Hurghada
According to the Köppen classification of climate, Hurghada is a hot desert climate, with average annual temperature above 18°C and very few annual precipitation. From our climatic analysis, we found out that it can reach even values of 36°C. For this reason, according to Climate Consultant, only the 25.3% of the hours will be comfortable: in fact, defining a set point temperature between 20°C and 26°C, the value of the heating degree days is 242,9 °C, and the value of
the cooling degree days is 785,8°C. This means that the need of cooling is much more important that the one of heating.
For this reason, we should design our building thinking especially on the summer period, trying to reduce heat gains and increase heat losses, by:
- maximizing clear glasses in the south for winter sun exposure, but keeping them small
- providing movable shading to prevent overheating
- using high mass interior surfaces to store winter passive heat and summer night coolth
- promoting natural ventilation both in daytime and nighttime, considering wind direction
- minimizing west facing glazing to reduce summer and fall afternoon heat gain
- providing glasses with Low-E in north, west and east facades
- using open plan interiors and openings on opposite sides to promote natural cross ventilation
- painting the building of a light colour
- exploiting passive solar and internal gains in winter to keep it warm
- humidifying hot dry air with fountains, wet pavements or cooling towers
- designing a flat roof or green
Of course to reach an 100% of hours of comfort we should add some mechanical system to cool down.
Chapter 3
RESPONSE OF CLIMATE RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURES
References