Hirda Khalid
Indoor Overheating Risks: Window Design Framework for Multi-Unit Urban Dwellings
Global warming is intensifying the temperatures, both outdoors and indoors. As extreme weather events, particularly heat waves, become more frequent, urban dwellers face increased risks of indoor overheating without adequate ventilation techniques. This situation is especially concerning for low-income individuals who may lack access to mechanical cooling systems and for those vulnerable to power losses or disruptions. It is crucial to recognise that dwellings encompass more than just providing shelter; they should also prioritise occupant comfort. Although numerous studies have examined the risks of overheating in dwelling design by considering aspects such as occupants and the surrounding environment, much of the existing literature and design guides primarily focus on opening windows in single-family dwellings, with little attention given to multi-unit dwellings. The risks of overheating in these settings are often exacerbated by the barriers that impede the effective use of operable windows for passive cooling. These barriers include concerns related to privacy, security, safety, insects, noise, air pollution, and unpredictable weather conditions, collectively termed as Window Usability Factors (WUFs). Despite their significance, these factors have been largely overlooked in research, leaving a critical gap that demands further investigation. Hirda’s research addresses these complex challenges by examining passive cooling methods that arise from various window configurations in dense urban environments. The focus of the study is on multi-unit urban dwellings in the temperate climate of New Zealand. It highlights the critical importance of meticulous window design to ensure optimal comfort for occupants in adapting to the current and future states of extreme weather events caused by climate change. To investigate these challenges, Hirda employs Building Performance Simulation (BPS) as a key methodological approach to investigate the effectiveness of operable windows for passive cooling in multi-unit urban dwellings. BPS facilitates detailed modelling of indoor environmental conditions, including air temperature and relative humidity, using input data by Kainga Ora. By simulating various window configurations across different climate scenarios, BPS offers a comprehensive analysis of how these configurations can enhance passive cooling in diverse settings. Ultimately, her research aims to advance understanding and improvement of natural cooling methods through innovative window designs in multi-unit urban dwellings. The findings will not only contribute to improving the comfort and well-being of occupants in New Zealand, but also to other climates and cities around the world.
Supervisors
Dr Michael Donn & Professor Joanna Merwood-Salisbury
Qualifications
Master of Science in Architecture (Energy-efficient Building Design), Universiti Sains Malaysia (2012)
Bachelor of Architecture, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2009)
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2007)