Company Newsletter ORION GROUP OCTOBER—DECEMBER 2011
Volume 1, Issue 1
A new research confirms: Balcony glazing saves energy
Savings of up to 10.7% and, on average, up to 5.9% in the residential building's heating energy consumption. - These outstanding results were obtained by Kimmo Hilliaho in his research on the balcony glazing's energy-economic effects completed in August at the Tampere University of Technology, in Finland.
The research was conducted in Finland and supplemented with reference calculations obtained from Germany. The heating energy consumption of glazed and unglazed balconies was compared with each other by using field measurements and computer simulations. In addition, it was ascertained how the balcony type, thermal insulation and the direction affect temperatures inside glazed balconies.
cony functions as an efficient windbox, which makes it possible for the balcony -owner to reduce the temperature by one degree in the room behind the balcony.
ADDS SPACE TO YOUR HOUSE/APARTMENT
REDUSES NOISE, POLLUTION, HUMIDITY, DUST, HEAT/COLD
UN-HINDERED VIEW
DESIGNED TO ANY SHAPE
OPENS PARTIALLY OR FULLY
EASY TO OPERATE & MAINTAIN
New, efficient windbox The results show that taking compensation air from a glazed balcony clearly increases energy savings arisen from glazing. In the best case, the bal-
Special points of interest:
Thus the residents can save energy and improve their housing comfort.
DURABLE
AESTHETIC
Special points of interest:
IT IS RECOMENDED ALSO FOR VILLAS (IN THE VERANDAS)
VERY AESTHETIC IS, AS WELL, FOR THE RESTAURANTS THAT REQUIRE MORE SPACE
Orion Newsletter New, efficient windbox continue. If installed for recessed balconies, the glazing is often a more efficient energy-saver that the glazing installed for protruding balconies.
WITHOUT LOSING THEIR VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
FRAMELESS GLAZING IN ROOF GARDENS IN HOTELS CAN BECOME AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE BUSINESS
HEATING ENERGY SAVINGS GAINED WITH THE USE OF BALCONY GLAZING VARIED IN BERLIN FROM 5.6% TO 12.0%.
The savings for southside balconies are slightly higher than those for balconies facing towards other directions. However, the savings gained by both
types are substantial. The study of glazing tightness revealed that larger gaps between balcony glass sheets didn't much affect energy saving levels.
glazing: glasses are kept closed in winter and open in summer. However, the provision of more accurate directions is necessary to maximize savings.
Crucial is how the residents use their balcony glasses. In most cases, the Finns know the energy-economically best way of using balcony
Even higher savings obtained in Germany The research was supplemented with energy calculations implemented in such element houses in Berlin that were comparable with the Finnish houses under research.
balcony glazing varied in Berlin from 5.6% to 12.0%. The glazing was most beneficial to buildings with balconies facing towards south and compensation air taken through the balcony.
Heating energy savings gained with the use of
Taking supply air from the balcony instead of
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taking it directly from outside was the factor that had the most distinct impact on energy savings. On average, heating energy savings in Germany amounted to 8.2%, which is even more than in Finland.
Volume 1, Issue 1 A solution that pays off Keeping the building base in good condition and its management costs on a reasonable level have a direct impact on housing costs - and satisfaction of the residents. In addition to housing comfort, the top-quality and properly used balcony glazing provides the residents and owners with pure financial benefits.
The conclusion drawn on the basis of the research results published in Tampere was clear: it is advisable to provide especially the multistorey buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s with balcony glazing. Substantial savings could also be obtained
in new multi-storey buildings with a compensation air intake through the glazed balcony.
In addition to energy savings, the balcony glazing could bring about other significant economic benefits. According to the research made by D.Sc. (Tech.) Jussi Mattila, providing balconies with glazing has an impact on the
general condition of the house: it may even postpone the renovation need of balconies in the building from six to ten years!
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ORION GROUP No. 36, J.C Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Phone: +91 80 22224825, 22272110, 22273643, 22278440 Fax: +91 80 22213703 E-mail: oriongroup.india@gmail.com Web: www.oriongroups.com
"The research results can be utilized directly in many different ways," sums up Kimmo Hilliaho. -"Balcony glazing allows property owners to postpone facade renovations for several years, save heating energy and reduce operating costs. The results provide grounds for architects to plan semi-warm space to be used as green zones between the yard and interiors. It is also well-grounded to include energy-saving glazing solutions in such renovation plans that aim at reducing energy consumption. For those who invest in balcony glazing, the information about energy savings and better structural conservation makes their procurement economically viable.
NOW IT IS AVAILABLE ALSO IN INDIA
It is now possible to provide planners and permit authorities with studied information of energy savings most of which are gained with supply air intake through a glazed balcony."
From research to practical conclusions—Master of Science in Technology Kimmo Hilliaho and Professor Matti Pentti