INTEGRATING STRUCTURE AND HVAC TO FACILITATE PENETRATION OF NATURAL LIGHT INTO MULIT-STORY, STEEL-FRAME OFFICE BUILDINGS

摘要

A method is proposed for integrating the structure and HVAC system in multistory steel-frame buildings in a manner that: 1. Delivers thermally conditioned air in an under floor plenum and removes stale air through a ceiling plenum, thereby assuring maximum effectiveness in removing contaminants from the air and also accommodating complex space planning and easy spatial rearrangements by assuring the delivery and removal of air to every occupied space, regardless of the size and location of the space. 2. Provides high ceilings to enhance the penetration of natural light to the core of the building. A ceiling height of ll'-2" is achieved for a floor-to-floor dimension of 14'-6", which is a significant achievement for a building with both a floor plenum and a ceiling plenum on each floor. The concept has been applied to the Wildlife Conservation Commission Headquarters and Exhibition Building1 on Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University.