Thermal performance of energy efficient houses in cold areas

Abstract Energy efficiency in residential buildings is critical, especially in cold climates where improper thermal performance can lead to excessive energy consumption. This study aims to evaluate and compare the thermal performance of two residential architectural styles, minimalist and modern, in the cold climate of Wonosobo, Indonesia. Using field measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation via Autodesk Revit, the study investigates indoor temperature and airflow patterns. The methodology involved measuring temperatures in key rooms of each house and simulating environmental conditions through CFD to validate the results. For the minimalist house (Type A), the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) between field measurements and simulation was found to be 1.04 °C, while for the modern house (Type B), the MAE was 0.8 °C, indicating higher consistency in the modern house's thermal performance. Results reveal that the minimalist house exhibited higher average indoor temperatures, with a notable difference of 3.17 °C compared to the modern house. The modern house's use of clay tile roofing and optimized ventilation contributed to its superior energy efficiency, achieving an average temperature closer to the standard climate of Wonosobo (23.1 °C). The findings underscore the significance of material selection and architectural design in achieving energy-efficient housing. The modern house’s design eliminates the need for artificial ventilation, reducing energy consumption. This research contributes to sustainable residential design by emphasizing the integration of natural ventilation and optimal material usage. Future studies could explore the role of additional design elements and regional climatic variations to further refine thermal performance in cold-climate architecture. With its implications for energy conservation and improved living conditions, this study provides actionable insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable housing solutions. The use of CFD simulations validated against field data demonstrates an effective approach for analyzing and enhancing building performance.