ECOTECT simulation

— Commercial buildings of Dhaka city are characterized by excessive use of glazing. The glass surfaces create indoor thermal discomfort by increasing solar gain and the consequence is extensive use of air conditioning systems. It requires high energy demand and use of natural resources to satisfy comfort requirements. Shading device as a major element of building fenestration plays a significant role to reduce the solar heat gain. Among the variables of shading design, e.g. height, width, depth, material, material is less considered or considered for aesthetic rather than a key variable to control indoor air temperature. To reduce the cooling and lighting energy demand, effective shading design is necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of external shading device types and materials on controlling indoor air temperature. The three dimensional model of the two case spaces were created in Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2011 to perform simulation. Indoor air temperature and the surface temperature of the shading devices for south and west oriented facades were observed for different shading typology and materials by simulation. Results show the relationship between orientation, typology and material. Most efficient shading devices are-horizontal louvers on horizontal plane and egg crate for south and west façade respectively. It was also found that the material with high thermal mass performs better than the low thermal mass materials.

Project name: Design of a Vacation House at Savar, Dhaka. 3D model and environmental simulation

Architectural Consultant: Aesthetes
Chief Architect: Sheikh Ahsan Ullah Majumder
Architectural Design Team: Sheikh Ahsan Ullah Majumder
Architect Ashraful Alam Ahmed
Architect Asifur Rahman
Architect Rashed Bhuyan.

Completion of Project: Completed (2010)

The aim of this study is to analyze thermal properties of straw bale house in 6 th October in Egypt by ECOTECT. It has been found that; reused straw bale' U-Value matches with the Egyptian code. Additionally, comparing straw bale house with masonry brick house; as one of traditional building materials, it is showed that, discomfort degree hours for straw bale house are less by 40 % , energy consumption is less by 82%, and CO2 emissions are less by 80% than masonry brick house. Furthermore, the results of comparing straw bale house efficiency in Egyptian climatic regions concluded that straw bale house is more effective in arid region 'Cairo" then, in hot arid region "El Arish".

In Abu Dhabi the emergence of new mosque forms comprise  a complex strategy that attempts to sustain cultural identity, sustainability and architectural form. The contemporary mosque of Fatima bint Mubarak in Abu Dhabi represents a new design approach that challenges new traditional forms in an attempt to advocate architecture that builds on sustainable designs. This study assesses the contemporary form of the mosque and the absorption of heat gain and loss levels in accordance with the required cooling loads, and thermal comfort levels. The aim is to integrate environmental and sustainable concepts in contemporary designs, therefore, two scenarios were tested; the first as existing with its glass curtain wall with a projecting upper floor to provide shade on three of it's facades, and a second scenario was based on thick stone walls with small windows. The second scenario was inspired by contemporary mosques that hinge on local/traditional adobe mosques in the United Arab Emirates.