Presents a comparative study of four different types of solar wall, with the results obtained using a numerical simulation model. The model was validated using an experimental study of a composite solar wall. The first section of the article covers the presentation of four different types of solar wall, the Trombe wall, the insulated Trombe wall, the non-ventilated solar wall and the composite wall, then describes the experimental installations which enable the authors to obtain the measurements and the thermal study of the composite solar wall.

During the last two decades the significance of indoor environmental quality in buildings has been appreciated, not only in relation to thermal comfort, but also to indoor air quality. Ventilation is an important tool for securing both a good indoor climate and air quality. However, in buildings without mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems (which comprise the majority in most European countries) natural ventilation presents the only means to satisfy indoor air quality needs.

Results of a CFD simulation of the wind-assisted stack ventilation of a single-storey enclosure with high and low-level ventilation openings are presented and compared with both the laboratory measurements and the analytical model of the flow and thermal stratification developed by Hunt and Linden (2001). Comparisons show that close quantitative agreement is obtained between the thermal stratification predicted by the CFD and the analytical model and experimental measurements.

The objectives of this research were to predict contaminant concentration distribution in occupied zone and contaminant removal efficiency as a function of an occupied zone obstruction level, air distribution method, air change rate, cooling load and contaminant source non-uniformity. The final objective was to develop a concentration variation coefficient to be used for design of air distribution systems. Concludes that the room air distribution method results in contaminant concentration non-uniformity inside the occupied zone.

Describes a study which examined the effect of temperatures of 23, 29, and 50 Deg C on formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission from laminate flooring Type A (with particleboard as substrate) and Type B (with high density fibre (HDF). For the first two temperatures, the measurements did not show any emissions of formaldehyde and very low emissions of VOCs. At the highest temperature however, Type A showed a high initial emission of formaldehyde and VOCs, decreasing with time. There were much lower emissions from Type B.

Documents what some builders have said about problems with moisture, soot and IAQ in relation to unvented gas fireplaces. Unvented gas fireplaces have become popular recently in the US due to their low cost and flexibility in installation. However many building scientists and indoor air quality professionals have warned against their use because discharging combustion by products into the home invites serious moisture and IAQ problems.

Describes a project which attempted to match simulated and measured tracer gas test results and to determine how much effort is necessary to produce sufficiently accurate results. The research assessed the overall value of CONTAM96 as a representative example of available simulation-model programs from both technical and practical viewpoints.

Details a NIOSH (US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) investigation of a school whose occupants suffered from allergic symptoms. The investigation found that occupants' symptoms were consistent with sick building syndrome. Many complaints were apparently related to insufficient outdoor air, temperature extremes in some cases, and temperature controls that were inadequately responsive to classroom conditions.

Cohousing communities balance the traditional advantages of home ownership with the benefits of shared common facilities and ongoing connections wit neighbours. The communities consists of private dwellings with their own kitchens, living-dining rooms, and so on. Residents also have common facilities, such as a dining room, a community kitchen, lounges, meeting rooms, a laundry room, recreation facilities, a library, workshops, or a childcare area.

States that with the ill effects of poor indoor air quality often in the news these days, it pays to design and build a house that is healthy from the start. States that a comprehensive approach to residential design has emerged in recent years that makes both energy conservation and good indoor air quality achievable in homes.