Optimization of the design and energy performance of a multi-functional building in Corsico

The theme of the following thesis focuses on optimizing the architectural design and energy performance of a multifunctional building in the town of Corsico, which we projected in our Architectural Design Studio of the 2nd year of our master program in Building and Architectural Engineering 2014 - 2016. The importance of this topic is justified by the fact that at the present moment, 32% of the global final energy is consumed by buildings according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). In the world, where residential buildings use mechanical heating and cooling systems, this type of energy consumption accounts for more than 60% of the total energy used (IEA, 2011). Furthermore, most of the world energy is originated from fossil fuel sources and complex processing that have increased greenhouse gases (GHG’s). Therefore CO₂ levels have risen to an unprecedented 400 ppm. Anthropogenic CO₂ emissions have dramatically increased from the last 60 years onward and have altered the global climate, as well as other natural phenomena (IPCC, 2014). Therefore countries around the world are making policies that envision the reduction of energy consumption and enhance renewable energy sources (RES). In particular, the vision of the European Union for the year 2020 is to reduce the levels of GHG’s, and energy consumption by 20%, and increase in 20% the use of renewable energy sources (EPBD, 2010). Taking this prelude into consideration, we can appreciate the significance of strict compliance with energy standards and comfort requirements for future building projects. In particular, through the conceptual framework of our thesis we wanted to achieve an architectural design process in synergy with the energy demands of a non-residential building and its efficient use. Therefore, solar passive design strategies were of equal importance to the aesthetic and urban values of our project. At the beginning stage, after considering the urban and architectural requirements of our multifunctional building, we applied basic energy concepts as our driving force criteria. This helped us improve the original architectural morphology and transition spaces to be in harmony with the sun path for passive solar strategies and the wind direction for natural ventilation. After upgrading our model, we proceeded to analyze our hypothesis through building energy simulation (BES) software. Secondly, we took as inputs our preliminary ideas and through an iterative simulation process using the SEFAIRA software, we proceeded to develop the design complying with general energy requirements. After this experimental phase, we used the TRNSYS software in order to define our project at a technical design stage. In this step, we focused mainly on improving passive design strategies and proposing active RES that are suitable for the energy demands of our building’s future operation. Finally, we verified the outputs of the BES models results with the European and local standards on energy consumption, environmental impact and thermal-visual comfort. This comparison was our main driver in the decisions that defined our final architectural proposal. In conclusion, our thesis project is a reflection of the current policies of energy use in the construction sector. Hence, we integrated as part of our design process, the knowledge related to improving energy performance of the built environment. Then, preliminary ideas and hypothesis were verified through two filters of different grade. At first, we applied an iterative and integrated design process using the SEFAIRA software, and finally we defined our project’s technological aspects using TRNSYS. The results obtained from this final phase were verified in parallel with the standards and requirements that apply for thermal and visual comfort as well as environmental impact.