ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 558

Figure 10: Downgraded panel + frame
Source: Tumelero and Moura 2015

Figure 11: Frame + panel

Figure 12: Window

In addition to the panels modulation, another component that greatly influences the construction system in wood frame are the aluminum windows and their fixation mode. Aimed at solving
the leaks between the panel and the window, it was developed a frame perimeter, as connecting
element, which enables the joining of the two building elements into a single component (Tumelero and Moura 2015).
The authors also point out that around the perimeter of the window, this frame covers the areas
of exposed wood on the outside. The component was designed to enable customization and may
receive other types of windows (Figures 10-12).
4.5 Envelope treatment
The best alternative for the basic two-bedroom plan in terms of HU energy efficiency was established through simulations with EnergyPlus software. The simulation evaluated different configurations for the components of the houses’ envelope.
Taking into account the local climate in which HU is settled, it is important to remember that when
it comes to tropical climate, full insulation envelope is not the most important factor, though in
the winter months, the heat conservation in the domestic environment is welcome. However, the
most important factors in this context are the promotion of natural ventilation, the use of shading
elements for the openings and employment of external materials capable of reflecting sunlight
that may cause heating inside the unit.
The hardest room to suit the temperature is the living room. Two factors are most responsible for
this: the lack of cross ventilation (when the other doors and windows of the house are closed) and
the high side wall that, while receiving direct sunlight, tend to transmit heat to the interior. After
the simulations, it was possible to highlight some conditioning factors for better performance of
housing in the study. They are: shaded openings, panel walls with high thermal resistance, light
painting in clay roof tiles, reflective sheet insertion on the roof and the walls (Galindo 2014). The
results of the simulations pointed out the need to seek for different composition of the walls in
order to obtain the highest efficiency within allowable costs. Two others critical factors were identified in the initial design proposal: (1) the adoption of a single sloped roof. The consequence was
a very high lateral blind wall that depending on their orientation may impair the thermal performance; and (2) the placement of the house on the land boundary. This caused the impossibility to
install eaves or other shading element. These findings become design constraints and have direct
impact on volumetric studies, roof customization and facade.
Looking for the best alternatives for the wall composition in order to obtain the highest efficiency

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ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce, Italy