Design sunshade for western facade of residential buildings in Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

The increasing reliance of Residential buildings in Shiraz (Iran) on air conditioning systems indicates the failing role of the building envelope to perform its function as a moderator, particularly in western facades, considering traditional type of building design in Iran. Minimum numbers of windows were used in west facade in classical house design in Shiraz due to unfavorable psychological effect of sunlight before sunset (evening). Nowadays is inevitable to construct windows in western facade of apartments as results of various usages in this surface such as bedroom, living room and so on. This dissertation investigates how indoor climate and energy usage is affected by the choice of shading devices and windows forms and sizes in residential buildings especially in western facade. Interestingly, despite the cooling systems generally are available but satisfy (comfort) temperatures during summer and daylight quality is seldom verified in residential houses. To achieve the aim of the thesis, west facade of few buildings which were constructed in Shiraz was analyzed by considering designing, windows sizes and internal and external shading devices. The results of these analyses were compared with desirable solar shading and windows type criteria in western facades. Different solutions were developed according to factors were considered in this study which includes: 1.Thermal Control 2. Daylighting 3. Privacy 4. View 5. Sound Level