Optimizing Parametric Green Facades for Daylighting and Thermal Comfort in Egypt's Hot Climates

As a result of population growth, the utilization of heat-absorbing materials in urban construction has increased, leading to significant thermal discomfort for city dwellers. Integrating vegetation within urban environments is crucial for enhancing both indoor and outdoor comfort. Green facades offer a promising solution for introducing greenery into densely populated areas. This research investigates the performance of parametric green facade (PGF) systems in the hot climate of Egypt. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the impact of parametric facade design on daylighting and thermal performance within residential buildings. This involves exploring four distinct parametric design scenarios, each with unique characteristics and configurations. The study utilizes Grasshopper and Lunchbox plugins, to create detailed simulations of the four designs. These simulations allow for a comprehensive assessment of how each design influences daylighting and thermal comfort within residential buildings. Through this investigation, the study aims to provide valuable insights into optimizing green facade designs for improved daylighting and thermal performance in hot urban climates. By evaluating the effectiveness of different parametric designs, the research seeks to establish recommendations for the implementation of green facades in densely populated areas, contributing to the creation of more sustainable and comfortable urban environments. Finally, the study's main conclusions are that the PGF effective design reduced DGP by 60% when compared to the basic design while maintaining an acceptable average lux and ASE. It also reduced energy consumption by 28% and operational energy expenses by 29%.