Energy-efficient house design in the mediterranean climate

Abstract

Buildings in rural areas are more exposed to open weather conditions than city centres and, therefore, need to be designed to be more energy efficient. This study systematically investigates the sensitivity of critical building design parameters (building orientation, insulation thickness, glazing properties, shading, and ventilation type) on the heating and cooling energy demand of a rural building in a Mediterranean climate. This study also aims to determine optimum energy-efficient building design conditions in the Mediterranean climate. Thermal simulations were performed using the IESVE tool in a typical two-storey Mediterranean house designed in rural İzmir, Turkey. It was found that critical design parameters such as solar orientation, insulation thickness, glazing properties, shading, and ventilation type affect heating and cooling energy demand. Orientation of the building to the South, 23.5 cm insulation thickness, triple glazing windows, and shading provide maximum energy savings. In addition, South orientation or a deviation of 22.5° from the South, 15 cm insulation thickness, double-glazed windows, and shading ensure significant energy savings and acceptable energy performance in the Mediterranean climate. However, no significant difference in energy performance was found depending on ventilation type (mechanical or mixed mode (natural + mechanical)). The results of this study can promote energy-efficient building design at the local level and help architects design new energy-efficient buildings in the Mediterranean countryside. This study can also contribute to creating energy-efficient building design policies to reduce buildings' dependence on fossil fuels.