Design Of Residential Buildings Research Articles

Post-COVID-19 modular building review on problem-seeking framework: function, form, economy, and time

AbstractModular building is an innovative and sustainable construction method and a notable architectural, engineering, and construction trend. Owing to the new constructability and sustainability, significant research efforts have been focused on the engineering aspects of modular building. Since the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, space utilization has changed radically, and a rethinking of modular building design has become essential. However, current literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of occupants’ newly developed requirements and the relevant changes associated with engineering developments. Therefore, this study aims to review the current status of residential modular building design and construction, define its problems, and identify the key factors necessary for modular design and construction during the post-COVID-19 period from the perspective of architectural design. A total of 220 articles were selected from the Scopus database, out of which 94 papers were selected for a systematic review. The findings indicate that the present academic research primarily focuses on the technical aspects of optimizing architecture and on modularized plans to facilitate cost-effective factory production. Modular residential design has rarely considered people and cultural factors. Therefore, the authors derived 15 problems by adapting four architectural programming frameworks; function, form, economy, and time. The identified problems are mapped for future development with 11 problem-solving proposals. The proposed method contributes to developing new insights into COVID-19’s impacts on dwelling environments and can help introduce modular residential design responses that enhance the quality of life by creating better residentials in the post-pandemic.

Integration of passive energy conservation measures in a detached residential building design in warm humid climate

Implementing appropriate passive design strategies at the early design stage of a building is a viable option for energy conservation in buildings. While literature is plenty on various passive solutions, a systematic approach for integrating all feasible options in a given building for a given location is lacking. As part of achieving energy-efficiency in residential buildings, the present study has analyzed the energy-saving potential and economic viability of adopting passive energy conservation measures (ECMs) on a detached family house in warm-humid climate of South India. Individual ECMs were assessed based on their energy-saving potential and cost-effectiveness, and the selected options were integrated in the building design. The modeling and simulations were performed by a reliable software (DesignBuilder, V.6) to estimate the annual energy consumption of the building with and without ECMs. The individual and combined contributions of ECMs in reducing the building's energy performance index (EPI) were quantified, and their economic viability was assessed in terms of discounted payback period (DPP). After finalizing all the viable passive design strategies, two options were proposed for the roof: cool roof painting and green roof. The results showed that about 34% reduction in EPI was possible by integrating the proposed ECMs with cool roof, while it was about 32% with green roof; the corresponding DPPs for the additional investment were estimated to be 4.3 years and 5.73 years. The present study provides a systematic approach for incorporating passive design options at the early design stage of air-conditioned residential buildings on the basis of energy performance and cost-effectiveness. This approach can be extended for different types of buildings in different climatic locations.

Significance of Occupant Behaviour on the Energy Performance Gap in Residential Buildings

Buildings are an important part of worldwide efforts to reduce energy consumption and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Despite recent technological developments in the area of energy consumption reduction, energy use is on the rise, highlighting the significance of considering occupant behavior with regard to controlling energy consumption and supporting climate resilience. Energy performance of residential buildings is a function of various aspects such as properties of the building envelope, climatic location characteristics, HVAC system, and, more importantly, occupant behavior and activities towards energy utilization. This study carries out a comprehensive review of the impact of occupant behavior on reducing the energy performance gap in residential buildings since residential buildings account for 70% of building floor area around the globe. Findings have revealed that a dearth of literature on occupants’ behavior scholarship leads to inaccurate simplifications in building modeling and design. Thus, there is a strong need to obtain appropriate occupant behavioral data to develop strategies to close the energy performance gap as much as possible to achieve better energy efficiency in residential buildings to contribute to resilience and sustainability. Findings have also revealed a lack of objective and subjective data on occupants’ behavior towards energy efficiency in residential buildings. In response to these gaps, the current paper has proposed a conceptual framework for occupant behavior toward a modification of thermal comfort to reduce energy use. Based on the findings of this paper, understanding the variety of factors influencing occupants’ behavior should be considered a major influential factor in the design and retrofit of residential buildings with a view toward long-term resilience and sustainability.

Effect of High-Rise Residential Building Layout on the Spatial Vertical Wind Environment in Harbin, China

Reasonable building height distribution in urban residential areas is conducive to smoother vertical airflow exchange and promotes sustainable development. This paper studies the influence of building layouts on vertical ventilation in high-rise residential areas in Harbin, China, and discusses typical building layout objectives. The ideal area of 220 × 220 m was determined using statistical analysis and specification requirements, and seven typical layouts were defined based on the distribution of building heights. The computation fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was verified using wind tunnel testing to improve the accuracy of the Phoenics simulation software. Wind speed, wind pressure, and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) in residential areas distributed at different heights were analyzed and evaluated. The results indicated that the Phoenics simulation parameter settings, verified via wind tunnel testing, could achieve reasonable simulation results and different height distribution modes had an impact on the changes in wind speed and wind pressure. The equal-height layout that conformed to the row spacing of the buildings and the layout of taller buildings on the east side could provide higher comfort, and did not require enclosed and downwind layouts. This research can inform the green and livable design of residential buildings and provide a new perspective for the construction of high-rise residential areas in cold cities.

Impact of anthropogenic heat from air-conditioning on air temperature of naturally ventilated apartments at high-density tropical cities

Natural ventilation is an important resource to cool down indoor areas at sub/tropical areas. However, within the high density urban context, anthropogenic heat from mechanical cooling system could have significant impact on the thermal environment at naturally ventilated indoor areas. This study focuses on residential neighbourhood and aims to develop evidence-based strategies to improve residential building design to mitigate the negative impact of anthropogenic heat. A parametric study was conducted using validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to investigate the impact of various design parameters, e.g., building typology, floor elevation, apartment location, and heat emission source location on the indoor air temperature increment (ΔT). First, the parametric study indicates that ΔT is generally lower at high-rise residential buildings than slab residential buildings. Secondly, lower ΔT at slab buildings with courtyards does not means better indoor thermal comfort because lower ΔT is caused by poor natural ventilation. Thirdly, the apartments located at the windward side of courtyard could have much higher ΔT than the ones at leeward side. When organizing hybrid ventilation for the buildings with courtyards, the ventilation direction is important to prevent heat entering the indoor areas from courtyard. Fourthly, significant increment of ΔT with increasing floor elevation is observed at slab buildings. Last but not least, changing heat source locations from the windward to leeward side could not help to decrease ΔT, but putting the heat sources at the façade parallel to the incoming wind could be very helpful. The above research outputs enable architects and planners to assess the current heat risk and take the necessary actions.

Mitigating Climate Change Impacts in Buildings using Passive Design Strategies: Putting Costs to Contexts

Across the global construction industry, climate change mitigation is achieved using design and construction practices that optimise energy efficiency. The scope of these practices varies with regional contexts. In Nigeria and other regions, their adoption is slow due to the absence of cost benchmarks to drive their implementation decisions. In this study, we appraised the first cost premium (FCP) and the payback periods of selected passive designs strategies (PDS) in retrofitted residential buildings. Using cost data from two categories of 150 retrofitted residential building designs, analytical estimating processes showed that integrating five PDS would attract FCP totaling ₦ 3,612.17/m2 and ₦ 9,250.00/m2 for bungalow and maisonette buildings. Procuring these FCPs also has varying levels of reduction in energy consumption that are necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The financial benefits in energy savings from two PDS (roof insulation and overhang) could only pay-off the FCP for bungalows with cost-savings of 81%, while reducing the FCP for maisonettes by 70% in one year. The discounted FCP after one year becomes zero for the bungalow and ₦ 2,650.00/m2 for the maisonette. The short-term payback periods provide a significant incentive for developers to adopt energy-efficient designs in building development.

Brief Discussion on the Current Situation and Prospect of Modern Residential Building Planning and Design under the Background of Urbanization

Brief Discussion on the Current Situation and Prospect of Modern Residential Building Planning and Design under the Background of Urbanization

Sustainability assessment in residential high-rise building design: state of the art

ABSTRACT Twenty-first-century population growth is raising the need for more land space in urban areas and this has led to the construction of high-rise buildings, reducing horizontal urban development and making construction of residential high-rise buildings (RHB) a necessity in major cities around the world. In this regard, urban density and high-rise construction are key factors when determining a city’s sustainability and the liveability of urban areas. Sustainability indicators were identified in previous research and quantification has proven to be a useful tool for RHB design. This paper provides an overview of the various sustainability factors applied to RHB design. The paper also compiles information on the sustainability strategy, description of RHB issues and how this type of building can affect urban design. Some strategies may improve the natural environment such as incorporating green spaces, combining living, working and leisure activities, providing facilities for children and the elderly such as playgrounds and reasonably natural settings, ease of access to public transport, road networks and shopping facilities and so forth. The research is based on a descriptive approach and it analyses previous studies. The findings show that the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development (SD) should be considered to implement sustainability in RHBs. Previous literature reviews on RHBs considered social aspects in less detail.

Research on the Application of Green Architectural Design in Residential Buildings

Research on the Application of Green Architectural Design in Residential Buildings

Transformation-based design method for the integration of green residential buildings and solar thermal collectors

This study investigates integrated application of solar thermal collectors (STCs), as green renewable energy, on the design of green residential buildings (GRBs). With the gradual increase of residential buildings, the use of solar thermal energy has be- come the main popularization and application mode for the integration of residential buildings and solar energy. Additionally, this study presents applicable solutions using the transformation-based design method to expand the functions of STCs through the integrated design of STCs and GRBs, thus laying a strong theoretical foundation for promoting the integrated design of solar water heaters and GRBs.

METHOD OF CALCULATION FOR WALLS OF VERTICAL SQUARED TIMBER

Introduction: In recent years, houses out of vertical squared timber have become widespread. Vertical bars make it possible to use the effective wood behavior in compression and ensure maximum strength of the material along the fibers. Vertical bars are subject to compression with bending, which can result in loss of strength and buckling in building structures. In the available research papers and technical literature, the issue of the stress-strain state of such walls has not been analyzed. The purpose of this study was to formulate a calculation method for walls out of vertical squared timber, based on the available traditional approaches to wooden structures. We propose a calculation method for walls out of vertical squared timber as a set of elements resisting compression with bending, including a check for limiting slenderness. Results: Permissible heights of walls for buildings with bays of 10 and 12 m were obtained. The results can be used in the design of low-rise residential and public buildings, mansard superstructures of multi-story buildings.

Comparative Study of Traditional and Contemporary Houses in Abbottabad: Environmental Impact Assessment

The use of new construction materials, active cooling and heating systems, and rising global temperatures are surprisingly harming our environment and are contributing to pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer. The study focuses on several thermal comfort strategies for residential building designs and passive design techniques used in Abbottabad, Pakistan,traditional houses. The research also offers a descriptive examination of a traditional and a modern built house, highlighting the problems caused by the absence of conventional passive design elements in the latter. The research comes to a conclusion and suggests environmental protection measures that modern homes should use in the future.

A limit state design approach for hybrid reinforced concrete column‐supported flat slabs

AbstractHybrid reinforced technology (combination of steel reinforcing bars and fibers) can be considered as a competitive alternative to the already existing solutions for the construction of column‐supported flat slabs. Constructed hybrid‐reinforced buildings prove that hybrid solutions have sufficient bearing capacity to maintain structural integrity despite being exposed to high stress levels, thereby providing a beneficial solution in terms of toughness, ductility, and sustainability performance. However, the lack of design‐oriented recommendations based on the accepted limit state format for dealing with both serviceability and ultimate limit states slows down the wider implementation of this technology. Considering the above‐mentioned, this article presents a simplified design‐oriented method that covers the evaluation of the structural response of hybrid reinforced concrete column‐supported flat slabs in terms of flexural strength, cracking, and instantaneous deformations. Two hybrid reinforced alternatives for a given flat slab are studied by means of the proposed approach. Furthermore, a nonlinear finite element analysis is carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed simplified method. Based on the achieved results, its suitable accuracy and precision can be pointed out. This outcome may motivate current practitioners to consider hybrid reinforced concrete solutions as a possible alternative during the design of residential and office buildings.

Simulation Study of Thermal Comfort in Residential Building Types: The Case of Lokoja, Nigeria

Thermal comfort is an important factor for the design of buildings that offers comfortable indoor environment for the wellbeing of building occupants. There are several residential building typologies at different locations in the world. These includes bungalows, duplexes and block of flats. Despite previous studies on thermal comfort in Nigeria, there is a lack of research data on the performance of different building types, especially in terms of thermal comfort. Hence, this study evolved to investigate three popular types of residential buildings in Nigeria. The research outcome aims to provide data for theoretical evolution on the thermal behavior of these building types. The paper used dynamic thermal simulation, natural ventilation mode to analyze three residential buildings in Lokoja, Nigeria using hourly weather data for a period of 10 years. The simulation results showed that the annual operative temperature for the three cases were 33.360C, 33.620C and 33.650C. This revealed that there is no significant difference between the operative temperatures of the three case studies. However, there were marked differences between both the monthly and annual solar gains of the case buildings. The total annual gains for the three case studies were 24118.27kWh, 20497.90kWh, and 39493.09kWh. Although there was no significant difference in the performances of the case buildings, there performed differently in terms of both operative temperature and solar gains. The simulation results confirmed thermal discomfort in residential buildings in the study area. This calls for improvement in the design of residential buildings in the study area to enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy demand due to overdependence on mechanical cooling systems. This study has provided data that is expected to guide design professionals and other stakeholders in the building industry in their decisions regarding the thermal performance of residential building types in the study area and in similar climates.

THE INDEGENEOUS PEOPLES AND DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR BALI TRADITIONAL HOUSE IN MUNCAN CUSTOMARY VILLAGE, KARANGASEM, BALI

The existence of indigenous peoples is one of the important things in supporting the sustainability of traditional values, especially those related to the design of residential buildings. The customary village of Muncan Village, Karangasem is one of the traditional villages in Bali where the existence of indigenous peoples still exists. This can be seen from the lives of these indigenous peoples in carrying out their daily lives still following the customs and rules contained in the region. Seeing the high existence of indigenous peoples in the village, it is necessary to examine the relationship of the existence of indigenous peoples to the development of architecture and interiors in these traditional Balinese houses. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of indigenous peoples in preserving traditional Balinese houses. This study uses a method with a qualitative approach and a cultural studies perspective. The results of this study indicate that the existence of indigenous peoples in the village of Muncan affects the architectural and interior development of their homes. This can be seen from the mindset of the community as well as various activities that contain elements of religion, tradition and belief that are applied to the architectural design of their residences. Broadly speaking, the architectural design of the residence still applies the concept of traditional Balinese architecture but has developed only in the form of materials and forms following developments according to the latest science and technology.
 Keywords: Existence, Society, Custom, Architecture, Interiors.

Structural Design of a Super High-rise Residential Building with Frame-supported Shear Walls in Hubei Province

Structural Design of a Super High-rise Residential Building with Frame-supported Shear Walls in Hubei Province

Heat resilience of apartment buildings in Korea and Germany: comparison of building design and climate

A major concern in climate adaptation is to enhance the heat resilient design of residential buildings. However, recent scientific literature addressing overheating analysis is only focussing on individual countries. In this article, we discuss how different design of representative apartment buildings in two countries influences the overheating risk or cooling demand and what conclusions can be drawn from it. This is done for a low-rise apartment building located in Germany and a high-rise building in South Korea applying building performance simulation. Both countries are located in the moderate climate zone, but regional differences in frequency of tropical nights and radiant summer days lead to significant differences in overheating intensity (800 Kh/a for the German and 5100 Kh/a for the Korean) or cooling demand (1800 kWh for the German to 1300 kWh for the Korean). The lower cooling demand but much higher overheating intensity of the Korean building compared to the German is mainly caused by the different solar heat gain due to the glazed balcony design of the Korean building where these balcony rooms are not actively cooled. On the contrary, the common internal façade insulation of Korean buildings results in a higher overheating risk compared to the German building and in addition the lower potential of passive cooling by natural ventilation due to the necessity of insect screens in Korea. The large effect of implementing heat adaptation measures on overheating risk reduction or cooling demand (up to 90%) clearly demonstrates that both buildings are far away from a heat resilient design and that heat adaptation measures can address both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Energy Sustainable House: A Case study and validation through Revit

Reducing carbon footprints and adopting green energy sources is the need of modern time. Green sources of energy need to find preference over traditional sources. Unconventional sources of energy like solar, wind are alternatives of traditional energy sources. Lack of awareness, high initial investment and lack of government incentive are few challenges in adoption of green sources of energy in housing sector, especially in developing economies. Construction, design and aesthetics of traditional residential building have a significant effect on energy consumption and environment. Town planners, private housing developers and individual house owners have to become aware and adopt the non-traditional sources of energy like solar energy for meeting their daily need of energy. An energy sustainable house has minimum dependency on traditional sources of energy like coal based thermal power plants. For moving a step closer to energy sustainable building, in this research paper authors have studied the design, energy consumption and transformation of energy dependencies on roof top solar plant of a residential building by situation actor process & learning action performance (SAP-LAP) methodology. Further authors tried to validate the observations and findings of study by energy balance analysis of the same residential building by Autodesk Revit software. Studying the economical aspect of current case authors observed that the case house got 60% saving in monthly electricity bill after installing rooftop solar power plant and payback period of total investment on solar power plant is 6.5 to 7 years only.

A multi-facet BIM based approach for Green Building design of new multi-family residential building using LEED system

Pakistan’s as developing economy is in crisis due to rising energy and water demand. This study considers the Green Building concept as it accounts for optimum use of energy and water conservation. A building information modelling approach has been used to analyze the Green Building concepts. Parameters of Green Building are defined within Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. A parametric model of the case study building was developed on the Autodesk Revit platform based on original drawings and details. The same model was then subjected to change by provision of insulation measures. The energy use intensity of both models is calculated and analyzed. The results from the study suggest that if better measures and decision are taken in design stage, there is potential to conserve energy by approx. 28% and water by approx. 32% and subsequently can produce renewable energy by approx. 15%. For the validation of model and results, a comparative study was made on two other platforms, namely, Green Building Studio and Insight. The study further suggests a payback period of approx. 2.3 years after the cost and saving analysis. This integrated approach expedites the certification process thus saving significant time and resources.

Research on the Application of Green Building Design in Residential Buildings

Research on the Application of Green Building Design in Residential Buildings