On the global performance of offices with different Complex Fenestration Systems

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 for the thermal comfort and energy analysis. A set of metrics, able to express both the time constancy and the spatial uniformity of visual and thermal comfort conditions, has been evaluated together with the energy demand for heating, cooling, and lighting. The results show how a global approach allows obtaining a more comprehensive building performance evaluation and, consequently, identifying design solutions capable of enhancing both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.