Quantifying the Influence of Building Rear Setbacks Geometry on Thermal and Energy Performance of Residential Buildings in Hot Arid Regions

Document Type : Original papers

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1 Department of Architecture Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt

2 Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the aspect ratio of rear setbacks on the microclimate and energy performance of adjacent residential buildings in Aswan, Egypt's hot, arid climate. The research employs a two-phase methodology, combining field measurements and computational simulations using ENVI-met and Design Builder. The study examines how different aspect ratios (1.5, 1.87, and 2.25) influence local microclimatic conditions in the rear setback zones and adjacent indoor spaces. The findings reveal that higher height-to-width ratios reduce solar exposure, improving thermal comfort within the setback areas. Middle floors particularly benefit from enhanced natural ventilation and lower temperatures as the aspect ratio increases, with the second floor showing the greatest temperature reduction of 4.5°C between indoor and outdoor spaces. Conversely, lower floors face higher temperatures due to increased ground radiation, heat accumulation, and limited airflow, especially in regions with high solar angles. Regarding energy performance, increasing the setback ratio has a different effect on each floor level. Lower floors experience higher energy consumption due to greater heat buildup, while middle floors benefit from reduced energy demand because of improved ventilation. However, upper floors face greater solar exposure, increasing cooling needs and energy use. These findings highlight the importance of considering urban architectural elements in building design to optimize thermal comfort and energy efficiency, underscoring the connection between external microclimates and indoor energy consumption.

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