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Multi-Scale Ventilation-Oriented Design Framework for Public Buildings Using Integrated WRF–CFD Simulation

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Growing global energy concerns have increased the importance of energy-efficient building strategies that reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Natural ventilation is a critical passive design approach capable of improving indoor air quality, preventing moisture accumulation, and lowering cooling energy demand. However, many previous ventilation-oriented design studies rely on simplified models, focus on single climatic scales, and address only specific stages of the building design process. This study introduces an integrated methodology for ventilation-oriented building design that operates across multiple spatial scales and design phases. Limitations of Conventional Ventilation Design Approaches Traditional ventilation design methods typically evaluate airflow conditions at a single scale, often focusing only on building form or façade openings. These approaches rarely incorporate broader urban wind environments or consider how ventilation strategies evolve throughout ...
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Probabilistic Estimation of Structural Elements in Timber Buildings for Circular Construction Planning

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Circular economy strategies in the construction sector increasingly emphasize the reuse of structural elements from obsolete buildings to reduce environmental impact and resource consumption. However, implementing these strategies is often constrained by limited information on building composition, particularly at the structural element level. Conventional estimation approaches are typically deterministic, subjective, or lack sufficient detail to support accurate material recovery planning. This study introduces a probabilistic modelling framework to improve the estimation of structural element dimensions and material quantities in residential timber buildings. Bayesian Network Framework for Structural Estimation The research proposes a probabilistic modelling approach based on Bayesian Networks (BNs) to estimate structural characteristics under uncertainty. Bayesian Networks provide a structured framework that represents relationships among variables through probabilistic dependenc...
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Upcycling Post-Consumer Textile Waste into Multifunctional Acoustic and Thermal Insulation Materials for Buildings

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The construction industry is increasingly required to adopt sustainable materials as buildings grow in scale, complexity, and environmental impact. Simultaneously, post-consumer clothing waste has become one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams worldwide. Due to its heterogeneous composition and low biodegradability, textile waste poses significant environmental challenges and is often underutilized in recycling systems. This study investigates the architectural potential of unsorted clothing waste as a scalable resource for developing multifunctional interior materials capable of providing both acoustic control and thermal insulation in building environments. Material Processing and Fabrication Method A simplified thermo-mechanical processing technique was developed to convert heterogeneous textile waste into fiber-based insulation panels. The process eliminates the need for chemical additives or prior sorting of materials, making it more feasible for large-scale waste recycl...
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Development and Performance Evaluation of Mineral-Based Thermal Insulation Plaster for Building Envelopes

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  Improving the thermal performance of building envelopes is a fundamental strategy for reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability in the built environment. Conventional insulation materials such as polymer-based boards and mineral panels often experience performance losses due to fire risk, moisture exposure, or long-term durability issues. This study introduces a newly developed Thermal Insulation Plaster (TIP) designed for application on both interior and exterior building façades. The proposed material aims to provide a lightweight, mineral-based insulation solution with improved thermal performance, mechanical strength, and fire resistance. Material Composition and Development of Thermal Insulation Plaster The proposed TIP material was produced by combining coated perlite with Portland cement, anhydrite, and several functional additives. This composition was selected to enhance thermal insulation properties while maintaining adequate structural integrity. The ...
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Hybrid LSTM–Transformer Framework for Accurate Indoor Operative Temperature Prediction in HVAC-Controlled Buildings

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Accurate prediction of indoor operative temperature is essential for improving HVAC system performance, enhancing occupant comfort, and reducing energy consumption in buildings. Operative temperature represents the combined effect of air temperature and the mean radiant temperature of surrounding surfaces as experienced by occupants. In highly controlled environments such as sentry buildings, precise thermal forecasting enables more responsive and energy-efficient climate control strategies. This study proposes a hybrid deep learning framework to improve the accuracy and robustness of indoor operative temperature prediction. Concept of Operative Temperature and Its Role in Thermal Comfort Operative temperature is widely used as a key indicator of indoor thermal comfort because it integrates both air temperature and radiative heat exchange between occupants and surrounding surfaces. Traditional temperature prediction approaches often focus only on air temperature, overlooking the infl...
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Comparative Performance of Thermotropic Glazing and Vertical Shading Devices in Office Building Envelopes

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Dynamic façade technologies have emerged as effective strategies for improving building energy efficiency while maintaining indoor environmental quality. Thermotropic (TT) glazing is a responsive glazing technology capable of modulating solar heat gain automatically in response to ambient temperature changes. This study investigates whether TT glazing can serve as an effective alternative to conventional external vertical shading devices by examining building energy consumption, daylighting performance, and thermal comfort in office spaces across multiple climatic conditions. Thermotropic Glazing as a Dynamic Solar Control Strategy Thermotropic glazing operates through temperature-responsive materials that adjust their optical properties when exposed to solar radiation and rising surface temperatures. As the glazing becomes less transparent at higher temperatures, solar heat gain is reduced without the need for mechanical control systems. This adaptive behavior allows the glazing to...
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EPC-Based Clustering Framework for Representative Building Selection and Scalable Energy Simulation

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Identifying representative buildings is essential for scalable urban energy simulation and effective retrofit planning. However, continuous monitoring data are often unavailable, limiting data-driven classification approaches. This study presents a structured methodology for selecting representative buildings through clustering of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) attributes. By grouping buildings based on certificate-based features and validating clusters against thermal performance indicators, the research establishes a generalizable framework for simulation targeting and policy support without reliance on long-term metering. Six-Phase Clustering Workflow and Internal Validation The proposed methodology follows a six-phase workflow, beginning with EPC attribute preparation and feature engineering. Three clustering techniques—K-Medoids, Agglomerative clustering, and Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM)—were implemented to group buildings based on similarity. Cluster quality was assessed...
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