Architecture Engineers Award

  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 ...

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...

Bio-based construction materials are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives capable of reducing the environmental footprint of buildings while enhancing energy efficiency. However, many comparative studies assess these materials against conventional wall systems of equal thickness, often neglecting the influence of thermal mass and climate-specific behavior at the whole-building scale. Due to their lightweight structure and limited thermal mass, bio-based systems may struggle to balance heating and cooling demands across different climates. This study evaluates the energy performance of hemp concrete, wood concrete, and straw-based wall systems, emphasizing the interaction between insulation, thermal inertia, and climate conditions. Methodological Framework and Co-Simulation Strategy A validated co-simulation methodology integrating TRNSYS and MATLAB was employed to assess whole-building energy performance. Two analytical scenarios were developed to isolate and evaluate key...

Improving building envelope performance is a critical strategy for reducing heating energy demand and enhancing indoor thermal comfort in cold climates. This study evaluates the thermal effectiveness of four advanced insulation materials—phase change materials (PCM), aerogel, vacuum insulated panels (VIP), and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)—through dynamic energy simulations. Using 24 years of hourly climate data, five wall configurations were analyzed, including an uninsulated reference case. The research focuses on annual heating demand, surface temperature stability, thermal time lag, and comfort hours to determine how different material properties contribute to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Methodological Framework and Simulation Approach The investigation employed dynamic building energy modeling using EnergyPlus, incorporating long-term hourly climate data to ensure robust performance assessment. PCM behavior was simulated through an enthalpy–temperature phase ch...

Energy efficiency in buildings is a critical research priority as global demand for cooling and heating continues to rise. This study focuses on improving building envelope systems by integrating phase change materials (PCMs) with regenerative water flow. While PCMs are known for their latent heat storage capacity that helps reduce peak thermal loads, their ability to lower average loads remains limited. To overcome this drawback, the research explores an active cooling strategy where PCMs are regenerated through controlled water circulation, leading to significant thermal performance enhancement. Role of PCM in Thermal Load Management PCMs are widely recognized for their ability to absorb and release heat during phase transitions, making them suitable for moderating indoor temperature fluctuations. However, when compared to conventional insulation of identical thermal resistance, PCMs alone do not significantly improve average cooling loads. This limitation highlights the necessity ...