Adapting Vernacular Strategies through New Villas Design in Hot-Dry Climate: A Comparative Study of Using U-shaped Courtyards in Riyadh

Abstract

Internationally, buildings account for 30% of global energy consumption and 27% of global carbon emissions. The residential sector in Saudi Arabia accounted for around 45% of the nation's overall electric energy consumption by 2020. However, vernacular architecture can effectively mitigate the built environment's impact through energy efficiency, design elements, and the use of natural materials. This thesis aims to explore the practical implications of adapting vernacular architectural strategies, specifically focusing on the use of U-shaped courtyard layouts, to enhance energy efficiency in designing new villas in Riyadh's hot-dry climate. The research methodology includes conducting a systematic literature review to consolidate existing information and selecting an existing villa design that meets the Saudi Building Code (SBC) by analysing it and proposing a new villa design that integrates a U-shaped courtyard design, which tests it by using different design parameters such as building orientation, shading devices and increasing thermal insulation thickness. The assessment is conducted by using DesignBuilder modelling software. The results confirmed that incorporating U-shaped courtyards, particularly when combined with optimised building orientation, shading devices, and enhanced insulation, substantially decreases energy use. The courtyard design orientated towards the north and northeast exhibited the most significant energy efficiency, resulting in a 20% decrease in yearly energy use compared to the base model. Furthermore, the research highlighted the efficacy of shading devices and insulation in reducing the need for cooling during the hottest summer months. Moreover, it emphasised the significance of these approaches in future climatic scenarios predicted for RCP (4.5) 2050 and 2080. The findings propose a framework for architects and developers to incorporate traditional strategies with modern technologies. This helps to reduce energy use for upcoming residential developments in hot-dry conditions, providing realistic answers to today's architectural and environmental concerns.