Energy Efficient Housing for Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Monawar, Abdulghani Hassan (1989) Energy Efficient Housing for Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Master of Architecture thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

For developing countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, oil revenue after 1970 set the need for a National program of urban development, aimed at achieving optimum investment for a flourishing situation. The construction industry and housing projects were prioritised in the urbanisation plans. From 1980, the international oil market curtailed profits. Thus the policy has changed to conservation of energy consumption and searching for alternative power resources. The objective of this work is to investigate the thermal behaviour of housing model with reference to the physical environment in Al-Riyadh, in order to establish design criteria and look for partial passive cooling techniques as a substitute for active systems. Analysis embraces both traditional and modern architectural policy in terms of urban planning and housing characteristics. Climate analysis of Al-Riyadh, a typical hot arid region, sets the design parameters in relation to human comfort. A computer program, Calpas3, complemented by standard CIBS dynamic methodology and quasi-steady-state heat balance equations were used to investigate the thermal behaviour of building components, i.e. roof, wall, and windows, with respect to orientation, ventilation, and materials. The performance of both traditional and modern materials is assessed particularly in relation to thermal damping and time-lag. The conclusion emphasises the potential for passive evaporative cooling in conjunction with insulated construction and night ventilation. A system of house design is proposed which integrates passive thermal strategies and which respects religious, social, and local architectural characteristics .

• Item Type: Thesis (Master of Architecture)
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Architecture, Urban planning, Middle Eastern studies
• Date of Award: 1989
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1989-78135
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 28 Feb 2020 12:09
• Last Modified: 28 Feb 2020 12:09
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78135