An Exploration of Glazing Systems For Low Cost, High Performance Housing in Tijuana, Mexico

This paper explores a series of experiments that were conducted in order to determine a viable option for the glazing system in a low cost, high performance housing design for Tijuana, Mexico. Using identical test cells, the performance of different glazing types were evaluated and compared. A series of three different experiments took place. The parameters of each experiment were determined using the results from the previous experiment. Interior temperature was the main parameter used to evaluate the results, as well as cost and feasibility of the material in Mexico.

Introduction

Our world is currently faced with a lack of affordable and sustainable housing. This predicament is especially apparent in developing cities and countries. The Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies at Cal Poly Pomona has created a prototype design for low-cost, high performing housing in Tijuana, Mexico. This model addresses many of the problems that plague low-cost housing: adaptability, materials and energy use. The project aims to provide an affordable, yet comfortable environment.

In order to provide a comfortable environment for the users, simulations and rigorous testing was done on several systems of the house. The results of these studies were incorporated in the design of the Tijuana housing model and prototype.

Windows are a valuable part of every house. They are the conduit that allows light and heat from the sun to the inside of a space. Often they are used to provide ventilation. Window performance is influenced by many factors, such as placement and orientation, glazing type, and the number of panes. For low cost housing, it is important that the windows used are both strong in value and performance. In other words, the goal is to achieve high quality performance via the cheapest means possible.

This paper aims to explore different window options for the Tijuana housing model and evaluate them based on performance and value. The experiments examine window performance during a winter period. Conditioning a space in the winter typically requires a maximization of heat gain, while summer environments are often maintained by minimizing heat gain and through ventilation. The glazing system heavily influences heating conditions; therefore, the tests in this thesis focus on the winter scenario. It is important that the house is comfortable during the entire day, but it must especially be warm enough during the cold winter nights. The glazing needs to maximize solar radiation during the daytime (which is typical in Tijuana's climate) and minimize heat loss at night. Also, the glazing system must not only be strong in performance, but low in cost.

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