Project 1

Case Study: Analysing passive design strategies

 

 

Introduction

 

Passive design does not require mechanical heating or cooling. Buildings that are passively designed take

advantage of natural climate to maintain thermal comfort.

Incorporating the principles of passive design in building:

• Significantly improves comfort

• Reduces or eliminates heating and cooling bills

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from heating, cooling, mechanical ventilation and lighting.

Building envelope is a term used to describe the roof, walls, windows, floors and internal walls of a building. In a

tropical climate, the envelope should controls heat gain and exclusion of rainwater. Well-designed envelopes

maximize cooling through air movement and exclude the solar radiation. The fundamental principles of passive

design are relatively simple and can be applied to various climate zones, house types and construction systems.

 

 

Learning outcomes

 

 

1. Identify environmental conditions related to site conditions, climate, etc.

2. Explain the effects of the sun on the thermal performance of buildings

3. Explain the effect of insulation, thermal mass and air movement on thermal performance of buildings.