A short description of a second generation low-energy house built at Hjortekaer in 1984, with a calculated annual heat demand of 3500 kWh (excluding domestic hot water), is given. The house is superinsulated and very airtight. The roof and walls are insulated with 400 and 300 mm of high quality mineral wool respectively, with infinitesimal thermal bridges, and the floor is a slab-on-grade construction insulated with 200 mm polystyrene. Most of the windows are south facing and fitted with a new type of lightweight external insulating shutter.

A single family residence in St. Paul, Minnesota, constructed in 1957, was retrofitted in 1983. This resulted in approximately 50% reduction in annual heating consumption compared to the average consumption over the previous three years. However, the occupants complained of poor air quality. Measurements indicated that total particulates, CO, CO2, relative humidity, and temperature were at levels of some concern; NO2, radon and formaldehyde concentrations were not significant.

Examines the design of two houses, built in 1982, which integrate an exhaust air heat pump and a warm air heating system into a very well insulated structure. Monitored during 1983-84, they consumed 50% less energy than a typical Swedish house. Apart from occasional (avoidable) high temperatures, the warm air heating system led to a comfortable indoor climate. The performance of the houses could be improved by installing energy conservation appliances. The house of the future should be tight, well-insulated and mechanically ventilated.

The air exchange rate and total heat loss were measured in 11 detached dwellings to find the relationship between measured and calculated transmission heat loss factors based on standard Norwegian calculation methods. For 9 houses the measurements were done under stable climatic conditions. Air change rate varied between 0.2 and 0.7 ach with an average value of 0.45 ach. These measurements, together with several others, confirm that the Norwegian Standard (NS3031) for calculation of the transmission heat losses is reasonably correct.

Reviews the scientific literature on indoor air pollution. Low-pollution design and construction techniques employed in the Sunnyhill Low-Pollution Research Centre are outlined in detail and suggestions are made on their applicability to new and existing housing in Canada. The study recommends a four-fold approach to the indoor air pollution problem by government and the building industry: A) short-circuit major potential hazards, B) deal with low-pollution housing needs, C) spread and apply present knowledge, and D)foster more research and discussions on regulation.

This study deals with natural heat transfer through apertures between two adjacent rooms. A one-dimensional model has been developed to determine the flow rate and enthalpy rate transferred through each aperture as well as the vertical temperature profile in each room. Results show that flow rate and enthalpy rate vary quasilinearly through time. Temperature profiles show a high thermal stratification depending on the relative location of the apertures. Experiments have been performed in a test apparatus using water. Temperatures have been measured.

Much research work has been carried out on modelling ventilation air currents. The authors propose that the currents be divided into specific zones, the air parameters of each zone being determined by different conditions. The formula is then derived by the addition of an infinite number of elementary currents flowing from a multitude of point sources. From this, a general formula is proposed to calculate the velocity, temperature and admixture concentration along the whole flow of the current.

Characteristics of the air velocity were measured at 500 points in the occupied zone of 20 typically ventilated spaces. A relationship between the mean velocity and the standard deviation was found at four heights above the floor. The turbulence intensity varied from 10 to 70% at ankle level (0.1 m) and from 20 to 55% at head level. This is similar to the experimental conditions under which the draught chart by Fanger and Christensen was established.

Body odour emitted by 16 occupants at three activity levels (1, 4 and 6 met) was evaluated by 30 male and female judges. The judges assessed, when entering the occupied room, the intensity and acceptability of the body odour. CO2 concentration and air change rate were measured. For the same CO2 concentration, the body odour intensity was of the same magnitude whether the occupants were sedentary or engaged in physical activity up to 6 met. But odour caused by physical activity was less acceptable than odour from sedentary occupants.

A mathematical model, CLIM, is used to compare constant air flow ventilation with adjustable ventilation controlled by indoor relative humidity. Exhaust air flow varies in a ratio of 1 to 4 between 40 and 75% of relative humidity and the mean annual air flow is divided by 2 in comparison with a classical mechanical ventilation system.