Course Name: Energy Efficient Building

Week No.: 02 Lecture No: 05.

Topic Name: Fundamentals of Building Thermal Design and Orientation

Objectives:
● Energy Efficiency and Comfort: The primary objective of building thermal design and
orientation is to enhance energy efficiency while ensuring occupant comfort. Achieving
both passive thermal comfort (through proper orientation) and visual comfort (through
optimal massing and orientation) is crucial.

● Maximizing Solar Gain: Orienting a building correctly allows it to harness free energy
from the sun. South-facing orientations maximize solar gain during winter months,
reducing heating requirements. Properly designed windows and glazing can capture
sunlight while minimizing glare and overheating.

● Minimizing Heat Gain and Loss: Orientation affects the amount of heat gained or lost
through building surfaces. South-facing walls receive more direct sunlight, while north-
facing walls receive less. East and west walls experience varying solar exposure throughout
the day. Effective orientation balances solar heat gain with thermal insulation to maintain
comfortable indoor temperatures.

● Integration with Massing: Orientation and massing (building shape and layout) are
interdependent. Neither can be optimized without considering the other. Successful
orientation aligns with the building’s overall form, maximizing energy efficiency and
visual appeal.

● Holistic Approach: Consider both physical (objective) and psychological (subjective)

aspects of thermal comfort.

Lecture Content:

1. The fundamentals of building thermal design and orientation

The fundamentals of building thermal design and orientation revolve around optimizing the
building's thermal performance and energy efficiency through strategic design choices. This
includes:
1. Building Envelope: Designing an efficient building envelope with proper insulation, air
sealing, and high-performance windows to minimize heat transfer.
 2. Orientation: Orienting the building to maximize solar gain in colder climates and
minimize it in warmer climates, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling
systems.
3. Thermal Mass: Incorporating thermal mass materials like concrete or masonry to absorb
and store heat, stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing temperature fluctuations.
4. Shading: Implementing shading devices such as overhangs, louvers, or vegetation to
control solar heat gain and prevent overheating in summer months.
5. Natural Ventilation: Designing for natural ventilation to enhance airflow and reduce the
need for mechanical cooling, improving indoor air quality and occupant comfort.
By understanding and implementing these fundamentals, architects and engineers can create
buildings that are not only thermally comfortable but also energy-efficient and sustainable.

2. Heat Transmission and Thermal Performance:

Heat Transmission:
Heat transmission, also known as heat transfer, refers to the movement of thermal energy from one
object or substance to another due to a temperature difference. There are three main mechanisms
of heat transmission:
1. Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material or between materials
that are in direct contact. In solids, heat is transferred by the vibration and collision of
atoms or molecules. Materials with higher thermal conductivity, such as metals, transfer
heat more efficiently through conduction.
2. Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or
gases). When a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, creating convection currents
that transfer heat from one location to another. Natural convection occurs due to density
differences caused by temperature variations, while forced convection involves the use of
fans or pumps to enhance heat transfer.
3. Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as
infrared radiation. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium
and can occur through a vacuum. All objects emit and absorb thermal radiation based on
their temperature and emissivity. Surfaces with higher emissivity absorb and emit more
radiation.
Thermal Performance:
Thermal performance refers to the ability of a building or building component to resist heat transfer
and maintain desired indoor temperatures. Several factors influence thermal performance:
1. Insulation: Insulation is a key component in reducing heat transfer through conduction.
Insulating materials such as fiberglass, foam board, or cellulose help to trap air pockets,
slowing down the movement of heat through walls, roofs, and floors. The thermal
 resistance of insulation is measured by its R-value, with higher R-values indicating greater
resistance to heat flow.
2. Air Sealing: Air sealing prevents unwanted air leakage through the building envelope,
reducing heat loss or gain through convection. Sealing gaps, cracks, and penetrations with
caulking, weatherstripping, or spray foam insulation helps to maintain airtightness and
improve energy efficiency.
3. Windows and Glazing: Windows play a significant role in the thermal performance of a
building. Energy-efficient windows feature multiple panes of glass separated by insulating
gas layers, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings to reduce heat transfer, and thermal breaks to
minimize conduction. Selecting windows with appropriate U-factor (rate of heat loss) and
solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) helps optimize energy performance.
4. Thermal Mass: Thermal mass materials, such as concrete, brick, or stone, absorb and store
heat energy, moderating indoor temperature fluctuations. Incorporating thermal mass into
building design can help stabilize indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling
loads. The effectiveness of thermal mass depends on factors such as material density,
thickness, and exposure to sunlight.
5. Solar Control: Solar control strategies manage solar heat gain to prevent overheating in
summer and optimize passive solar heating in winter. Techniques include orientation,
shading devices, overhangs, and reflective coatings. Proper solar control helps reduce
reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems, improving energy efficiency and
comfort.
6. Ventilation: Ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality and
regulating indoor temperatures. Balanced ventilation systems supply fresh air while
exhausting stale air, promoting airflow and reducing the accumulation of heat and
moisture. Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems recover heat or coolness from
exhaust air, pre-conditioning incoming air and improving energy efficiency.
7. Building Orientation: The orientation of a building relative to the sun influences its
thermal performance. Optimizing building orientation can maximize passive solar heating
in winter and minimize solar heat gain in summer. Proper orientation reduces the need for
mechanical heating and cooling, resulting in energy savings and improved occupant
comfort.
8. Building Design and Layout: The design and layout of a building can impact its thermal
performance. Factors such as compactness, building shape, and internal zoning affect heat
distribution, airflow patterns, and solar exposure. Efficient building design minimizes heat
loss or gain, optimizes natural ventilation, and enhances thermal comfort for occupants.
9. Climate Considerations: Climate plays a significant role in determining the appropriate
thermal design strategies for a building. Cold climates require robust insulation, airtight
construction, and passive solar heating strategies to minimize heat loss and maintain
 warmth. In hot climates, emphasis is placed on solar control, natural ventilation, and
thermal mass to reduce cooling loads and mitigate overheating.

3. The Thermal Performance of Building Sections

The Thermal Performance of Building Sections refers to how effectively different

components of a building envelope resist heat transfer and maintain desired indoor
temperatures. Each building section, including walls, roofs, floors, and fenestrations
(windows and doors), plays a crucial role in overall thermal efficiency. Here's an in-depth
look at the thermal performance considerations for each building section:
1. Walls:
• Walls are significant contributors to a building's thermal envelope. The choice of
wall materials, insulation, and construction techniques greatly impacts thermal
performance.
• Insulating materials such as fiberglass, foam board, or spray foam are commonly
used within wall cavities to reduce heat transfer through conduction.
• Proper installation and air sealing techniques are essential to minimize thermal
bridging and air leakage, which can compromise insulation effectiveness.
• Exterior insulation systems (EIFS) or continuous insulation can further enhance
thermal performance by reducing thermal bridging and improving overall energy
efficiency.
2. Roofs:
• Roofs are critical areas for heat gain and loss due to their exposure to direct sunlight
and outdoor temperatures.
• Insulation placed between roof rafters or within the roof assembly helps to prevent
heat transfer through conduction.
• Cool roofing materials with high solar reflectance and infrared emittance reduce
heat absorption and minimize heat gain in warm climates.
• Proper ventilation in attics or roof spaces helps to remove excess heat and moisture,
improving energy efficiency and prolonging roof life.
3. Floors:
• Floors can be sources of heat loss or gain, especially in buildings with slab-on-
grade construction or raised floors.
• Insulating materials installed beneath floors help to prevent heat transfer from the
ground or unconditioned spaces below.
 • Radiant floor heating systems utilize thermal mass and controlled heat distribution
to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures efficiently.
• Flooring materials with high thermal resistance, such as carpet or cork, help to
reduce heat conduction and enhance thermal comfort.
4. Fenestrations (Windows and Doors):
• Windows and doors are critical components of the building envelope that influence
both daylighting and thermal performance.
• Energy-efficient windows feature multiple glazing layers, low-emissivity coatings,
and insulating gas fills to reduce heat transfer through conduction and radiation.
• Properly installed and sealed windows and doors minimize air leakage, improving
overall energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
• Window shading devices such as overhangs, awnings, or blinds help to control solar
heat gain and optimize natural daylighting while reducing cooling loads.
5. Joints and Connections:
• Joints, seams, and connections between building sections are potential areas for
thermal bridging and air leakage.
• Proper detailing and sealing techniques, such as caulking, weatherstripping, and
gaskets, are crucial to maintain thermal continuity and airtightness.
• Thermal breaks, which interrupt the flow of heat through conductive materials, are
used at structural connections to minimize heat transfer and improve overall
thermal performance.
6. Thermal Mass:
• Thermal mass materials, such as concrete, brick, or stone, are incorporated into
building sections to absorb, store, and release heat energy.
• Thermal mass helps to stabilize indoor temperatures, reduce temperature
fluctuations, and improve thermal comfort.
• Placement of thermal mass within building sections, such as in interior walls or
flooring, influences its effectiveness in moderating temperature swings and
optimizing energy efficiency.
7. Integration of Passive Design Strategies:
• Passive design strategies, such as orientation, shading, and natural ventilation,
complement the thermal performance of building sections.
• Proper orientation of windows and shading devices maximizes solar gain in winter
and minimizes it in summer, reducing heating and cooling loads.
 • Natural ventilation pathways, facilitated by operable windows and vents, promote
airflow and enhance indoor comfort without relying on mechanical systems.
8. Climate-Specific Considerations:
• Thermal performance requirements vary based on climate conditions, with different
strategies needed for cold, temperate, and hot climates.
• Cold climates prioritize insulation and air sealing to minimize heat loss, while hot
climates focus on solar control and natural ventilation to reduce cooling loads.
• Climate-specific building codes and standards provide guidelines for designing
building sections that optimize energy efficiency and occupant comfort in different
regions.
.

4. Orientation Of Building and Design Parameters

The orientation of buildings refers to the positioning of a structure relative to the cardinal
directions (north, south, east, west) and its surroundings. Proper building orientation plays
a crucial role in maximizing energy efficiency, optimizing natural daylighting, and
enhancing thermal comfort. Here's a detailed look at the importance of building orientation
and key design parameters:
1. Solar Exposure:
• Orientation affects the amount of solar radiation a building receives throughout the
day. In the northern hemisphere, south-facing orientations maximize solar exposure
in winter, providing passive solar heating and reducing heating loads. Conversely,
minimizing east and west-facing glazing helps to mitigate unwanted heat gain in
the morning and afternoon when the sun is low.
2. Passive Solar Design:
• Passive solar design harnesses solar energy for heating, cooling, and lighting
without relying on mechanical systems. Proper building orientation is fundamental
to passive solar design principles, enabling designers to optimize solar gain in
winter and minimize it in summer. South-facing windows capture low-angle winter
sunlight, while adequate shading prevents overheating in summer.
3. Daylighting:
• Building orientation affects natural daylight penetration and distribution within
interior spaces. Orienting buildings with larger fenestrations (windows, skylights)
towards the south maximizes daylighting potential, reducing the need for artificial
lighting and improving occupant comfort and productivity. Strategic placement of
 windows and light shelves helps to control glare and optimize daylight levels
throughout the day.
4. Views and Site Context:
• Building orientation takes into account site characteristics, including topography,
vegetation, and views. Orienting buildings to capture scenic vistas or minimize
undesirable views enhances the overall building experience and connection to the
surrounding environment. Consideration of site context ensures that building
orientation integrates harmoniously with its surroundings while maximizing energy
performance.
5. Climate Considerations:
• Building orientation is tailored to local climate conditions, with different strategies
for cold, temperate, and hot climates. In cold climates, south-facing orientation
maximizes solar gain for passive heating, while minimizing exposure to prevailing
winds reduces heat loss. In hot climates, east-west orientations are avoided to
minimize solar heat gain, and shading strategies are prioritized to mitigate
overheating.
6. Wind Patterns:
• Understanding prevailing wind patterns is essential for optimizing building
orientation to maximize natural ventilation and minimize wind-driven heat loss or
gain. Orienting buildings perpendicular to prevailing winds facilitates cross-
ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality and reducing reliance on mechanical
cooling systems. Windbreaks and landscaping features can further optimize wind
flow around the building.
7. Privacy and Security:
• Building orientation considers privacy and security concerns, with strategic
placement of fenestrations and outdoor spaces to minimize overlooking and
enhance privacy for occupants. Shielding windows from adjacent buildings or
public areas while maintaining access to natural light and views ensures a
comfortable and secure built environment.
8. Urban Context:
• In urban environments, building orientation is influenced by surrounding buildings,
streetscapes, and urban form. Designers must balance site constraints and
opportunities to optimize solar exposure, views, and pedestrian access. Contextual
considerations ensure that building orientation contributes positively to the urban
fabric while meeting energy performance goals.
9. Accessibility and Circulation:
 • Building orientation accounts for accessibility requirements and circulation
patterns, ensuring that entrances, pathways, and transportation links are easily
accessible and integrated into the overall design. Orientation considerations
prioritize creating welcoming and inclusive environments that accommodate
diverse users and modes of transportation.

Summary:
1. Understanding heat transmission mechanisms and implementing effective thermal
performance strategies are essential for creating energy-efficient buildings that provide
comfort, durability, and sustainability. By incorporating insulation, air sealing, efficient
windows, thermal mass, solar control, ventilation, and thoughtful design considerations,
architects and engineers can optimize building performance and enhance occupant well-
being while reducing environmental impact.
2. Optimizing the thermal performance of building sections involves selecting appropriate
materials, insulation, and construction techniques to minimize heat transfer and maintain
comfortable indoor temperatures. By addressing heat gain and loss through walls, roofs,
floors, and fenestrations, architects and engineers can design energy-efficient buildings
that promote occupant well-being and sustainability
3. Building orientation is a fundamental design parameter that influences energy efficiency,
thermal comfort, daylighting, and site integration. By carefully considering solar exposure,
passive solar design principles, daylighting strategies, climate conditions, wind patterns,
site context, privacy, security, urban context, and accessibility, architects and designers can
create buildings that are not only environmentally responsive but also enhance the well-
being and experience of occupants.

References:
1. Fanger, P. O. (1970). Thermal Comfort: Analysis and Applications in Environmental
Engineering.
2. Nicol, J. F., & Humphreys, M. A. (2002). Adaptive thermal comfort and sustainable thermal
standards for buildings.
3. Olgyay, V. (1963). Design with climate: Bioclimatic approach to architectural regionalism.