Displacing air conditioning in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: an evaluation of 'fabric first' design integrated with hybrid night radiant and ground pipe cooling systems

This paper presents an investigation into the viability of ‘fabric first’ intelligent architectural design measures, in combination with a hybrid cooling system (HCS). The specific aim is to displace AC and reduce CO2, while maintaining thermal comfort, in a typical housing block in KSA. The results of thermal modelling and prototype field trials suggest that passive design measures (PDMs) combined with night radiant cooling and supply ventilation via ground pipes, can negate the requirement for a standard AC system. Such a strategy may also have a remarkably short payback period when energy savings, in use, are set against the additional capital costs associated with improved building fabric performance.