ENERGY PERFORMANCE EVOLUTION OF UNDERGROUND HOUSING IN DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONTEXT

Abstract

With the global challenge of urbanization, population growth, climate change, rising energy demands, and energy loss, this study explores the potential of underground structures, such as residential units, as a progressive sustainable solution. The objective is to study the energy efficiency of underground spaces representing different design typologies, in different urban contexts, considering factors such as different depth, transparency and balconies scenarios. The motivation behind this study comes as a direct need to address the immediate challenges of urbanization related to population growth, the impact on climate change as well as substantial energy consumption. Exploration of different housing alternatives conducts a positive approach towards these challenges. The aim of this research is to evaluate the potential benefits of underground spaces, focusing mostly in the energy efficiency. Originality of this study lies on its comprehensive attitude, considering diversity in climate conditions and urban setting. To archive these objectives, a comparative analysis is conducted, emphasizing simulations of underground courtyard houses. Three different cities, New York, Athens and Berlin are selected for their varieties in climate types, allowing a comprehensive understanding of the ground temperature on energy efficiency. The results show that, the oceanic climate of Berlin displays the lowest energy demand, followed by the hot-summer Mediterranean climate of Athens, with an average difference of 7.6 kWh.m-2y-1. The climate which presents a greater demand for energy is the subtropical climate of New York, with a difference from the climate of Athens, of an average of 11.71 kWh.m-2y-1, and with a difference of 25.41 kWh.m-2y-1 from the climate of Berlin. Morphologies perform poorer with the increase of depth and transparency, but with the increase in the depth of the balcony, we have better iv energy performance. This study offers a broad discussion of how underground space can contribute to future urban developments. Acknowledge of challenges are crucial to research’s transparency. Concerns related to human psychology, lack of natural light, humidity in underground spaces are identified. This research, through conscientious examination, offers valuable insights into the benefits of underground residential buildings.