Passive Design Optimization of Shading Devices in Temperate Climate Zone Method and Case Studies
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study explores the design thinking behind passive design strategies for building performance optimization, such as shading devices, and demonstrates an integrated workflow. A culinary school in Asheville, North Carolina, is used as a case study. The region has a temperate continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall. Parametric modeling was performed using the Pollination plug-in in Rhino, and energy simulation was performed using DesignBuilder, while daylight analysis was performed using Ladybug. In order to verify the performance of shading devices in this temperate climate, this study simulated and analyzed a variety of shading design schemes to compare their effectiveness in reducing solar heat gain and improving indoor thermal comfort. The simulation results show that the modified recessed window shading device performs better throughout the year than the original design (solar gain 1876.76 kWh, average radiant temperature 24.37°C), with solar gain reduced to 1426.34 kWh and the average radiant temperature reduced to 22.61°C. In contrast, the horizontal and vertical fixed shade has a solar gain of 1293.59 kWh and an average radiant temperature of 22.31°C. shading device is slightly better than the horizontal and vertical fixed shading devices. The building perfor-mance-oriented design process attempted in this study effectively combines design and performance optimization by integrating a parametric tool and energy consumption simulation software, which helps incorporate building energy efficiency improvements into the building design stage while also providing a quantitative basis for the design of shading devices in temperate climates.
Authors: Qinming Hou, Maohui Luo
Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Tongji University
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407828255