Simulation-supported design optimization of atrium buildings with passive cooling in Austria

Abstract

This contribution reports on an ongoing research effort within the project Sim4DLG to reduce the energy and resource use in the building sector via design optimization of life cycle-oriented buildings in Austria. To reduce the heating demand and overheating risk in the cold and warm seasons respectively, a simulation-supported optimization strategy was pursued, resulting also in improved ratings in terms of the mandatory Austrian energy certificate. The application includes a range of different building types varying from stand-alone single-family houses to apartments in a multilevel building, using locally available ecological construction materials and renewable energy, with special focus on single-story atrium-style buildings. Natural ventilation scenarios were specifically explored to improve summertime thermal comfort conditions. The results are showing that the method can be used in a circular approach during the design process for reducing the overheating risk, while maintaining the passive house standard according to the Austrian energy certificate.