Moreland, in terms of our commitment to sustainable human settlements, have embarked on a process to implement aspects of the One Planet Living Principles in the design and construction of the gatehouses and administration building at Kindlewood. Whilst this is not mandatory, we believe that the aspects considered and implemented would ensure that the precious resources of the planet are, as far as is practical, used efficiently. We have included some aspects of the One Planet Living Principles in the Building Design Code for purchasers (and their architects) to consider in the planning and designing of their home. Some of the aspects are common sense and has no financial impact on the design or implementation of the buildings but some aspects have a short-term financial impact. This short-term financial impact is more that negated by the financial and non-financial medium and long-term gain.

The following aspects were considered in the design of the administration and gatehouses at Kindlewood: -

1) Due to the nature and constraints of the site for the administration block the following measures have been introduced: -
a) Used vertical sunscreens to shield against the low west sun whilst still allowing for the view out.
b) Used photovoltaic panels to supply power to the boardroom lights.
c) Used horizontal sunscreens on the north elevation of the building to filter out sun in summer and allow sun in during winter.
d) Use of evergreen indigenous planting on the west mixed with deciduous on the north to cool and provide shade in summer and allow the sunlight in during winter when the deciduous trees lose their leafs.
e) Use of tinted cool grey glass to limit solar absorption. This glass is also PVB-laminated for increased insulation.
2) Use of indigenous planting for low water absorption.
3) Use of underground rainwater harvesting which is coupled with a stormwater attenuation system. This also collects grey water. Water is then filtered and reused for irrigation and general cleaning use as well as water for w/c.
4) Use of solar panels for creating of hot water using energy saving devices. These energy saving devices protect against power surges and stabilises the power requirement which could result in significant saving on power demand.
5) Insulated roof space with a gable ventilator that opens in summer and can be closed in winter.
6) Use of a stack system that draw cool air from the lower opening windows and sucks it up naturally via a "chimney" feature to ensure constant air flow.
7) Use of a VVR air-conditioning system that is secondary to the building system for ventilation and uses less power than conventional system.
8) Use of energy saving fittings and increased natural lighting levels to reduce dependency of artificial lighting resulting in further saving on power demand.


Written by: Kindlewood | Date Added: 12 Feb 2009