A comparative study of extreme and typical weather on indoor thermal performance of a residential building

This study addresses the imperative need for resilient building designs in the face of escalating climate extremes, particularly heat waves. Existing methods for detecting such events lack a comprehensive approach to predicting their impact on indoor environments. Our research introduces a novel framework that integrates the assessment of the intensity and frequency of extreme events, comparing historical (1981-2010) and projected (2060-2089) occurrences to evaluate existing residential building thermal performance. Employing a single household as a case study, we conducted building simulations using Energy Plus to simulate the indoor thermal environment under extreme and typical conditions. Additionally, we applied discomfort degree hours to assess the building’s resilience concerning indoor environmental conditions. The study emphasises the growing significance of constructing environments that can withstand elevated temperatures, highlighting the relevance of this work for architects, urban planners, and policymakers. By combining historical and future event analysis with energy calculations, our framework offers a holistic approach to assessing extreme events’ impact on existing residential buildings. It provides valuable insights for designing structures capable of withstanding extreme climatic conditions.