The Princeton Envelope Group (PEG) is a design and research unit at the Princeton University School of Architecture. Headed by Alejandro Zaera-Polo and coordinated by Urtzi Grau. The unit is engaged in a three year research program on the Politics of the Building Envelope the conclusions of which will be published in a forthcoming book by Actar Press, Barcelona+New York.

Tag: Ecology and Environmental Systems

Fabric AtmoSPHERE

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New Orleans Site

Program Distribution The original program of the Magnolia Projects was composed of 1400 residential units in flat vertical buildings: 400 X 1 bdr (360sqf), 400 X 2bdr (480sqf), 200 X 2 bdr (540sqf), 40 X 2 bdr (600sqf), 40 X 3 bdr (720sqf), 200 X triplex 2 bdr (600sqf),80 duplex X 2 bdr (600sqf), 40 [...]

Ecology and Environmental Systems Diagrams

Flat Horizontal Mechanical System The Flat Horizontal is a victim of its own success. In order to accomodate a wide range of events, it depends heavily on systems of mechanical control. Today over half of the building’s annual operating costs are committed to heating and cooling alone. 1/3 of construction costs are committed to temperature [...]

Consolidated Envelope Prototype

The paradigm of the decorated shed is turned inward to reconsider the possibilities of the ground plane and ceiling canopy. The flat horizontal envelope offers the opportunity to supplant mechanical systems and produce architectural effects through its construction of interior climates. Design guidelines for new public buildings explicitly divorice environmental contral from both architecture and [...]

Elements and Section

Roof Elements: Drain (catchment, number of panels, orientation), PV (coverage, panel size, orientation), Skylight (spacing, size, rotation, differentiation), Green (ratio and planting type), Paint (finish, hue shade warm/cool). Section: 1. Extensive Green Roof Subsoil Composite 2. Seasonal Grass Planting by Location 3. Aluminum Flashing 4. 1″ sq. Batten 5. 1″ Rigid Board Insulation 6. Batt [...]

Tube Unit Diagram

Floor Area = Roof Area Availability of Overhead Light: The envelope is deployed as a tunable mechanism of light control capable of regulating direct sunlight to meet a wide range of specific requirements.