The COMBI project (Comprehensive development of nearly zero energy municipal buildings) studies improving the energy efficiency of municipal service buildings to the nearly zero energy level. Research by the ASUTUT group (WP2) is focused on energy efficient architectural design principles of assisted living for the elderly and primary schools. The main objective is to promote making energy efficient decisions throughout the design process without compromising other aspects of architectural quality.
Background
In the project the study of the energy efficiency effects of architectural design decisions is primarily based on energy simulations conducted using contemporary buildings including both assisted living for the elderly and primary schools. Through sufficiently standardized base cases it is possible to obtain data which can be reliably compared and therefore supports fact based decision making in the design process. By examining the effects of individual design decisions in relation to other factors of energy efficiency, desired performance goals can be met in the most efficient way while avoiding unnecessary architectural or financial compromises.
Goal
Architectural design decisions form the base for the energy consumption of a building already in the city planning and early pre design and sketch stages. The beginning of a project is also when choices regarding functionality are made. Despite the above, and even though architectural design is recognized as being a key factor in energy efficiency, in the pursuit of nearly zero energy construction its effect isn't clearly visible next to for example building services solutions.
This research investigates the significance of individual architectural resign decisions in the context of an energy efficient building as a whole, evaluates and further develops current spatial as well as functional design conventions, and produces guidance on the practical utilization of the observations that are made.
Funding source
Business Finland, Arkkitehtipalvelu Oy Jyväskylä, Arkkitehtitoimisto Neva Oy and 35 other businesses.
Contact persons
Tapio Kaasalainen
Project manager (WP2)
tapio.kaasalainen [at] tut.fi
+358 50 301 5525
Anssi Laukkarinen
Project manager (COMBI)
anssi.laukkarinen [at] tut.fi
+358 50 917 9988