Design optimization to enhance passive energy strategies. The KNOW HOWse project for Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018

The KNOW HOWse project, coordinated by the University of Sharjah in cooperation with the Research Centre Architettura>Energia of the University of Ferrara - Italy, participated to the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018 in Dubai, an international competition where academic teams design, build, and operate energy-efficient solar-powered houses. The particular UAE climatic scenario implies consistent use of cooling throughout the year. For this reason, the KNOW HOWse project was developed to maximize the use of passive cooling strategies, in order to limit the electricity demand. This paper presents a summary of the long design and construction process, aimed at optimizing the building shape to meet the competition functional/size requirements, while at the same time enhancing the passive energy strategies, with particular regards to free-cooling ventilation techniques. The design focused on the reinterpretation of traditional environmental strategies, such as cross-ventilation, wind tower, and chimney effect, merging them with innovative technologies. Software energy simulation assisted the design optimization. The resulting morphology of the house indeed showed enhanced natural ventilation within the premises. Furthermore, the recording of the energy consumed for active cooling, during the contest period, showed the positive reduction of air conditioning.