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Tropical
plants
freshen the air
Visitors to the facility encounter green, tropical
plants, regardless of whether they are going to
have a hamburger or leave their car for service.
The plants, known as LevandeŽ filters (literally
living filters), purify the air and add oxygen.
This reduces the facility's need for mechanical
ventilation and preheated air. Consequently, the
use of the mechanical system can be significantly
reduced thus lowering energy consumption.
The
biological characteristics of the tropical plants
also make the indoor air cleaner because the leaves
collect both airborne particles and gases. When
the plants are "showered" the contaminants are washed
to the soil where they are naturally decomposed.
The plants grow in troughs enclosed by glass and
fitted with both a drainage and irrigation system.
The leaves are showered for about a minute, twice
an hour. The watering system also helps to cool
the air and increase the humidity which helps to
improve the quality of indoor air, especially during
the winter months when indoor air is often dry.
NATURAL
VENTILATION
A segment of the ventilation system in the car dealership
is based on natural ventilation which means that
air flows through the building without the assistance
of extra energy. Air enters the building via a duct
that is buried in the ground, where it is naturally
cooled before being released into the lower level
of the dealership.
The
difference in temperature results in natural air
circulation. On the roof there are wind-powered
fans, aspirators, that enhance the natural ventilation.
Aspirators, installed on all roofs, also serve to
ventilate the roof structure thereby avoiding the
risk of moisture damage.
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