Key Design Elements of High-Performance Buildings
 

High-performance buildings are strategically designed to create an optimal indoor environment that prioritizes occupant well-being, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. By minimizing noise, eliminating drafts, and ensuring even thermal distribution, these buildings contribute to enhanced occupant health, comfort, and productivity (Hammer & Hand, 2022).

 

Airtight Envelope


 

A critical component of high-performance buildings is the airtight envelope, which is meticulously engineered to regulate air infiltration and exfiltration. By effectively controlling airflow, these buildings minimize uncontrolled heat and moisture transfer, leading to improved thermal stability and enhanced indoor air quality, both of which are essential for occupant comfort and long-term building performance.
 

Figure 01

Basic principles of a High-Performance Building with key features
 

Thermal Bridge
 

A thermal bridge is a structural component that penetrates the building envelope, facilitating heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments. In buildings where design considerations are insufficient—such as inadequate insulation or improperly integrated thermal barriers—multiple thermal bridges may be present. These thermal discontinuities contribute to significant energy losses, reducing occupant comfort and increasing heating and cooling demands.

In high-performance buildings, thermal bridges are systematically eliminated by ensuring continuous thermal insulation and effectively decoupling interior spaces from external temperature fluctuations. This approach fosters a stable indoor climate, minimizing the need for occupant intervention in temperature regulation. As a result, the building achieves greater energy efficiency, leading to reduced operational costs for heating and cooling systems.

Figure 02

Concept of the thermal bridge between the conventional & High-Performance building
 

Air Draft

 

High-performance buildings are crafted to hinder air drafts from infiltrating the occupant space. The combination of hermetic construction, well-designed windows, and appropriately insulated thermal bridge-free structures guarantees the absence of air leaks. This safeguards occupants from both thermal and physical discomfort.

Figure 03

Concept of the air draft between the conventional & High-Performance building

Solar Gain & Window Design

 

For an improved occupant experience in High-Performance Buildings, the design and positioning of windows should offer views of the surroundings. Furthermore, windows should be fashioned to optimize solar gains while counteracting thermal losses. In certain orientations, excessive solar gain through windows may occur, necessitating the incorporation of shading mechanisms to prevent an excess of heat.
 

Figure 04

Concept of the window design & optimal solar gain for a conventional & High-Performance Building