An Extensive Design Approach Integrating Offshore Residential Buildings and Solar Collectors

Abstract

Utilization of energy has boosted socio-economic development but meanwhile exacerbated the environmental problems. Offshore areas in China boast abundant solar energy resources. The present work explores the application of solar energy in offshore residential buildings and the ways for integration of solar collectors with the buildings to analyze the potential impact of installation of solar collectors on the design of offshore residential buildings. An extensive design approach that introduces protruding features, outdoor air-conditioner unit spaces, and “virtual” elements into design of residential buildings was proposed, which would integrate the solar collectors into the architectural design and extend the functions of the residential buildings. This research aims to provide a theoretical basis for promoting utilization of solar energy and integrated design of offshore buildings.