Abstract
Offices and retail spaces are among the most energy-intensive building typologies. Designing office buildings without proper consideration of their form, orientation, envelope, and other variables can lead to a considerable increase in energy usage. This research investigates how integrated usage of an atrium and courtyard can improve a building’s energy performance. Thermal performance of both atrium and courtyard spaces as well as their energy-efficient integrated usage in office buildings have been investigated within the scope of this research. DesignBuilder as an interface and EnergyPlus (based on ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) as analytical software have been used to investigate the thermal behavior of an atrium and courtyard in two stages. From the results it appeared that a courtyard with 40% window-to-wall ratio and triple glazing has the best energy performance, while those with single glazing and an 80% window-to-wall ratio represent maximum energy consumption in all climates. The findings also revealed that the integrated usage of a courtyard and atrium can save energy if it is used as a courtyard type of building during summer in all climates and if it is used as an atrium in the cold months. This research is original and will contribute to the literature, as it investigates the integrated usage of an atrium and courtyard with respect to energy efficiency. This research is expected to be beneficial to professionals and academics, especially with respect to the energy-efficient use of courtyards, atria, and their integrated modes. Furthermore, the findings can contribute to the sustainability performance of the built environment through an integrated atrium-courtyard building, resulting in minimal energy consumption.
Highlights
The energy efficiency of built environment in urban areas plays an important role in reducing the challenges of climate change, resource diminution, and wider environmental issues [1]
The second step simulations have been carried out to identify the effect of seasonal time on the energy efficiency of the integrated usage of a courtyard and atrium
This research aimed to identify the energy-efficient, integrated usage of an atrium and courtyard so that energy performance for office buildings can be improved with respect to seasonal and climate factors
Summary
The energy efficiency of built environment in urban areas plays an important role in reducing the challenges of climate change, resource diminution, and wider environmental issues [1]. Cai et al (2009) stated that due to an improvement in living standards and rapid urbanization, there will be an increase in energy-consuming appliances (e.g., air conditioners) and urban building areas, which will further increase energy consumption [3]. Steemers (2003) highlighted that in the United Kingdom, buildings account for about half of all energy consumption, compared to 41% in Europe and 36% in the USA [1]. Just after retail buildings, as they consume 18% of the energy in the United States, 33% in Spain, and 17% in the United Kingdom [3]. Offices and retail spaces are among the most energy-intensive typologies in the non-domestic building sector as they account for over 50%
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