Short answer
Integrate detailed thermal comfort analysis into the design process for building renovations, paying close attention to orientation and fenestration to prevent unintended overheating.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- Building Simulation Conference proceedings (2023)
- Method
- Building performance simulation
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Building renovations, while often intended to improve energy efficiency, can inadvertently exacerbate overheating issues, leading to occupant dissatisfaction and potential health risks. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Building Simulation Conference proceedings. Using Building performance simulation, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate detailed thermal comfort analysis into the design process for building renovations, paying close attention to orientation and fenestration to prevent unintended overheating.
Renovation can increase residential overheating risk, impacting occupant comfort and health.
Building renovations, while often intended to improve energy efficiency, can inadvertently exacerbate overheating issues, leading to occupant dissatisfaction and potential health risks.
Building Simulation Conference proceedings · 2023
Key Findings
- 01One building was identified as more prone to overheating due to its orientation and window-to-floor ratio.
- 02Renovation efforts in the studied houses contributed to an increased risk of overheating.
- 03Danish terraced houses exhibit similar overheating tendencies to multi-family buildings and a higher potential than single-family houses.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate detailed thermal comfort analysis into the design process for building renovations, paying close attention to orientation and fenestration to prevent unintended overheating.
How to apply
When designing renovations for residential buildings, use thermal simulation tools to predict overheating risks and adjust design elements like insulation, ventilation, and window specifications accordingly.
Project actions
- 01When researching building designs, look for studies that consider how people will feel inside the building, not just how much energy it uses.
- 02Consider how different design choices, like window size and placement, might affect the temperature inside a building.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Uses building performance simulation for a quantitative assessment.
- +Compares pre- and post-renovation scenarios.
Limitations
Simulations are models and may not perfectly reflect real-world conditions. The specific context of Danish terraced houses might limit direct applicability to other regions.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the findings relies heavily on the accuracy of the building performance simulation software and the input data. Reliability would be enhanced by comparing simulation results with actual on-site measurements.
Think critically
If renovations can worsen overheating, what design strategies can be employed during the renovation process to actively mitigate this risk, rather than just avoid exacerbating it?
Design Principles
"Optimize building design and renovation strategies to ensure thermal comfort throughout the year, considering both energy efficiency and occupant well-being."
Designers and engineers must consider the thermal comfort implications of renovation strategies. Failing to address potential overheating can negate energy savings and negatively impact the well-being of building occupants.
What This Means for Your Design
When you renovate houses, sometimes they can get too hot inside, especially if they face the wrong way or have too many windows. This can make people uncomfortable and unhealthy.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of thermal comfort in your design project, especially if your design involves renovations or new residential buildings.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that building renovations, particularly in terraced housing typologies, can inadvertently increase the risk of overheating (Bugenings & Kamari, 2023). This phenomenon highlights the critical need to integrate comprehensive thermal comfort analysis into the design and renovation process, moving beyond solely focusing on energy efficiency to ensure occupant well-being and satisfaction.
Source
Building Simulation Conference proceedings
Overheating in existing and renovated Danish terraced houses
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about renovation can increase residential overheating risk, impacting occupant comfort and health?
- Integrate detailed thermal comfort analysis into the design process for building renovations, paying close attention to orientation and fenestration to prevent unintended overheating. Evidence: Building Simulation Conference proceedings (2023).
- Why does "Renovation can increase residential overheating risk, impacting occupant comfort and health." matter for design?
- Designers and engineers must consider the thermal comfort implications of renovation strategies. Failing to address potential overheating can negate energy savings and negatively impact the well-being of building occupants.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate detailed thermal comfort analysis into the design process for building renovations, paying close attention to orientation and fenestration to prevent unintended overheating.
- What were the main findings?
- One building was identified as more prone to overheating due to its orientation and window-to-floor ratio.. Renovation efforts in the studied houses contributed to an increased risk of overheating.. Danish terraced houses exhibit similar overheating tendencies to multi-family buildings and a higher potential than single-family houses.
- What research method was used?
- Building performance simulation.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Building Simulation Conference proceedings.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing renovations for residential buildings, use thermal simulation tools to predict overheating risks and adjust design elements like insulation, ventilation, and window specifications accordingly.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on specific Danish terraced house typologies and may not be generalizable to all building types or climates. Simulation results are dependent on the accuracy of input parameters.