On the global performance of offices with different Complex Fenestration Systems (CFSs) (original) (raw)

Complex fenestration systems influence indoor comfort conditions and energy consumption in a complex way. If all the involved aspects are not considered jointly since the design phase, buildings can show a deep gap between their planned and real performance, especially when dealing with low energy buildings (Vanhoutteghem et al., 2015). This can be avoided by identifying the design configurations able to provide a trade-off between contrasting requisites: improving comfort conditions while minimizing energy use. This work analyzes and compares different design solutions for an open space office from a global performance perspective. Dependence on the building characteristics and operation strategy has been assessed by comparing two different windows sizes, three glazing systems, and three different approaches to control the shading devices, for a South oriented façade in the climate of Rome. The study has been conducted combining a RADIANCE/DAYSIM lighting simulation with EnergyPlus...