The Effects of Form and Orientation on Energy Performance of Residential Buildings in Ghana

Koranteng, Christian; Abaitey, E.G.

doi:10.4314/just.v30i1.53940

Cited by 12 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…The topmost ranking of ventilation as the number one important criterion in this study is thus very noteworthy because of its strong correlation to enjoying thermal comfort and health and safety in the homes. As noted by Jackson (2003), and also re-echoed quite recently by Koranteng and Abaitey (2010); indoor quality, humidity, indoor temperatures are amongst the many key factors influencing residential health generally. The Ghana Institution of Architects (GIA) has also only recently brought to focus concerns of inadequate ventilation in contemporary Ghanaian buildings, advising architects to look at this issue seriously towards engendering energy conservation (Daily Graphic, 12 October 2010, pg 32).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 83%

Success Indicators for Selfbuild Houses in two Ghanaian Cities

Ahadzie¹,

Badu²

2012

Jnl Sci Tech

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The recognition of success criteria for effective design and construction management purposes has been a topical issue in the housing construction industry for quite a while now. Yet, little is still known of the success indicators for SelfBuild houses, although these constitute the dominant mode of housing supply in many developing countries such as Ghana. To this effect, structured questionnaires were used to elicit from homeowners in two Ghanaian cities the importance they attach to a number of variables as determinants of success for Selfbuild houses, and the data analyzed using scale ranking and one-sample t-test. The analyses revealed that; adequate ventilation for thermal comfort (ranked no. 1), health and safety in the home (ranked no.2 ), quality of materials (ranked no. 3), quality of workmanship (ranked no. 4) and adequate daylight into rooms ranked (no. 5) are the main determinants of success in Selfbuild houses. The criteria cost and time received the lowest rankings of 10 th and 11 th respectively suggesting that while these traditional measures could be very important, in the long term they are not issues that Selfbuild homeowners might be particularly concerned about. The findings especially those relating to ventilation, health and safety in the home, quality of materials and adequate daylight are critical for dissemination to all construction professionals/practitioners regarding design decisions and choice of construction materials for Selfbuild houses in a tropical country like Ghana.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 83%

Success Indicators for Selfbuild Houses in two Ghanaian Cities

Ahadzie¹,

Badu²

2012

Jnl Sci Tech

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“…A form aspect ratio is also provided for rectangular shapes (east:south = 1:1.7 to 3.0). In warm and humid regions, rectangular shapes are recommended with aspect ratios of 1:1.3 to 2.0 Abaitey, 2009 and2010). These form ratios are known to be efficient with regards to the use of energy and ventilation (Watson and Labs, 1983;Koranteng and Mahdavi, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…was grounded on Too (2000), the illustrated encyclopaedia of Feng Shui. With regards to design recommendations in Europe, the Americas and tropical regions (warm and humid), the scientific works of researchers (Koranteng and Mahdavi, 2011;Abaitey, 2010 and2009;Lauber, 2005;Szokolay, 2004;Watson et al, 1983;Givoni, 1981;Koenigsberger et al, 1974;etc) have been the underlying principle.…”

Section: Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The direction of spaces towards the prevailing wind is (Koranteng and Mahdavi, 2011;Abaitey, 2010 and2009;Lauber, 2005;Szokolay, 2004;Watson et al, 1983;Givoni, 1981;Koenigsberger et al, 1974). Bedrooms are to be located towards the east, since less thermal loads are expected during the evening (sleeping time), whereas sanitary areas and stores are to be located on the western side to serve as a radiant barrier to common spaces in the centre of a building (Gut and Ackerknecht, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Contrasting the Principles behind the Orientation of Building Forms and Location of Spatial Components around the Globe

Koranteng¹,

Simons²

2012

Jnl Sci Tech

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ABSTRACT:Building designers are advised to use sustainable design measures in order to make spaces comfortable, before applying mechanical systems. An important aspect of sustainable design is orientation, specifically the rule to orient buildings to the north and south. However, in an attempt to employ this sustainable principle, various cultures resort to different myths as means of justification. The paper presents historical and modern views and theories on orientation of building forms, spatial components, and the surrounding myths worldwide. The results showed that even though the recommended orientation is mostly the north-south, the myths around this measure are sometimes rooted in the culture of places. For instance, the Chinese, many of whom practice the Feng Shui theory, support design recommendations that follow the flow and balance of positive (yang) and negative (yin) energies. Furthermore, room heights between 3 and 3.5 metres, centrally placed dining spaces and main entrance to buildings in the South are common principles worldwide.

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“…Orientation and spatial organization also affect the ability of a building to ventilate and receive solar radiation [25]. To minimize solar heat gain and maximize ventilation, buildings should be orientated with their longer sides intercepting prevailing winds and the shorter sides facing the direction of the strongest solar radiation.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%