Decentralized Approach to High Performance Building Design in Tropics

Do we really need to use 8°C chilled water in air-conditioners for bringing down air temperatures from 30-32°C outside to a comfortable 23-25°C inside buildings? Can buildings be cooled more effectively using radiant cooling techniques in highly humid tropical cities? How to address the fears of condensation and moisture movement in such designs? What will be the working efficiency of a system, comprising of radiant cooling panels coupled with a novel decentralized ventilation system and under floor air distribution network in Singapore? With pollution rising in mega cities, can we still afford to ventilate our buildings the same way we do now? or is it time to look for ventilation strategies similar to those followed in space-crafts or submarines? Look inside for answers to all of these and many more novelties on high performance building design.