Our rule of thumb series provides designers with information on aspects of design that have potential to reduce the carbon footprint of new builds. What should designers consider when applying rule of thumb 2 Expose the concrete floor slab?

BRANZ recently carried out modelling on a 156 m² slab-on-ground, single-level, 4-bedroom reference house (see Rules of thumb to cut carbon).

The modelling applied six design rules of thumb that altered the design and construction of the reference house and calculated the impact of these changes on its carbon footprint.

Here we look at rule of thumb 2 Expose the concrete floor slab and what designers need to consider when applying this rule.

Scope

The article includes:

• Potential for reduced emissions
• Different slab construction and finish
• Position for exposure to sunlight
• Avoiding overheating on warmer days
• Improve concrete slab thermal efficiency
• Remember liveability