Design Approach for the Optimal Model of an Energy-Efficient Timber Building with Enlarged Glazing Surface on the South Façade

Abstract

This paper presents the reasonability of using an increased proportion of glazing surfaces in prefabricated timber-frame buildings with a special focus on energy efficiency by using an enlarged glazing area in the south façade. The research is based on a case study of a two-storey house built in a prefabricated timberframe structural system taking the climate data for Ljubljana into consideration. Parametric analysis is performed on the variation of an increased proportion of the glazing surface's impact in the south side of the building according to the total surface of the south façade (AGAW) as a basic variable. The analysis was carried out on different exterior wall elements having different thermal properties, while the rest of the parameters, such as the ground plan of the model as well as the active systems, roof and floor slab assemblies, climate condition, etc. remain constant. The basic theoretical contribution of the presented research is the transformation of a complex energy related problem to only one single independent variable (U wall -value) which becomes the only variable parameter to determine the optimal glazing area size value (AGAW opt ) for all contemporary prefabricated timber construction systems.

Evaluating Topological Optimized Layout of Building Structures by Using Nodal Material Density Based Bilinear Interpolation

“…Numerous research papers (Yan et al, 2014;Lee et al, 2012;Leskovar and Premrov, 2012) concerning new methods in this field have appeared in journals and been presented at conferences.…”

Taxonomy supporting design strategies for reuse of building parts in timber-based construction

“…In the same study, it was found that the use of timber frames in multistorey buildings could reduce embodied carbon by 48% in comparison with steel and by 19% compared to concrete as the principal structural material. Moreover, timber is renewable and lightweight, with good thermal properties and a low carbon footprint (Svatoš-Ražnjević, 2022; Hens et al , 2021; Kunic et al , 2021; Ostrowska-Wawryniuk, 2021; Bukauskas et al , 2019; Stavric and Bogensperger., 2015; Daerga et al , 2014; Leskovar and Premrov, 2012; Weinand, 2009). Additionally, timber provides an agreeable indoor microclimate and has positive effects on the occupants of the building, while reducing stress (Ostrowska-Wawryniuk, 2021; Tarin et al , 2019; Leskovar and Premrov, 2012).…”

“…Moreover, timber is renewable and lightweight, with good thermal properties and a low carbon footprint (Svatoš-Ražnjević, 2022; Hens et al , 2021; Kunic et al , 2021; Ostrowska-Wawryniuk, 2021; Bukauskas et al , 2019; Stavric and Bogensperger., 2015; Daerga et al , 2014; Leskovar and Premrov, 2012; Weinand, 2009). Additionally, timber provides an agreeable indoor microclimate and has positive effects on the occupants of the building, while reducing stress (Ostrowska-Wawryniuk, 2021; Tarin et al , 2019; Leskovar and Premrov, 2012). It seems possible that timber, especially for taller buildings, is a viable choice that could potentially decrease the environmental impact of construction.…”

Optimization of Window-to-Wall Ratio for Buildings Located in Different Climates: An IDA-Indoor Climate and Energy Simulation Study

“…The importance of thermal transmittance of the wall and its effect on the glazing size in a timber building in Ljubljana, Slovenia was studied by Leskovar et al [15]. Different thermal values for windows were also studied in order to find the optimal area of window on south-facing façades.…”