Optimization of U-Enclosure Courtyard (UEC) Design Factors in Tropical Climate: Energy Assessment

Recently, many researchers have investigated the environmental performance of courtyards for thermal and energy improvement in buildings and urban spaces. For microclimate modification, achieving optimal benefits from courtyards depends on several design factors: the plan aspect ratio, number of floors, area, cantilevered roof, and orientation. This study assessed the energy performance of the U-enclosure courtyard (UEC) attached built volume in a tropical climate using these design factors. The UEC configuration was chosen for investigation through a parametric analysis using integrated environmental solutions virtual environment (IESVE) simulation software. The results highlight the significant energy-saving potential of an optimized courtyard design. A square plan aspect ratio improves energy performance, saving 13.10% annually compared to a rectangular design due to reduced solar radiation exposure. Increasing the building height to six floors achieved the best energy savings per square meter, reducing energy consumption by 41.35% compared to a single-floor courtyard. Similarly, decreasing the courtyard area from 900 m² to 400 m² resulted in an energy saving of 28.90%. Adding a cantilevered roof covering 60% of the courtyard opening further reduced energy consumption by 14.78%. While orientation had a negligible impact overall, the west orientation performed slightly better, with an annual energy reduction of 0.4%. The study also highlights the interaction among these design factors and their cumulative effect on energy efficiency. These insights provide valuable guidelines for designing courtyards in tropical climates, harnessing their potential to lower energy consumption and enhance the energy performance of buildings. By understanding the relationship between courtyard design factors and energy performance, architects and urban planners can develop more sustainable building practices, contributing to the broader goal of environmental conservation and energy efficiency in urban development.