THE IMPACT OF TIMBER SINGLE HOUSING MORPHOLOGY ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND EMBODIED CARBON

Abstract

Contemporary society, in recent years has shifted its focus toward more sustainable solutions in the building sector, since it has become a significant component in the global energy consumption and greenhouse (GHG) emissions. The growing interest for passive housing can reduce the carbon footprint of the building, pushing the development of more efficient schemes and sustainable materials. The benefits that a sustainable material such as timber, has to offer to the environment are crucial to evaluate the energy performance of low-rise single housing from the lifespan aspect. The present research aims the assess the impact of timber single housing morphology on energy efficiency and embodied carbon. This research is carried out in three different climate contexts: Mediterranean, continental and tropical. Design variable incorporate timber construction systems, building morphology, glazing (window-to wall ratio), presence of the roof and courtyard. The generated low-rise housing models are simulated and estimated via Design Builder software. The 372 simulated results stress the efficacy of morphology in two timber construction systems and transparency have in reducing up to 13.84% and 24.95% of the annual energy consumption for both construction systems. Propositions are made on the suitability level of each house morphology for each considered climate context. A novel set of guidelines for design decision-making stages is generated through performed simulated result of each timber single housing morphology.