The role of fabric performance in the seasonal overheating of dwellings

Konstantinos Mourkos, Eirini Mantesi, Christina J. Hopfe, Malcolm Cook, Jacqueline Glass, Chris Goodier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

Airtightness and thermal conductance of the fabric play a key role in constructing low energy buildings. These two factors might minimise the building’s heating demand in winter but contribute to its overheating in summer. This study focused on a building using Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF), a site-based Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). ICF walls consist of cast in situ concrete poured between two layers of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation. The walls can achieve very low U-values and high levels of airtightness. The overall aim was to investigate the resilience or vulnerability of the ICF to overheating. A whole building monitoring study was used to empirically investigate the impact of the ICF fabric performance and to validate the accuracy of Building Performance Simulation (BPS) predictions provided by two tools. The results indicate that the building was able to provide a stable internal environment. In addition, both tools were able to predict indoor temperatures in a consistent way. However, the outcome of the analysis highlighted the significance of selecting appropriate data in terms of weather, internal gains and occupant behaviour when assessing overheating and the importance of developing a methodology for model calibration against indoor air temperatures for overheating assessment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, Building Simulation 2017
EditorsCharles S. Barnaby, Michael Wetter
PublisherInternational Building Performance Simulation Association
Pages284-293
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781510870673
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event15th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, Building Simulation 2017 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 7 Aug 20179 Aug 2017

Publication series

NameBuilding Simulation Conference Proceedings
Volume1
ISSN (Print)2522-2708

Conference

Conference15th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, Building Simulation 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period7/08/179/08/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture
  • Modelling and Simulation
  • Computer Science Applications

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