Simulation of façade and envelope design options for a new institutional building

This paper presents a simulation case study of façade and envelope preliminary design options for the new Engineering building of Concordia University in Montreal. A major principle of the analysis was to create a high quality building envelope in order to optimally control solar gains, reduce heating and cooling energy demand and reduce electricity consumption for lighting, while at the same time maintain a comfortable and pleasant indoor environment. The stated approach of the design team was to aim for an energy-efficient building, employing innovative technologies and integrating concepts such as daylighting and natural ventilation. Detailed energy simulations were therefore performed from the early design stage, in order to present recommendations on the choice of façade, glazings, shading devices, lighting control options, and natural ventilation. Integrated thermal studies, a daylighting analysis and the impact of the above on HVAC system sizing were considered. Simulation results showed that, using an optimum combination of glazings, shading devices and controllable electric lighting systems, the energy savings in perimeter spaces can be substantial. Perimeter heating could be eliminated if a high performance envelope is used. The building is currently being commissioned.