Author(s)

V. Žegarac Leskovar & M. Premrov

Abstract

The paper presents the reasonability of using an increased proportion of glazing surfaces in prefabricated timber buildings with a special focus on energy efficiency by using an enlarged glazing area on the south façade of the object. The research is based on a case study of a two-storey house built in a prefabricated timber-frame structural system taking the climate data for Ljubljana into consideration. Parametric analysis is performed on a variation of an increased proportion of the glazed surfaces’ impact on the south side of the building according to the total surface of the south façade (AGAW) as a basic variable. The analysis was carried out on different exterior wall elements having different thermal properties, while the rest of the parameters, such as the ground plan of the model as well as the active systems, roof and floor slab assemblies, climate condition, etc. remain constant. The impact of different types of glazing with various Uglass-values is additionally studied. The basic practical contribution of the study is that the results presenting the determined function for the optimal south oriented glazing size (AGAWopt) offer us the opportunity of selecting the optimal way of energy-efficient renovation of existing timber-frame housing with a possible combination of improving the thermal properties of the external walls with the installation of an additional insulation layer (decreasing U-wall value) and of the optimal of glazing area size on the south-oriented façade, which is, in the case of a lower Uwall-value, noticeably lower. Keywords: timber structures, energy efficiency, glazing, renovation.

Keywords

timber structures, energy efficiency, glazing, renovation