Course content

To achieve the operational energy performance of a Net Zero Energy Building, designers must implement numerous strategies coherently. Renewable energy sources are required to meet energy demands while also providing occupants with a high level of thermal comfort. Further, the constraints of the energy targets should consider the contribution of embodied energy and not diminish the creation of excellent architecture.

To deal with the outlined complexity, designers can utilise integrated energy design. This technique is an iterative approach that employs extensive interdisciplinary collaboration from an early project phase. This method differs from traditional sequential design, which relies on design tables and can lead to overdesigned and underperforming outcomes.

This course will build on the previous course on the theory of integrated energy design (AAR4926), focusing on applied experience in building energy systems for generation and occupant comfort.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The course scope has a strong emphasis on the design of building energy systems while including interaction with structural and architectural domains. The course objective is to provide applied experience in the following areas:

• Occupant thermal comfort
• Ventilation systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Energy generation systems
• Internal lighting systems
• Building performance simulation
• Interdependences of building energy systems, structures and architecture.

Skills

The students will develop the following skills in relation to the concepts and strategies for sustainable building projects:

• Analyse design methods using simulation in relation to building energy systems
• Present the developed approaches in a group setting
• Respond to feedback from peers and tutors.

General competence

At the course completion, the graduates will have experience applying interdisciplinary collaboration to sustainable building design. They will have an understanding of new approaches relating to integrated design. The overall ambition is to support architects and engineers in overcoming the challenges encountered to achieve a 100% renewable energy society.

Learning methods and activities

Simulation-based workshops: Support skill development in building performance simulation.

Group exercises: Participatory learning activities to support student engagement.

Lectures: Supplement knowledge on the fundamentals and principles.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Students taking AAR4616 must have completed and passed the AAR4926 Integrated Energy Design - Theory course. Also, the course requires that students have followed and passed previous courses within the master program in Sustainable Architecture at NTNU, ie AAR4832, AAR4532, AAR4546, and AAR4817, or equivalent.

Course materials

Case studies; research articles and other literature; lectures.