1
M Sc, Faculty of Architecture, Collage of Fine Arts, University of Tehran
2
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture, Collage of Fine Arts, University of Tehran
Abstract
Significant energy savings can be obtained by design improvements such as matching spatial occupancy with solar cycles, designing an appropriate building shell, determining apposite opening sizes, and maximizing use of renewable energy sources. This paper reviews the impact of architectural design on the energy loading of residential buildings in Ardebil City. This city has a cold climate. To this end, annual heating and cooling loads of four sample houses are simulated using ECOTECH software. It is concluded that by matching spatial occupancy with solar cycles the heating requirements could be reduced by 14.5% at no significant costs. Designing an appropriate building shell can further reduce the heating requirements by 25.5%. Another 8% saving could be achieved by reducing internal temperature by 1°C.