April 2014

Artem Polomannyy
Study Of Belarusian Building Regulatians
For Possible Conficts With Sustainable
Environmental Design Methodology in
Offce Design
Term 2 Research Paper
E+E Environment & Energy Studies Programme
Architectural Association School of Architecture
Graduate School
MSc & MArch Sustainable Environmental Design 2013-14
AA E+E Environment & Energy Studies Programme_Architectural Association
School of Architecture
MSc+MArch Sustainable Environmental Design 2013-14
AUTHORSHIP DECLARATION FORM
Term 2 Research paper
TITLE: Study Of Belarusian Building Regulatians For Possible Conficts With Sustainable
Environmental Design Methodology in Offce Design
NUMBER OF WORDS: 4000
STUDENT NAMES: ARTEM POLOMANNYY
DECLARATION
I certify that the content of this document is entirely my own work and that
any quotation or paraphrase from the published or unpublished work of others is
duly acknowledged.
SIGNATURE:
DATE: 28/04/2014
Te research paper addresses the issue of potential con-
ficts between sustainable architecture design methods
in ofce developments typology in the Belarusian capi-
tal Minsk and Belarusian national building regulations.
Some professionals complain that out-dated set points
and prescriptions lef by the soviet building regulations
in Belarus that was a part of Soviet Union till its collapse,
do not allow European quality of architecture. Research
paper tries to verify how reasonable are this complains.
Te paper covers the analysis of general conditions
of sustainable design in the country and issues of ofce
design in particular. Te study includes an overview and
critics of the existing national regulations followed by a
range of computer-aided simulations.
In fact regulations were approved as generally appro-
priate to attain qualities of sustainable architecture. How-
ever they do not lead directly to those features. Neverthe-
less they do not lead directly to the failure as it is claimed
in professional sphere, but sometimes contain it. It is rec-
ommended to add strict regulations with methodology
and recommendations to complement prescriptions and
restrictions.
Abstract
1
1. Introduction
2. Key local offce design complexities
3. Belarusian building regulation analysis
4. Setpoints studies. Simulations
5. Conclusions
6. References
3
7
8
14
23
25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
fgure 1. Belarus on the map of Europe
Minsk
fgure 2. Energy effcient social housing in Minsk
3
1.INTRODUCTION
Belarus is a developing country with unstable economy.
Te state is traditionally open to new technologies. Coun-
try is promising stable improvement of life quality being
residence of the world leading IT companies, research ori-
ented industry and strong agriculture. Belarusian capital
Minsk(fg.1) is located on 53,54 latitude and has a warm
summer and cold winter climate with approximately 200
days of heating period(fg.3-6, pp.5-6). Energy saving is-
sue was severely delayed by low prices on Russian energy
resources. However now there is a great demand in ef-
ciency strategies, due to the new state policy looking for
energy self-sufciency. Current initiatives in the feld can
be structured in the following groups
1. Fostered by state to promote country indepen-
dency and solve economic problems
2. Driven by companies, who promote their prod-
ucts like insulation and heat recovery systems
3. Minority of scientists who work individually
Generally, main research on sustainability issues is
going in the housing architecture feld. To illustrate cur-
rent state of afairs it should be noted that the frst en-
ergy efcient private house was built in 2013 follow-ing
the Passivhaus standard. It reached 15 kWh/m2 of heating
energy consumption. However the prise per square me-
ter is 130% more than average in Minsk. Many academies
are involved in the research of social housing energy per-
formance. Unfortunately built precedents lack the visual
quality (fg.2), but the results are 30 kWh/m2 of heating
energy consumption comparing to 90kWh/m2 in an av-
erage Minsk dwelling with the increase of price only of
5% above average. Tere are studies on vernacular archi-
tecture in Belarusian national technical university led by
dean of the architectural faculty Armen Sardarov, who
tries to reintroduce traditional materials and elements.
Another prominent Belarusian architect Zhukov devoted
his research to renewable energy sources like wind energy.
At times it seems that analysis in the feld of sustain-
ability are of little interest in the country, as their results
are very coherent with the paradigm of the most success-
ful European precedents, but one can hardly come across
an example of sustainable architecture in Belarus. Re-
search results are implemented slowly and an average ar-
chitect doesnt know which methods can be used to reach
the qualities of sustainable design.
Rare attempts are unsuccessful as they either possess
good architectural quality, but exceed the reasonable
price, or attain good performance, but are visually unat-
tractive. Tis condition reduce return of investment what
consequently prevents good theories to spread. As in the
majority of European states housing is the main consum-
er of heating energy. However now housing is of great
demand making energy efciency issue in the dwelling
of low priority in terms of time. Terefore to introduce
new technics and methods in state, commercial buildings
typology including ofces, administrative and comple-
menting retail and leisure functions seem to be far more
promising. Ofce spaces are of less demand. Tis provides
a greater competitiveness between developers pushing
them to cooperate with architects with an idea to excel
on the market. As it was stated by Fergus Nickol on the
lecture at the Architectural Association School of Archi-
tecture in 2013 on the lecture given for the SED course his
research on adaptive thermal confict was connected with
ofces for the same reason. Ofce developers provided
more fnancial freedom for the research. Nevertheless the
knowledge acquired from studies of commercial build-
ings potentials for sustainability might become the most
direct opportunity to introduce new design methods that
hopefully will be spread on other civic typologies. So far
the development of sustainable ofces in Minsk is mainly
constrained by two conditions:
1. Volatile economy makes building life cycle un-
predictable. Average developer doubts in success of in-
vestment in unclear future
2. Usual complain on national regulations, that are
argued to be still adjusted to soviet precast concrete con-
struction
Whereas the frst aspect is a matter of time and soon-
er or later initiatives will prove the potentials of strategy,
the second point has to be scientifcally justifed. It has
become a strange vogue among professionals to com-
plain on regulations. Tis condition has a serious ground
in many cases. It is true in terms of revision of multiple
values. However regulations have never been clearly ana-
lysed and complains are based just on the fact of the dif-
ference with European code, as if the replace the out dated
Belarusian regulations will instantly change everything
and architects will start producing European quality of
architecture the following day.
Terefore this paper covers the analysis of Belarusian
building regulations wondering if they have an actually
destructive infuence on ofce design or this is just a scep-
tic rumour.
Minsk
4
fgure 3. Minsk Climate Summary
fgure 4. Seasonal Air temperature frequency distribution in Minsk
5
fgure 5. Global horizontal illuminance (9.0018.00). Source: Satel-light
fgure 6. Frequency of Night, Sunny, Intermediate and Cloudy skies (%). Source: Satel-light
6
7
Te research task is the demarcation of building code lev-
els of freedom that will prove or disclaim the conviction
of regulations in all architectural troubles. Tis will clari-
fy whether Belarusian building regulations that receive so
many complains, actually prevent or foster architecture
to attain qualities of sustainability. However frstly, local
issues that arise in Belarus preventing possibility to gain
sustainable ofce design should be clarifed. Currently Be-
larusian ofces drop in their rank according to the ofce
classifcation almost right afer they were built. Tis fact
that upsets developers who blame architects in all troubles
can be explained in two key points:
1. Classifcation is not standardized and changes
rapidly with appearance of new materials, technics and
life quality standards.
2. Majority of companies rent ofces. Tus the user
becomes unpredictable in the design process. Tis makes
it difcult to satisfy various demands of diferent tenants
by standardized qualities.
At the end of the day the frst point is rather positive
as it shows the constant growth of economy. Te second
becomes of interest as it is directly connected with the na-
tional building code.
Ofce architecture can be split into two distinctive el-
ements which are a shared circulation area and a rentable
ft-out(Leupen, 2005). Obviously this particular research
paper will focus solely on rooms design as they make on
average 80% of a typical Minsk ofce building. Concern-
ing the rooms, Belarusian practice in ofce design can be
described by three common strategies:
1. Design of all spaces including ft-out and circula-
tion with the assumption of some standardized user.
2. Design of circulation areas. Each tenant employs
his or her own designer privately for ft-out design.
3. Developers invest money to adapt spaces precisely
for the frst client according to their technical task
Te frst strategy makes it hard to predict if the tenant
will be satisfed with conditions, consequently trying to
adapt the space, or in the worst case will look for another
space to rent.
Te second case success depends on the level of coop-
eration between the architect and the designer who may
ignore some preconceived rules. Tis relation is not de-
scribed in any ofcial document. It is a common situa-
tion when something goes wrong with the conditions in
the ofce architect and designer would rather blame each
other then solve the problem. Secondly there is a problem
of design coherence. Developer may allow the tenants to
change the space for designer wishing to attract and keep
the client without taking into account the original archi-
tectural or engineering idea. Te second strategy now
prevails as it is more transformable and suits the majority
of tenants. It might seem that the mentioned weak points
of the strategy could be solved by ofcial law, that would
describe relations between architect and ft-out designer,
by obligations of the latter to use some particular design
approach, prescribed details and preconceived materials.
However a common developer may be afraid at times that
obligations may simply frighten a tenant of.
Te last strategy is similar to the second. Te only dif-
ference is that the architects do the ft out themselves. Tis
can provide coherence. But normally when the tenant
change the highly adapted design, which was suitable for
one, might not be suitable for another client. Tis makes
the developer either to wait for an appropriate client or to
change the design with the help of architect or with the
help of another designer.
All in all it can be concluded that all approaches can be
professionally characterised by a low level of ofce space
embodied resilience. Is this a consequence of bad design,
lack of knowledge or bad values preconditioned by regula-
tions that constraint variability of users and make build-
ings so sensitive to any minor change?
It is assumed that the frst strategy could be the most
successful if it provides resilience. But usually it is not.
Specifed research question appears to be the sensitivity
of ofce ft-out according the set points provided by the
national regulations.
2.KEY LOCAL OFFICE DESIGN COMPLEXITIES
8
Overview
Belarus has its own state building regulations. Tey
are based on the vast heritage of former USSR building
code. Some of those regulations are still in use. Majority
of the documents were adapted for the local conditions.
Tere are diferent types of building code documents,
which are the Technical Codex of Practice, Belarusian
Building Regulations, State Standards, Sanitary Norms
and Rules. All regulations connected with commercial
ofce design were studied to fnd values, set points and
recommendations that deal with sustainable design issues
in ofce rooms (table 1, p.11).
Climate
Tere is a well-developed document on climatology.
However it is not updated on daily or yearly basis and ex-
ists in a published static form. It is periodically renewed
approximately once 5 years. Te lack of dynamics pro-
vides some discrepancies comparing to the electronic
weather databases.
Data organisation of the document is adjusted for the
equations of the other documents like heating calcula-
tion. See outlines of the dociment in table 2, p.12.
Layout
Distances between the buildings are designed to pro-
vide access for fre brigade trucks, specifed width accord-
ing to the street loads and ensure necessary distance be-
tween buildings of diferent fre resistance class. Tere are
no recommendations on distances between the buildings
that could help to gain good solar access. However, it is
stated that buildings should receive 2,5 hours of direct
sun insolation, with an idea to provide sufcient daylight
for hygienic purpose. Te value has to be calculated for
the equinox. First and last hour of sun has to be excluded
from the calculations.
It is frequently argued by professionals (Litskevich,
2007) that this direct recommendation may lead to glare.
Secondly the presence of direct sun can become a source
of overheating in some periods.
Daylight
Te document inscribing the daylight and artifcial
light requirements exists but is not compulsory for ad-
ministrative buildings like ofces. Te required illumi-
nance of 300 lux is sufcient and reasonable. To provide
day-light the minimum of 1 daylight factor is required.
According to the regulations it should be calculated not
as an average as it is asked in multiple European guides
(Yannas, 1994), but in the middle point of the space on
the working level of 700m. Tis method could be revised,
as it doesnt ensure daylight at the rear of the room. Te
wall refectance for the inscribed manual calculation is set
to 0.5 and nothing is explained of what will happen if the
wall refectance will change.
Building elements
Te maximum thermal transmittance of the building
elements varies for diferent typologies. Tere is a pre-cise
methodology of its calculation, which includes three con-
nected values. One is the required transmittance. Anoth-
er one is an actual calculated transmittance, which should
be not more than the required. Te third value is provided
by an equation that has to help in verifcation of economi-
cally efcient transmittance working as recommendation
in reasonable choice. Tis equation includes two values,
which are literally the current price for heating and price
for thermal insulation. Tis equation is not obligatory to
use but its wording might become misleading for inexpe-
rienced professionals as it doesnt take into account the
growth of price for energy source and therefore doesnt il-
lustrate efciency of the building throughout its life cycle.
Brief analysis of the market showed that the most com-
mon ofers of the window have thermal transmittance
close to 1.5 W/m2K. Terefore required glazed element
U-value of 1 W/m2K seems to be too optimistic.
Infltration rates are restricted through the value of
building elements permeability. For example, for 36m
2

square room with one exposed wall that has one opening
of 20% window to foor ratio infltration rate should be
not more than 0.6 ach.
Thermal comfort
Te required internal conditions values are very mod-
est. Tere are two documents that cover them. One reg-
ulates the values for calculation of heating and cooling
systems. Another one regulates the internal conditions
parameters. It should be noted that the temperatures for
the winter seem to be low. It can be guessed that the ex-
pected clo should be very high(fg.8, p.10).
Adaptive thermal comfort is not mentioned anywhere.
On the image (fg.7, p.10) you can see the diference in
comfort band of adaptive thermal comfort and the one
described in Belarusian regulations. Tis again draws at-
tention to the winter temperatures comfort band which
upper limit now seem to be to law comparing with the
adaptive comfort band.
Finally it has to be noted that all heating and cooling
emitters in rooms have to be adjustable in the allowed am-
plitude. Tis ensures some level of adaptive opportunities.
9
Internal gains calculation
Te document used for heating and cooling system
calculations states that for 21 W/m
2
should be assumed as
an average internal gain.
Te other document that has been published in 2013
promises more. It states that to assess the building for en-
ergy efciency passport precise values for internal gains
should be used.
It should be noted that both of this documents are cur-
rently mandatory. HVAC engineers normally use the frst
one for the frst stage of design. Project architect uses the
latter in fnal calculations for the energy efciency pass-
port submission. Luckily, nothing prevents the in-verse
order of use. Nevertheless both calculation methods can
be criticized.
Te frst one is generalised and doesnt have the de-
scription of density adequate for the set value. Te obvious
critic is that casual gains load can be diferent. Te value
of 21W/m
2
is evidently not random but nowhere is men-
tioned how value should be reinterpreted if the designed
space will be occupied with diferent density, intensity or
frequency. Brief manual calculation shows that 21W/m
2

in the ofce is approximately equivalent to the occupancy
of 12m
2
per person.
Density
A common density in Belarusian ofces coincides
with 6m
2
/pp mentioned in regulations for administrative
buildings as minimal. Tis value has nothing to do with
calculations of internal conditions as it was mentioned
before, but is mentioned here as it actually describes the
current state. Recalling the previously mentioned value of
internal gains load we can see a contradiction where heat-
ing is calculated for an absolutely another density.
Ventilation
Ventilation requirement in m
3
/ppph is not mentioned
in compulsory regulations. Te value that is set as obliga-
tory is 1.5 ach. However sufciency of this value obviously
depends on density. Tis can lead to unexpected intensive
window use with the following heat loss.
Ventilation requirement provision strategies are de-
scribed only in regulation for mechanical ventilation.
Tere are no recommendations on how to provide natural
ventilation. Nothing regulates the sizing of the operable
window parts, however it is recommended to keep them
operable.
Glazing to foor ratio
Required glazing to foor ratio is not mentioned any-
where. Among all civic typologies only housing used to be
constrained by 18% w/f ratio in past. Currently this type
of parameter heavily restricts only sport facilities and in-
dustrial building design.
Tere is a specifc constraint on openings sizing and
design. Vertical distance between openings between lev-
els has to be 1.2m or more. Distance between window top
and slab bottom should be not less then 0.2m. Alterna-
tively foor slabs have to be projected 0.2m.
Heating energy consumption
Maximum heating energy consumption for admin-
istrative building has to be not more than 36 kWh/m
3

annually. Heating period for administrative buildings
coincide with the cold year period, which as defned by
the daily average of 8C and lasts for approximately 198
days. Brief calculation shows that if the coolest daily av-
erage temperature when the heating is not yet supplied is
9C then mean indoor temperature rise above outdoors
should be not less than 9K. Consequently when the tem-
perature rise up to 22C of July average this can lead to
overheating of 3K degrees above allowed 28C.
General critics
General critics can be summarised in the following
key points
1. Regulations obviously should be restrictive. How-
ever they could include some basic recommendation for
the preliminary design. Te precise performance assess-
ment with complex manual calculation will hardly lead to
successful design.
2. Tere are values, which lack association with ac-
tual user. Tis prevents design to be human oriented.
3. It seems that sanitary regulations are in general
less important then fre safety.
4. Tere are minor contradictions between some
documents
Eventually it should be noted that regulations never
mention adaptability for the future. Yet nothing shows
directly that buildings will not be adaptable and will per-
form badly. But are the set points reasonable or can lead to
some kind of trouble? Maybe standardised set points are
already good? A range of tests were undertaken to analyse
whether this assumption has solid grounds.
3. BELARUSIAN BUILDING REGULATIONS ANALYSIS
10
fgure 7. Comparison
of Adaptive Comfort
Band and temperatures
allowed by Belarusian
building regulations
fgure 8. Psychrometric
chart for operative tem-
perature of 18 C, 3 m/s
air speed, 1.2 met, 1 clo.
Source: Berkeley online
comfort tool
11
TCP 45-02-201 compulsory minimal floor to ceiling height 3 m
Administrative
buildings
density of auditoriums of less then 150 people per
person 1.25 m2
TCP 45-3.02-209-
2010 compulsory minimal area for executive worker > 4
Public buildings minimal area for typical worker > 6
Ventilation rate for rooms > 1.5 ACH
Minimal ventilation rate for auditoriums > 20 m3/h
TCP 45-2.02-92-2007 compulsory Vertical distance between openings between two levels > 1.2 m
Fire prevention Distance between window top and slab bottom > 0.2 m
Alternatively floor slabs have to be projected > 0.2 m
Sanitary Norms 2006 compulsory Direct sun insolation in equinox > 2.5 h
Insolation
First and last hour of insolation can not be included in
calculations.
TCP 45-2.04-153-
2009
DF is calculated without furniture. Regulations are for a
middle point of the room on the height of the table. DF
can differ by 10% from regulated.
Daylight and artificial
light Surface reflection should be 0.5
typical room illuminance 300 lx
typical room Daylight factor 1 %
Sanitary Norms 2013 Daily temperatures amplitude < 2 C
Microclimate in office
buildings Max vertical assimetry (difference) of temperatures < 3 C
State standard 30494 compulsory Resultant temperature assimetry < 3.5 C
Microclimate
parameters in public
buildings for required internal conditions consult below
BBR 4.02.01-03 compulsory Internal gains for heating system calculation = 21 W/m
2
HVAC Heating and cooling temperature should be operable
Heating period starts when average daily external
temperature drops below < 8 C
Windows are recommended to be operable
TCP 45-2.04-43-2006 compulsory
Minimal required heat transmittance for administrative
buildings
Heating systems Exposed floor slabs and roofs < 0.17 W/m
2
K
Slabs above unheated basement < 0.8 W/m
2
K
Glazed elements < 1 W/m
2
K
Walls < 0.31 W/m
2
K
Required maximum building elements permeability
Walls < 0.5 kg/m
2
h
Doors < 10 kg/m
2
h
Windows < 1.5 kg/m
2
h
TCP 45-2.04-196-
2010 compulsory Maximum heating energy consumtion < 36 kWh/m
3
Building perfomance
DBT, C Resultant T, C Relative humidity % Wind speed m/s
recommended allowed recommended allowed recommended allowed recommended allowed
cold period rooms 19-21 18-23 18-20 17-22 45-30 60 0.2 0.3
auditoriums 16-18 14-20 15-17 13-19 - - -
hot period both 23-25 18-28 22-24 19-27 60-30 60 0.3 0.5
table 1. Outline of sustaiability related
data in Belarusian Building regulations
12
average monthly temp
J
a
n
F
e
b
M
a
r
A
p
r
M
a
y
J
u
n
J
u
l
A
u
g
S
e
p
O
c
t
N
o
v
D
e
c
year
5,9 4,8 0,5 6,6 13,1 16,3 17,8 17,0 11,7 6,2 0,5 3,8 6,2
average monthly amplitudes
5,3 6,1 7,1 9,3 10,7 10,1 9,8 10,1 8,6 6,5 4,3 4,7 7,7
hours of direct sun
43 67 131 178 256 265 268 243 166 98 37 29 1781
Summer air temperature
0,95 0,96 0,98 0,99
22,0 23,0 25,0 26,5 23 35 58
Winter air temperature
absolute min coldest period
0,98 0,92 0,98 0,92 0.94
39 33 28 28 24 9,5 15,0
0 8
period temp period temp beginning end
122 3,9 198 0,9 6.1 21.04
prevailing wind
in Dec-Feb
average wind
speed of
heating period
maximum Jan
wind speed
average
number of
days with wind
speed >10m/s
with negative
daily average
temp
average Jan
wind speed
S 3,0 3,1 0,1 3,0
35 30 25 25 30 34
0,2 1 33 3 0,1
period the temperature is not exceeded and the average of
the period
average start and end heating
period
average yearly number of days with
temperature equal or below
average yearly number of days with
temperature equal or above
coldest 5 days coldest day
sum of
average
monthly
negative
temperatures
Average
maximum in
July
Absolute
maximum in
July
averageRH at
15:00 in July
table 2. Outline of climate related data from
Belarusian Building Regulationsdocument
Building Climatology.BBR 2.04.02-2000
13
14
rotation from South 0 30 60 90
w
/
f

r
a
t
i
o
,

%
d
e
p
t
h
,

m
h
e
i
g
h
t
,

m
width of exposed surface
3 6 9 12 15 18 3 6 9 12 15 18 3 6 9 12 15 18 3 6 9 12 15 18
15 6 3.6
3.3
3
9 3.6
3.3
3
12 3.6
3.3
3
20 6 3.6
3.3
3
9 3.6
3.3
3
12 3.6
3.3
3
25 6 3.6
3.3
3
9 3.6
3.3
3
12 3.6
3.3
3
DF
<1
<3
<6
>6
fgure 9. Nomogram of daylight factor for typical
offce confgurations in Minsk (Source: Radiance)
15
4. SETPOINTS STUDIES. SIMULATIONS
Day lighting
For daylight simulation a notional building with various
parameters was modelled (fg#) to analyse the qualities of
day lighting ensured by regulations. Te rotation of the
model is constrained to ensure 2.5 hours of direct sunlight
in equinox according to the regulations (0, 30, 60, 90 de-
grees rotation from the South direction). Te model has a
variety of rooms width (3,6,9,12,15,18m), depth (6,9,12m),
window to foor ratio (15,20,25%) and height (3, 3.3, 3.6
m) covering the most popular parameters spectrum. Te
most common quality of glazing used in practise was as-
sumed for all cases. It is a one camera with 16 mm spacing
with 4mm Low-e glass sheets that can provide U value of
1.5 W/m
2
K.
Only difused light was used in calculation (fg.11) to
exclude possibility of the glare. Te typical room should
have 300 lux on the working plane (700mm) in the centre
of the room with refection of 0.5 of all room surfaces(TCP
45-2.04-153-2009). Tis means that to reach these levels
during all year various daylight factors are needed.
Test results were generalised to the grades and are pro-
vided in a form of matrix (fg. 9). Te grades are based on
illuminance availability during the year. Te maximum
grade (red dot) is equivalent to the values of daylight factor
more then 6%, which ensures daylight light for the longest
available period.Grey dots show the values which satisfy
the requirements of the regulations. Black dots mark the
cases with daylight factor with less than 1%.
Conclusion
It should be recalled that the document (TCP 45-2.04-
153-2009) that impose internal illuminance values is not
mandatory for public buildings. Ofcially to meet the reg-
ulation requirements it is enough to satisfy the document
that impose to ensure 2.5 hours of direct sun insolation.
As we can see some positions do not receive sufcient
light. However they satisfy a mandatory document. It
can be argued that the compulsory document (Sanitary
Norms, Insolation) is not reliable in the task of daylight
provision. Moreover the fact that it requires direct sun
for administrative function is dangerous in terms of glare.

fgure 10. Minsk sun path diagram. (Satel light)
fgure 11. Diffuse Horizonal illuminance in Minsk
(Satel light)
16
fgure 12. Notional simulation model
17
Conclusions
As you can see on the fgure 13 the consumption in
the notional model turns out to be approximately 40%
less then the maximum allowed by the building code (108
kWh/m
2
). Yet as it was mentioned before the internal gains
load of 21W/m
2
doesnt illustrate typical ofce density of
6 people. Moreover considerable periods of overheating of
20% of occupied hours on average were detected.
Te second test showed how heating load can dif-
fer with diferent occupancy. Obviously simulation is
over-simplifed and does not take into account frequency
of space use when we can guess that if we have 1 person on
36m
2
that should probably be an executive who will have
meetings from time to time or a team of 6 in the same
room might use some appliances like large ofce print-
ers that produce heat even in a stand by mode. However
it should be noted that the type of occupancy could vary
the consumption signifcantly in a range from 30 to more
than 100 kWh/m
2
.
Finally the comparison of internal temperatures for
three chosen cases has shown that the notional building
is already overheated. Evidently the lowest density is least
endangered in the summer period. Te best orientation
appears to be the one with rotation of 30 degree from
South in the Western direction. Te same directions seem
to be preferable for the autumn period. In the autumn
case executive room occupied by 1 person will stay out
of comfort till the midday. Te presence of summer over-
heating proves the assumption provided by manual cal-
culation of mean indoor temperature rise above outdoors.
Te room optimised for cold period performs badly what
can lead to use of air conditioning in a mild climate. Tis
fact actually illustrates the reality.
Ultimately it should be noted that value of recom-
mended casual gains load of 21W/m
2
for the calculation of
heating and performance is not optimal and is inappro-
priate for actual typical density of ofce occupation.
Energy consumption and thermal comfort
Test was done to address the issue of sensitivity of space
to the density. As it was noted before it is hard to predict
density, intensity and frequency of the ofce use therefore
this test is a key in assessment of resilience provided by
regulations.
For the notional simulation the most typical confgu-
ration of a square cell of 36 m
2
with the minimal recom-
mended foor to ceiling height of 3m was modelled. Re-
quired condition values are resumed in table 3 (p.18.) On
the fgure 12 you can see a model representing a variety of
simulated confgurations.
Firstly the model was tested in prescribed conditions
with internal gains of 21W/m
2
. Ventilation including in-
fltration was set as in regulation to be 1.5 air changes
per hour. Heating energy consumption and percentage of
hours of overheating are plotted in fgure 13.
Te second test was undertaken in order to verify heat-
ing energy consumption sensitivity to the various densi-
ties. Tests were done with various occupations of 1, 2, 3
and 6 people in the room (table 4, p.18). Te series of tests
were done in two conditions. In one case only density pa-
rameter was changed. Second case took into consideration
change of ventilation requirement of 30m
3
/ppph to illus-
trate what might happen with energy consumption when
occupants will start to adapt space them selves by opening
windows or reducing the unnecessary ventilation in case
of 1 person in particular. Te results of the test are plotted
in fgure 14.
Te third test verifes if the value of 21W/m
2
precon-
ceived by regulations is optimal and ensures comfort for
various densities in allowed comfort band. Tis test data
was reduced to analysis of 20% windows to foor ratio case
only. On the fgures 15-16 you can see the comparison of
internal resultant temperatures during occupied hours on
a typical summer day (+22C daily average) and a typi-
cal midseason day when the centralised heating is not yet
supplied but the temperatures are already critical (+9C
daily average).
General recommendations
Test showed that Belarusian regulations generally cover sustainability paradigm. Tey do not prevent good design by
themselves but unfortunately do not provide methodology to attain sustainable architecture.
Test results can be summarized in the following recommendations
1. Regulations are not user oriented but they do not constraint the possibility to provide a resilient space. Architect
should not expect that regulations would ensure good design. Yet one should not think that they prevent the best choice.
To cover this lack of recommendations more precise methodology should be introduced or in the form of ad-dition for
regulations or in a form of literature recommended for professionals.
2. Some set points claimed optimal like 2.5 hours of direct sun insolation and 21 W/m
2
of casual gains load are inap-
propriate to provide resilient comfortable space and should be revised.
3. More coherence between light and thermal performance should be studied.
18
notional model inputs sensitivity test inputs
width 6 m people 1
depth 6 m occupancy load 80 W 2
W/m
2
height 3 m light 4x24 W 4
W/m
2
window to floor ratio 20 % appliances 45 W 1
W/m
2
window size 3.6x2 m people 2
window sill height 0.8 m occupancy load 160 W 5
W/m
2
curtain transparency 0.5 light 6x24 W 7
W/m
2
Ventilation 1.5 ACH appliances 90 W 3
W/m
2
Internal gains 21
W/m
2
people 3
wall U value 0.31
W/m
2
K
occupancy load 240 W 7
W/m
2
glazing U value 1
W/m
2
K
light 8x24 W 9
W/m
2
heating temperature 18 C appliances 140 W 5
W/m
2
natural ventilation people 6
half of the window is operable occupancy load 80 W 15
W/m
2
occupied from 9 to 18 light 10x24 W 15
W/m
2
no cooling appliances appliances 300 W 8
W/m
2
notional model inputs sensitivity test inputs
width 6 m people 1
depth 6 m occupancy load 80 W 2
W/m
2
height 3 m light 4x24 W 4
W/m
2
window to floor ratio 20 % appliances 45 W 1
W/m
2
window size 3.6x2 m people 2
window sill height 0.8 m occupancy load 160 W 5
W/m
2
curtain transparency 0.5 light 6x24 W 7
W/m
2
Ventilation 1.5 ACH appliances 90 W 3
W/m
2
Internal gains 21
W/m
2
people 3
wall U value 0.31
W/m
2
K
occupancy load 240 W 7
W/m
2
glazing U value 1
W/m
2
K
light 8x24 W 9
W/m
2
heating temperature 18 C appliances 140 W 5
W/m
2
natural ventilation people 6
half of the window is operable occupancy load 80 W 15
W/m
2
occupied from 9 to 18 light 10x24 W 15
W/m
2
no cooling appliances appliances 300 W 8
W/m
2
table 3. Setpoints of the notional model, ac-
cording ti the Belarusian building regulations
table 4. Sensitivity test inputs for various densities
19
fgure 13. Heating energy consumption and percent of hours of ovevheating for a notional model (Source: EDSL TAS)
fgure 14. Heating energy consumption. Sensitivity test results (Source: EDSL TAS)
20
fgure 15. Typical summer day (190) resultant temperatures for a notional model with different occupancy
21
fgure 16. Typical midseason day (290) resultant temperatures for a notional model with different occupancy
22
23
Ofce typology has been found as the most appropriate to
promote sustainable design methodology in Belarus. Te
main complexity of this task appeared to be the demand
of resilience feature for commercial spaces that currently
tend to change a lot.
Te paper studied if the national building code pre-
vents resilience and lead to bad qualities of ofce space.
Tese assunption appeared groundless.
As a result of critical building code analysis and justif-
cation tests following statements can be done.
1. Te regulations are generally helpful as they ex-
tensively cover all aspects of the design fow. However
they lack recommendations on methodology that can lead
to sustainability features.
2. Te regulations themselves do not prevent sus-
tainable design. But they contain some values that can
be revised and updated. Multiple values that normally
should be human oriented are standardised.
Possible solution can be a further more extensive and
intensive study of the sustainability related values, their
revision and ultimately provision of localised sus-tainable
design methodology.
At the end of the day to make building more resposible
is to make them more responsive to polit-economical con-
ditions, climate and people.
5. CONCLUSIONS
24
25
1. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 2. 04.
02 - 2000 (2000). Construction climatology.
2. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 4. 02.
01 - 03 (2003). Heating, Ventilation and Air Condi-
tioning.
3. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
2.02-279-2013 Technical Codex of practice. Evacuation
in Public buildings
4. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
2.02-92-2007 Technical Codex of practice. Fire safety
5. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
2.04-153-2009 (02250) Technical Codex of practice.
Daylight and artifcial light
6. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
2.04-43-2006 (02250) Technical Codex of practice.
Heating systems
7. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
3.01-116-2008 (02250) Technical Codex of practice.
Urban planning
8. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
3.02-113-2009 Technical Codex of practice. Termal
insulation of exposed structures for public buildings
9. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
3.02-209-2010 (02250) Technical Codex of practice.
Administrative and Servise buildings
10. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus 45-
3.02-290-2013 Technical Codex of practice. Public
buildings
11. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus. San-
itary Norms and regulations. Requirements for resi-
dential and public buildings insolation
12. Building regulations of the Republic of Belarus. State
Standard 30494. Residential and public buildings. In-
door microclimate
13. Environmental design of urban buildings.
14. Leupen B., R. Heijne, J. van Zwol (2005). Time based
architecture. 010 Publishers. Rotterdam
15. Litskevich V., L. Makrinenko, I. Migalinina, N. Obo-
lensky, A. Osipov, N. Schepetkov (2007) Architectural
physics. Arhitektura-S. Moscow
16. Moe K. (2013). Convergence: An architectural agenda
for energy. Routledge
17. Nicol J.F., M. Humphreys, S. Roaf (2012). Adaptive
thermal comfort. Principles and and practice. Rout-
ledge.
18. Szokolay, S (2004). Introduction to Architectural Sci-
ence: Te basis of sustainable design. Architectural
Press.
19. Yannas S. (1994) Solar energy and housing design. AA
publications.
6. REFERENCE