Building climatology : a climatic classification for single family, single story, residential building design

Abstract

This research is directed toward analyzing and assessing the impact of climatic conditions on residential structures and their cryptoclimate. Through such an analysis one can design the structure properly, taking into account the climatic conditions of the specific location, so as to minimize energy consumption while at the same time maintaining the occupant's standard of comfort. Stress conditions were analyzed for 64 stations from Texas, North America, and Africa. The potential influence of temperature, solar radiation, atmospheric humidity, wind, and precipitation were analyzed in terms of human comfort. Based on the frequency of conditions falling into various zones (Hot and Humid; Comfortable, etc), design solutions were suggested that would result in optimum comfort conditions and energy savings. Geographic regions were established that reflect common design conditions in accordance with the climatic conditions. This procedure of identifying and assessing the impact of the climate on building design and human comfort has applications in such fields as architecture, building construction, biometeorology, and engineering, to name just a few.