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Optimising Window-to-Wall Ratio for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Building Intelligence in Hot Summer Mediterranean Climates

Author

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  • Hawar Tawfeeq

    (Architectural Department, College of Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region Government, Al Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq)

  • Amjad Muhammed Ali Qaradaghi

    (Architectural Department, College of Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region Government, Al Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq)

Abstract

This study focused on optimising the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) as a design solution to reduce energy consumption and enhance building intelligence from an energy-saving perspective. It examines the impact range of the WWR in improving the energy efficiency in low-rise residential apartments in Sulaimaniyah City, which experiences a hot summer Mediterranean climate. This study employed a quantitative approach, simulating and analysing the energy consumption of the selected samples using specific tools, such as Autodesk Revit and Insight Cloud. The findings show that improving the window-to-wall ratio can significantly reduce the energy use intensity (EUI) across various building orientations. Southern-facing walls permit reductions ranging from 1.23 to 14.98 kWh/m 2 , whereas northern-facing walls show losses ranging from 2.03 to 12.98 kWh/m 2 . Similarly, western-facing walls show decreases ranging from 0.41 to 6.41 kWh/m 2 and eastern-facing walls from 1.44 to 5.59 kWh/m 2 . These energy-saving ranges improve building intelligence in terms of energy utilisation. Furthermore, the recommended WWR is 65% for southern and eastern walls and 95% and 30% for northern and western walls. This study underscores the significance of optimising the window-to-wall ratio in intelligent building design. Neglecting this can significantly impact energy use and represents a missed opportunity to improve building intelligence.

Suggested Citation

  • Hawar Tawfeeq & Amjad Muhammed Ali Qaradaghi, 2024. "Optimising Window-to-Wall Ratio for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Building Intelligence in Hot Summer Mediterranean Climates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7342-:d:1464437
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xue, Peng & Li, Qian & Xie, Jingchao & Zhao, Mengjing & Liu, Jiaping, 2019. "Optimization of window-to-wall ratio with sunshades in China low latitude region considering daylighting and energy saving requirements," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233, pages 62-70.
    2. Ochoa, Carlos E. & Aries, Myriam B.C. & van Loenen, Evert J. & Hensen, Jan L.M., 2012. "Considerations on design optimization criteria for windows providing low energy consumption and high visual comfort," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 238-245.
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    1. Antonio Ciervo & Massimiliano Masullo & Maria Dolores Morelli & Luigi Maffei, 2025. "Exploring the Effects of Window Design on the Restorative Potential of Movable Smart Co-Working Offices in Small Village Environments Through Immersive Virtual Reality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-32, June.

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