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Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and...
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Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2024) | Viewed by 10980

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luciana Rocha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal
Interests: architectural heritage from the 20th century; multifamily housing buildings; intervention strategies regarding preservation measures, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort, based on the experiences and uses of the inhabitants
Prof. Dr. Rui Fernandes Póvoas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal
Interests: preservation and rehabilitation of old buildings; structural and constructive system of buildings constructed between the 19th and 20th centuries; intervention methodologies for rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on intervention strategies in residential buildings that regarding on a balanced relationship between the energy efficiency of the buildings and the thermal comfort of the inhabitants. The theme of energy efficiency relates to different contexts, such as architectural heritage or so-called 'energy poverty'. This specific concept is commonly used in situations where the population is unable to ensure an adequate comfort level during winter or summer due to several factors, such as salary, energy costs, or the physical characteristics (architectural and constructive) of their buildings.

Intervention actions in existing buildings are thus an essential opportunity to enhance the energy performance of these constructions and improve the quality of life of their residents, also gradually contributing to more sustainable cities. These matters are even more crucial when balancing heritage protection measures (regarding local culture, context, and climate) and sustainable energy strategies. Another essential issue consists of analyzing the experiences of the inhabitants, including their thermal perception and adaptative strategies to enhance better indoor comfort.

This Special Issue welcomes original research that crosses different disciplinary areas and diverse methodologies concerning the analysis and development of intervention strategies for residential buildings; performance evaluations; architectural and constructive solutions; materials characterization and preservation approaches; indoor comfort; or inhabitants' experiences in space use and energy consumption.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Luciana Rocha
Prof. Dr. Rui Fernandes Póvoas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • intervention strategies design and evaluation
  • reusing and retrofitting
  • relationship between energy efficiency and thermal comfort
  • architectural heritage
  • architectural and constructive solutions
  • indoor comfort
  • inhabitants’ experiences and thermal perception
  • numerical, analytical, and experimental analyses
  • materials characterization, maintenance, and preservation
  • new materials and innovative technologies
  • nearly zero-energy buildings

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 6310 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Smart Avatar for Thermal Comfort Evaluation in Chile
by Nina Hormazábal, Patricia Franco, David Urtubia and Mohamed A. Ahmed
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13081953 - 31 Jul 2023
Viewed by 803
Abstract
This work proposes a data-driven decision-making approach to develop a smart avatar that allows for evaluating the thermal comfort experienced by a user in Chile. The ANSI/ASHRAE 55-2020 standard is the basis for the predicted mean vote (PMV) comfort index, which is calculated [...] Read more.
This work proposes a data-driven decision-making approach to develop a smart avatar that allows for evaluating the thermal comfort experienced by a user in Chile. The ANSI/ASHRAE 55-2020 standard is the basis for the predicted mean vote (PMV) comfort index, which is calculated by a random forest (RF) regressor using temperature, humidity, airspeed, metabolic rate, and clothing as inputs. To generate data from four cities with different climates, a 3.0 m × 3.0 m × 2.4 m shoe box with two adiabatic walls was modeled in Rhino and evaluated using Grasshopper’s ClimateStudio plugin based on Energy Plus+. Long short-term memory (LSTM) was used to forecast the PMV for the next hour and inform decisions. A rule-based decision-making algorithm was implemented to emulate user behavior, which included turning the air conditioner (AC) or heater ON/OFF, recommendations such as dressing/undressing, opening/closing the window, and doing nothing in the case of neutral thermal comfort. The RF regressor achieved a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.54 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.28, while the LSTM had an RMSE of 0.051 and an MAE of 0.025. The proposed system was successful in saving energy in Calama (31.2%), Valparaiso (69.2%), and the southern cities of Puerto Montt and Punta Arena (23.6%), despite the increased energy consumption needed to maintain thermal comfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception)
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26 pages, 15292 KiB  
Article
Influence of Balcony Glazing on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort of Dwellings in a Dry Mediterranean Climate within a Warm Semi-Arid Climate
by Samuel Sabatell-Canales, Carlos Pérez-Carramiñana, Ángel Benigno González-Avilés and Antonio Galiano-Garrigós
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071741 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 874
Abstract
This paper analyses, as a case study, various balcony glazing arrangements in a typical tourist apartment building on the Mediterranean coast of south-eastern Spain, and their effects on the energy performance. The glazing of terraces has been very common in this type of [...] Read more.
This paper analyses, as a case study, various balcony glazing arrangements in a typical tourist apartment building on the Mediterranean coast of south-eastern Spain, and their effects on the energy performance. The glazing of terraces has been very common in this type of flat over the last 40 years. The objective is to determine qualitatively and quantitatively how the glazing of terraces in such buildings influences their energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort, considering the specific characteristics of the dry Mediterranean climate (BShs) within a warm semi-arid climate (BSh). The scientific novelty of the work consists of demonstrating that the installation of glazed enclosures on terraces allows the houses to be heated for free in winter, taking advantage of the greenhouse effect, and allows excess heat to be dissipated in summer by using natural ventilation. The results of the work enable the determination of appropriate terrace glazing solutions to improve the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of the dwelling, obtaining a reduction of more than 58% in annual energy demand and annual energy consumption. The work demonstrates the advantages that glazing systems for terraces can have in improving the energy efficiency of houses by using systems like glass curtains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception)
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28 pages, 14591 KiB  
Article
The Right to Comfort in Social Housing: Energy and Thermal Performances as Parameters of a Systemic Analysis
by Luciana Rocha, Rui Fernandes Póvoas and Joana Restivo
Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051173 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1749
Abstract
This paper proposes a critical analysis of the intervention, over time, in the housing estates built under the Improvement Plan for the city of Porto. This plan enabled the construction of a significant number of dwellings within a limited period of time, promoting [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a critical analysis of the intervention, over time, in the housing estates built under the Improvement Plan for the city of Porto. This plan enabled the construction of a significant number of dwellings within a limited period of time, promoting a broad and impactful urban and social restructuring of the city in the mid-twentieth century. Several post-construction interventions over the last decades were important opportunities to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants and to enhance the energy performance of the buildings. However, these buildings are still subject to architectural and construction challenges in terms of ‘energy poverty’ and the adaptation of the domestic comfort parameters. Thus, this research analyses the intervention strategies used in these buildings and the constraints resulting from current legislation and funding conditions that significantly impact design decisions. The study points to significant changes in the implementation of measures to improve the state of buildings, becoming progressively more concerned with energy consumption and thermal comfort. The discussion also highlights the impact of current measures on the comfort of interior spaces, current problems, and alternative means of balancing energy and comfort. The relevance of this research lies in the joint analysis of the interventions and frequent efficiency and comfort problems as a motto to improve the implementation of future strategies in developing a more energetically balanced housing stock. The paper also aims to deconstruct the preconceptions often associated with interventions geared towards thermal comfort, especially in social housing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception)
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37 pages, 16475 KiB  
Article
Good Architecture Matters: The Architect’s Perspective on Design for Ageing and Energy Efficiency
by Gisela Lameira, Rui Jorge Garcia Ramos, Nuno Valentim and Azar Mohammadpanah
Buildings 2023, 13(4), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041067 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
Custom-built solutions for ageing, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, thermal performance, and well-being are contemporary challenges that have prompted considerable research over the past decades. In the construction field, subjects such as energy efficiency and thermal performance are often addressed within the scope of [...] Read more.
Custom-built solutions for ageing, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, thermal performance, and well-being are contemporary challenges that have prompted considerable research over the past decades. In the construction field, subjects such as energy efficiency and thermal performance are often addressed within the scope of mandatory regulations, the suitability of construction solutions and the incorporation of technical equipment. Considering four residential structures for older adults under construction in Portugal, this paper aims to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to these issues, including architectural quality as the main target. In pursuit of this, a cohesive set of intervention principles guided the analysis: the adaptive reuse of raw materials; taking advantage of the site’s conditions; vegetation (type and location); construction options and durability; solar exposure and shading; the pedagogy of building use; and the comfort and thermal perception. Several reflections emerge from the analysis: good architectural design must consider dynamic models incorporating each context and the site’s conditions; the culture of use and maintenance and the notion of “adaptive comfort” are primary factors to enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency; and each building is a unique result of a complex negotiation process. Bridging research through practice, and multidisciplinary scientific integration enable engagement with reality and raise awareness of the constraints and challenges to innovation in LTC design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception)
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17 pages, 2657 KiB  
Article
Energy Efficiency Evaluation of Green Roofs as an Intervention Strategy in Residential Buildings in the Field of Spanish Climate
by Júlia G. Borràs, Carlos Lerma, Ángeles Mas, Jose Vercher and Enrique Gil
Buildings 2022, 12(7), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070959 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2054
Abstract
The use of green roofs entails environmental, economic and social benefits as sustainable tools of architecture. They present proven benefits in the path towards carbon neutrality and the reduction of the consumption of energy resources, especially in the field of renovation and improvement [...] Read more.
The use of green roofs entails environmental, economic and social benefits as sustainable tools of architecture. They present proven benefits in the path towards carbon neutrality and the reduction of the consumption of energy resources, especially in the field of renovation and improvement of the thermal envelope. In Spain, the current climate crisis also implies a problem of water stress, so it is necessary to analyse in more detail the behaviour of self-sustaining green roofs in the different climatic and rainfall zones into which the territory is divided. Evapotranspiration is the main mechanism of heat dissipation in green roofs, but in this study, it is observed that in the case of self-sustaining roofs with limited water content, the greatest losses through evapotranspiration occur in climates with high temperatures and solar radiation, above cities with higher rainfall and colder climates. On the contrary, the greatest energy savings are obtained in this type of cold climate. Evapotranspiration in self-sustaining roofs is not the most determining factor for achieving energy savings. The design of the roof, the geometry and orientation of the building, as well as the cooling energy consumption, play a more determining role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception)
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Review

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23 pages, 1395 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Interplay between Thermal and Visual Perception: A Critical Review of Studies from 1926 to 2022
by Toky Rakotoarivelo and Bruno Malet-Damour
Buildings 2023, 13(4), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040879 - 27 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1862
Abstract
Research on the links between thermal and visual perception is an ever-evolving field aimed at exploring how one modifies the other. The findings can enhance buildings’ energy performance and the occupants’ well-being. Based on a screening methodology on a substantial article database, this [...] Read more.
Research on the links between thermal and visual perception is an ever-evolving field aimed at exploring how one modifies the other. The findings can enhance buildings’ energy performance and the occupants’ well-being. Based on a screening methodology on a substantial article database, this review article provides an overview of the current state of knowledge by examining studies related to the thermo-photometric perception hypothesis between 1926 and 2022. It analyzes the limitations and contributions of these studies, identifies the most recent advancements, and highlights remaining scientific hurdles. For example, we demonstrate that the “hue-heat” hypothesis appears to be verified for specific experimental conditions conducive to measuring subtle parameter variations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception)
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