Holistic design of energy-efficient temporary houses: Meeting ventilation, heating, cooling, and lighting demands

Abstract

Recent disasters around the world have brought attention to the challenges faced by the homeless. Energy-efficient container houses (EECHs) offer a comfortable, sustainable, and temporary solution. A holistic design of EECH was conducted for mixed and hot climates using DesignBuilder software. The design, performed initially according to design criteria derived from ASHRAE Standards and previous studies, was subsequently examined for five passive strategies: envelope layering, WWR, windows opening ratio, glazing type, and shading. Optimal conditions were determined by the trade-off between heating and cooling demands, ventilation rate, and minimum daylight factor (DF) and uniformity (UDF). Results reveal that in mixed climates, using insulation materials and thermal mass is recommended, while in hot climates, it is advisable to avoid using them and instead rely solely on internal finishing layers. Complete reliance on natural ventilation is achieved by combining an opening ratio of 35 % with a WWR of 9%–25 % for south and north facades, and 6%–12 % for west façade. In mixed climates, argon gap double clear glazing is suitable, while a low-e layer is added for hot climates. Installing overhangs on south windows enhances UDF, unlike vertical fins on north and west windows. The designed EECHs consume 176 kWh/m2 of electricity annually.