ENGG1000 Prior Art

Report
Project Group 7: Modified Building Design

Name: Daniel York

Student Number: 42355885
Date: 23 March 2010

Executive Summary
The Kooma Traditional Owners Association Incorporated have sanctioned the
redevelopment of a shearing shed located at Bendee Downs in South-Western Queensland.
The purpose of this redevelopment is to attract tourism, cultural and educational interests
in the area and to hopefully make this site a rural hub. The Kooma people wish to achieve
this objective whilst maintaining a sustainable business to drive their economic situation.
The elementary design is to focus on lighting, ventilation and temperature control.
The use of lighting within the structure will be accomplished through both natural and
artificial lighting. The most efficient forms of natural lighting has been determined as that of
windows and light tubes, providing ample light for occupants throughout daylight hours
while fluorescent lighting has been established as the most effective form of artificial light
as they are more energy efficient and longer lasting than incandescent lighting.
The ventilation systems used for the turnover of fresh air inside the Bendee Down shearing
shed include the use of fully opened windows during the summer with the additional use of
axial flow fans and whirlybirds for year round use. The use of these systems is both cost
effective and practical.
For the control of temperature throughout the structure during winter passive forms are
impractical, therefore for year round temperature control a geothermal heat pump will be
implemented to the shearing shed, utilising the cooling and heating capacity of the earth.
Although expensive at first, in the long run it provides efficient forms of heating and cooling
of the structure.

Contents
1. Introduction

2. Background .

3. Project Scope

3.1. Situation

3.2. Focus .

3.2.2.Ventilation

3.3.2.Prevail Wind Direction

3.3.3.Building Orientation

3.3.4.Accommodation. .

3.3.5.Comfort Temperature

3.2.1.Lighting

3.2.3.Temperature Control
3.3. Assumptions .
3.3.1.Building Repair

4. Prior Art

4.1. Lighting

4.1.1.Passive Lighting

4.1.2.Active Lighting

4.2.1.Passive Ventilation

4.2.2.Active Ventilation .

4.3. Temperature Control .

5.1. Building Design

5.2. Calculations

5.3. Lighting

10

5.4. Ventilation

10

5.5. Temperature Control .

10

6. Conclusions and Recommendations .

12

7. References .

13

8. Appendix

15

4.2. Ventilation

5. Feasibility Calculation

1. Introduction
The following report contains information pertaining to the redevelopment of the shearing
shed at Bendee Downs. As per the guidelines set by Engineers without Boarders, the
engineering focus of this report is only concerned with the lighting, ventilation and
temperature control of the building. The problems will be assessed through prior art, this
relates to methods in which the design aspects outlined have been dealt with in previous
situations. These solutions will then be assessed through feasibility analysis in which
alternate options will be explored, they will also be analysed through sketches and
calculations regarding the site. A final assessment regarding the problem will illustrate the
solutions best suited to the situation of those in the Bendee Downs area.

2. Background
Believed to be one of the oldest surviving cultures on earth, Indigenous Australians are
synonymous with Australian culture. Once numbering between 750 000 and 1.4 million,
their numbers were severely depleted at the arrival of the first fleet and now only number
around 500 000, this equates to 2.6% of the Australias current population. Indigenous
Australians also experience a major gap in living standards compared to the non-indigenous
population. One statistic that supports this is that 69% of indigenous Australians live
outside major cities compared to only 2% of the non-indigenous population living in remote
areas. (EWB, 2010) Indigenous Australians suffer a shorter life expectancy than the nonindigenous population with Indigenous males expected for 66.9 years while the life
expectancy of Indigenous women averaging 72.6 years. When compared to the life
expectancy of non-indigenous Australians, males are expected to live for 11.8 years longer
while women expect to live 10.0 years longer respectively. (Australian Bureau of Statistics,
2006) They are also more susceptible to disease, suffer higher infant mortality and are
more likely to be incarcerated than non-indigenous Australians. (ABC, 2007)
During 1998, two adjoining properties of
Murra Murra and Bendee Downs situated in
the Kooma nation of South-Western
Queensland, approximately 10 hours drive
from Brisbane (EWB, 2010) were attained by
the Indigenous Land Corporation, in January
2000 these land holdings were granted to the
Kooma Traditional Owners Association
Incorporated who today still hold them today.
Before this, both Murra Murra and Bendee
Fig. 1. Location of Bendee Downs and
Downs were utilised as sheep and cattle
Murra Murra (EWB, 2010)
stations, compiling a total area of
approximately 86 900 hectares. (Queensland Government Department of Communities,
2009)

In December 2009, the Kooma Traditional Owners Association Incorporated and Engineers
without Borders entered a partnership in which both parties would work to improve the
living aspects of the Kooma people through sustainable solutions and designs. In turn both
parties would benefit from the extending relationship through a learning and cultural
exchange. (RQI, 2009) The KTOAI endeavour for Bendee Downs and Murra Murra area to
be associated as a regional hub where educational, tourism and cultural exchange unite.
We wish to meet their cultural responsibilities; and further to set an example in our country
of the importance of a sustainable and continuing connection to country through inclusive
management as their ancestors did and make Kooma people proud.(EWB, 2010)

3. Project Scope
3.1.

Situation

The site in question was formerly utilised as a shearing shed on Bendee Downs, however it
has now become redundant due to the surrounding area being declared a nature reserve.
As a consequence the building has fallen into disrepair as it is no longer maintained for
practical use. If the building is to be redeveloped, the existing floorboards, eight of the
structural roof beams and 25% of the roof requires replacement. (EWB, 2010)

3.2.

Focus

For the purpose of the EWB Challenge 2010 this report will focus on the topic of modified
building design with the main focal point being the shearing shed situated on Bendee
Downs. The design scope of this project is to modify the Bendee Downs shearing shed to
accommodate twenty overnight tenants and five permanent staff. The site must also cater
for the needs of between fifty to one hundred visitors per week. (EWB, 2010) The
secondary design element is to provide a business whose main aim eco-tourism for the
preceding objective. This can be accomplished through the restoration and preservation of
the Bendee Downs shearing shed and its interior. To modify this site effectively, three
variables must be considered:
3.2.1. Lighting
The consideration of lighting is important for both comfort, economic and sustainable
purposes. Natural lighting will be explored as it lowers energy usage and costs of electricity
during daylight hours, while artificial lighting forms will be explored for night use. Limiting
of artificial light sources reduces the amount of electricity used, thus reducing Bendee
Downs high energy costs. (EWB, 2010)
3.2.2. Ventilation
A critical component in the design of the Bendee Downs shearing shed redevelopment is the
issue of ventilation. The turnover of fresh air provides comfort and ensures the health for
the occupants and visitors of the site. This can be accomplished by either passive or active

ventilation systems. The apertures of the building will play a vital role in the ventilation of
the system.
3.2.3. Temperature Control
Elements of design concerning temperature effect heavily on the solution to the problem.
Due to the arid nature of the site area and the additional problem of no passive or active
heating and cooling, the internal temperature extremes of the shearing shed range between
0C in winter and 50C in summer.

3.3.

Assumptions

3.3.1. Building Repair

The areas that require building attention have been tended to prior to the conception and
implementation of lighting, ventilation and temperature control solutions.
3.3.2. Prevailing Wind Direction
If passive ventilation systems are to be used then the predominant wind direction of relative
geographic position must be known. To account for the temperature extremes the only
wind directions required are those for winter and summer, during winter, the overriding
wind direction is South and South-Westerly winds. However, when analysing the
appendices the wind direction during summer, mornings indicate North and North-Easterly
winds while during the afternoon South and South-Easterly winds are predominant. This
flux is possibly due to the prevailing whether systems in the area, for the purpose of the
design analysis the assumption will be made that no change in whether prevail and
therefore the morning winds will continue through the day.
3.3.3. Building Orientation
From images displayed on the EWB website the orientation of the shearing shed runs from
North to South; however a secondary image taken from an alternate angle indicates a
direction of South-East. On closer inspection this information is contradictory and from it
the inference can be made that the direction of this secondary image is in fact South-West.
3.3.4. Accommodation
The shearing shed must accommodate for twenty overnight tenants and five permanent
staff, therefore assuming that all guests are single and that very little tourists travel alone.
A conclusion can be made that only ten twin share rooms for must be included in the overall
design of the shearing shed. Existing residential buildings at Bendee Downs are within
reasonable distance of the shearing shed; these can therefore provide accommodation for
the five permanent staff.
3.3.5. Comfort Temperature
In the Southern United States during winter the effective comfort temperature for both
men and women of all ages is 70F (21C) while during summer the effective comfort
temperature for both men and women of all ages is 72F (22C). As the Southern United
States is roughly the same latitudinal distance from the equator as Southern Queensland, it
can be assumed that these temperatures are concurrent in the proposed problem. (Carrier
et al p. 28, 1959)

4. Prior Art
4.1.

Lighting

4.1.1. Natural Lighting

The main source of natural lighting is that of the sun, there are many
ways in which this can be harnessed and utilised to assist the comfort
and well being of the occupants of the shearing shed. One possible
application of daylighting is the use of light tubes, these devices allow
light to be transported through a reflective tube from outside to light
your internal room. (EH Smith, 2007) This method of lighting reduces
the amount of electricity used within daylight hours as it is directly
from the sun.
4.1.2. Artificial Lighting
For applications where natural lighting is inefficient or restricts sight
Fig. 2. Light Tube
capabilities artificial lighting is required. Fluorescent lighting is of the
(EH Smith, 2007)
most energy efficient form of artificial lighting available for domestic
use. (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008) Therefore this is the most effective way to light the
shearing shed during nocturnal and overcast use.

4.2.

Ventilation

4.2.1. Passive Ventilation

If the building is to be ventilated passively, there must be natural forces acting on it to
initiate this process, the difference between wind and temperature of the building and its
surroundings will help to provide passive ventilation. (Sustainability Victoria) In summertime, there is no better or healthier method of ventilation that that provided by widely
opened windows, (Joselin p. 42, 1934)
4.2.2. Active Ventilation
If passive ventilation becomes impractical and inefficient due to warm, still or air restrictive
conditions, active ventilation is a reliable substitute. (Joselin p.55, 1934) Fans are devices
that accomplish this objective by ensuring the
movement of specific volumes of air at desired speeds
and against the resistances offered by inlet and outlet
openings, airways and ductwork and other apparatus.
(Joselin p.55, 1934) However, the speed of fans is
dependent on the fan size, piping system and air
density. (Carrier et al p.245, 1959) Other means of
active ventilation is required to expel stale and hot air.
Fig. 3. Use of Whirlybirds
As warm air is lighter than cooler air it rises; due to the
(Crackerjack Ventilation, 2009)
enclosed space within the shearing shed, if no ventilation
is present, this air has no form of expulsion and can radiate back into the living areas within

the shed. (Crackerjack Ventilation, 2009) This can be effectively counteracted by the use of
whirlybirds; this stale air is expelled from the structure allowing fresh air to enter.

4.3.

Temperature Control

Temperature control for warm periods can be achieved

through the use of fans as expressed in Section 4.2.2,
however this will not be viable as the only form of
temperature control. Passive temperature control is
not feasible due to the extreme temperatures that the
building will experience. The implementation of
geothermal heat pumps has the capacity to provide
reasonable living temperatures for occupants of the
shearing shed. A geothermal heat pump uses the
thermal energy of the ground or groundwater to
provide residential space conditioning. (Energy Star)
Fig. 4. Geothermal Heat Pump
These appliances make great use of the earths relatively
(Grand Valley State University,
constant underground temperature, ranging between 72008)
21C depending on the latitudinal position. (U.S.
Department of Energy, 2009) From the temperature extremes experienced at Bendee
Downs it is shown that the air can be heated in winter and cooled in summer. Additional
temperature control can be applied through insulation of living areas, the Bendee Downs
area is described as a hot dry climate and that reducing heat gain is of most importance.
(Commonwealth of Australia, 2008) The corresponding R-values for walls and roofs are 1.9
and 2.7 respectively, R-values are given as the resistance to heat flow, (Commonwealth of
Australia, 2008) subsequently the higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

5. Feasibility Calculation

Fig. 5. Design Layout (Sketch by Daniel York, 2010)

5.1.

Building Design

As shown from Figure 5, the internal structure of the shearing shed will consist of 10 twin
share rooms with all having basic ensuites, a shearing display that provides visitors with the
history of the building adding to the cultural significance and the former undercover area
will be enclosed and transformed into a dining area for visitors and tenants. Adding to the
cultural significance of the building will also be accomplished through constant displays that
enhance the overall aesthetics of the structure.

5.2.

Calculations

The following calculations use various constants for certain materials. The value of U is
given as the heat transfer coefficient of air through cast iron. (The Engineering ToolBox,
2005) For the wind velocity when referring to the appendix the major wind velocities during
summer are predominantly between 0-10 km/hr, so an average of 5 km/hr will be taken
which translates to ~1.4 m/s.

Fig. 6. Heat Exchange (Sketch by Daniel York, 2010)

1

= 5.7 103

(The Engineering ToolBox, 2005)

= 428 2
= 50 22 = 28

1
= 5.7 103 428 28

1 = 68.31 1

= 1 2

1
= 1.4
= 8.97 2

= 1.012

= 1.184 3

= 50 22 = 28

=
= 1.4 8.97 1.012 1.184 28

= 421.32 1

1 + = 0
0 = 68.31 + 421.32
0 = 489.63 1
Therefore the amount of power to be expelled from the building is 489.63 kJ.s -1, hence to
make this operation viable a mechanism must be used that is capable of this.

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5.3.

Lighting

Sources of lighting throughout the shearing shed are important to the living standards of
those of Bendee Downs. As per Figure 5, lighting is important due to the number of
individual rooms that will be developed within the building. As each room contains sleeping
and bathroom facilities, two forms of lighting may be used. To reduce the amount of energy
used throughout the day, natural lighting such as light tubes and windows may be utilised.
Light tubes can be utilised within the bathrooms due to little light being emitted into
bathrooms through lack of windows. For when this means is not practical fluorescent
lighting will be used in areas such as the shearing display, dining and living areas.
Fluorescent lighting is a much more practical choice as they possess lower power ratings,
and last up to 8 times longer than incandescent lights, (Sustainability Victoria) this is useful
due to the remote location of Bendee Downs and maintenance must be kept to a minimum.

5.4.

Ventilation

Ventilation is extremely important to the design of the Bendee Downs shearing shed, if this
site is to become a well visited area then the turnover of fresh air is of importance to the
comfort and health of the guests. During summer windows will be utilised to by fully
opening them and encouraging the flow of fresh air throughout the building. In support of
this, axial flow fans will also support the increase of air ventilation and overall comfort of
those dwelling within. The active ventilation of whirlybirds is a viable and effective source
of ventilation that will assist the overall design of the building.

5.5.

Temperature Control

The installation of a geothermal heat pump would be a costly exercise as a means of heating
the internal structure of the shearing shed. However if the Kooma people expect that the
Murra Murra and Bendee Downs area is to remain a regional hub in a long term aspect then
this means of temperature control is well suited. Geothermal heat pumps cost relatively
more than other systems that perform the same role, however they are more energy
efficient with funds being recovered within ten years. (Grand Valley State University, 2008)
From this it can be inferred that a geothermal heat pump is the most feasible form of
temperature control for the Bendee Downs shearing shed. In addition to this form of
heating and cooling, small axial-flow fans (Carrier et al p.240, 1959) and heaters could be
used to improve the comfort of tenants.

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Fig. 7. Basic Shed Dimensions, Wind Direction and Isometric Sketch (Sketch by Daniel York,
2010)

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6. Conclusions and Recommendations

Both natural and artificial light will be used in the redevelopment of the Bendee Downs
shearing shed, natural lighting will consist of that from windows and light tubes, through
daylight hours these means of lighting will save energy and provide adequate lighting for
those occupying the shearing shed. However, once night or inadequate light conditions
have taken force, fluorescent lighting will be used as it is more efficient than incandescent.
Ventilation will be provided also via windows of the structure in cohesion with other
ventilation systems such as axial flow fans and whirlybirds. These mechanisms will provide
ample comfort for the tenants of the structure. These ventilation systems will also play a
part in the temperature control of the shearing shed, however minute it is. This will not be
the major form of temperature control though, a geothermal heat pump will provide both
heating and cooling all year round and provide comfortable living environments for those
who intend to visit Bendee Downs in its years as a tourism, cultural and educational hub.

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7. References
Australian Broadcasting Company 2007, Aboriginals most disadvantaged in Qld, viewed 15 March
2010, <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/02/06/1841701.htm>
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006, Discussion Paper: Assessment of Methods for Developing Life
Tables for Aboriginal and Torrs Strait Islander Australians, viewed 15 March 2010,
<http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/E95571AD7E9E2A91CA257501000C403
B/$File/3302055002_2006.pdf>
Bureau of Meteorology 2004, 044026-9amSummer, viewed 15 March 2010,
<http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/climatology/windroses/wr09/wrpdf/0440269amSummer.pdf>
Bureau of Meteorology 2004, 044026-3pmSummer, viewed 15 March 2010,
<http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/climatology/windroses/wr15/wrpdf/0440263pmSummer.pdf>
Bureau of Meteorology 2004, 044026-9amWinter, viewed 15 March 2010,
<http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/climatology/windroses/wr09/wrpdf/0440269amWinter.pdf>
Bureau of Meteorology 2004, 044026-3pmWinter, viewed 15 March 2010,
<http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/climatology/windroses/wr15/wrpdf/0440263pmWinter.pdf>
Carrier, WH, Cherne, RE, Grant, WA & Roberts WH 1959, Modern Air Conditioning Heating and
Ventilating, 3rd edn, Pitman, Toronto
Commonwealth of Australia 2008, Your Home Technical Manual 6.3 Lighting, viewed 20 March
2010, <http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs63.html>
Commonwealth of Australia 2008, Your Home Technical Manual 4.7 Insulation, viewed 20 March
2010, <http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs47.html>
Crackerjack Ventilation 2009, Crackerjack Ventilation Products, viewed 21 March 2010,
<http://www.crackerjackventilation.com.au/products.html>
EH Smith 2007, Solar Lighting, viewed 19 March 2010,
<http://www.sustainablebuildingmaterials.co.uk/pages/solar-lighting>
Energy Star, Geothermal Heat Pumps Key Product Criteria, viewed 21 March 2010,
<http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=geo_heat.pr_crit_geo_heat_pumps>
The Engineering ToolBox 2005, Overall Heat Transfer Coefficients for some common Fluids and Heat
Exchanger Surfaces, viewed 21 March 2010, <http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/overall-heattransfer-coefficients-d_284.html>

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Engineers without Borders 2010, 2010 EWB Challenge, viewed 12 March 2010,
<http://www.ewb.org.au/explore/initiatives/ewbchallenge/backgroundinfo/2010challenge>
Engineers without Borders 2010, EWB Challenge 2010 Kooma Nation at Murra Murra, viewed 15
March 2010, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xHv9dY9-_k>
Grand Valley State University 2008, Green House on Watson, viewed 19 March 2010,
<http://www.engineer.gvsu.edu/house/altenergy.html>
Joselin, EL 1934, Ventilation, Edward Arnold & Co., London
Queensland Government Department of Communities 2010, Engineering a foundation for country
and culture, viewed 17 March 2010,
<http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/department/publications/namalata-thusi/edition8/engineering.html>
Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated 2009, Newsletter August 2009, viewed 15 March 2010,
<www.rqi.org.au/rqi_august_newsletter.doc>
Sustainability Victoria, Natural Ventilation Systems, viewed 20March 2010,
<http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/Natural_Ventilation_Systems.pdf>
Sustainability Victoria, Fast Facts on Energy Efficient Lighting, viewed 20 March 2010,
<http://www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au/common/files/Fast_Facts_on_Energy_Efficient_Lighting_%28PD
F_532KB%29.pdf>
U.S. Department of Energy 2009, Geothermal Heat Pumps, viewed 19 March 2010,
<http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12640>

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8. Appendix
The following pages consist of wind roses taken from the Bureau of Meteorologys website, the
pertain to the wind directions at Cunnamulla, Qld, relatively the same position as Bendee Downs.