Do Energy Conservation Strategies Limit the Freedom of Architecture Design? A Case Study of Minsheng Community, Taipei, Taiwan

Dany Sari,Yun-Shang Chiou

doi:10.3390/su11072003

Abstract

The residential sector is one of the largest energy-consuming sectors in Taiwan. Taiwan applies building codes and appliance standards to reduce the total energy demand for buildings, especially for façade design. Some research studies demonstrate that design decisions regarding the envelope shape have a direct effect on a building’s energy performance. This paper presents a comparative study of four façade design strategies for low-rise residential buildings by combining energy performance and architectural creativity. The research aims to provide insights for Taiwan’s building designers and energy policymakers and to provide an overview of façade standards for residential buildings in urban areas that is not only innovative in design but also has an energy-saving potential. The approach used in this research combined the overhang and side fin shading design with an open plan, which allows for optimum daylight exposure across all spaces in order to reduce energy consumption.

Highlights

Over the past ten years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history [1]
This paper discusses three main strategies in the design of multistory residential buildings for reducing energy consumption. It presents examples of energy performance based on three main parameters: Occupant behavior, building layout, and building design
Because Taiwan is located within a subtropical climate, electricity usage increases significantly during summer

Summary

Introduction

Over the past ten years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history [1]. The residential sector is one of the largest energy-consuming sectors in Taiwan. Its consumption accounted for 19% of the total electricity consumption in 2016 [2]. Taiwan is one of the industrial countries that is facing environmental issues, especially due to its high carbon emissions. At the end of 2008, Taiwan’s total greenhouse gas emission levels accounted for 1% of all global emissions [3]. With global warming and increased needs for comfort, building energy consumption is expected to rise, especially during summer in order to cool buildings

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