The Influence of Building Layout and Internal Architectural Configuration on the Thermal Behavior of Low-income Residential Units

Abstract

During the early stages of the building design, architectural decisions regarding the building layout and internal planning are crucial for the building’s energy and thermal performance. In low-income residential units, occupants tend to use one main space, as they can afford to maintain only a single space for thermal comfort provision. This research investigates the relationship between the building layout and the internal architectural configuration, and thermal behavior of low-income units. The thermal behavior of the building’s main zone within 60 different configurations was simulated in two different climate zones. The study results showed that the building layout has minimal impact on the thermal behavior of the main zone. The location of the main zone inside the building and the surrounding climate have a significant influence on thermal behavior. In both the climates, minimal exposure of the main zone to outdoor environments revealed lower cooling and heating loads. The results of this study can be adopted by architects and designers to enhance the thermal behavior of low-income residential units in combination with other energy-saving measures.