Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Soushiyant Abedi ¹
• Hasti Beykpour ¹
• Yousef Gorji Mahlabani ²

¹ Imam Khomeini International University

² Noorozian Bulverde, Imam Khomeini International University

Abstract

Objective: One of the methods to reduce energy consumption in hot climates is to use passive cooling strategies to decrease the cooling load of buildings. The use of building form and decorations for shading has been a traditional solution in Iranian architecture. One type of these decorations is "Xwoun patterns," which is common in the indigenous architecture of Khuzestan. This study examines the impact of various Xwoun patterns on heat transfer and the temperature difference between the exterior and interior surfaces of the building's envelope compared to a non-decorated state.



Research Method: In this research, 65 types of Xwoun patterns were considered based on previous studies, and they were modeled using Rhino-Grasshopper software. To simulate the impact of these patterns on the interior and exterior wall temperatures over a year in the city of Ahvaz, the Honeybee plugin was used.

Results and Discussion: The simulation results showed that all Xwoun patterns positively affected the reduction of both interior and exterior wall temperatures. However, some designs performed better than others, with the best pattern capable of reducing the exterior wall temperature by an average of 3 degrees Celsius and the interior wall temperature by 1.7 degrees Celsius compared to a wall without Xwoun patterns.



Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Xwoun patterns can serve as a passive solution in the design of building facades in hot and dry climates to help reduce the cooling load. These patterns are not only effective in improving the energy performance of buildings but also reflect the aesthetic identity of traditional Iranian architecture.

Keywords

• Xwoun patterns
• Bricklaying
• Heat transfer
• self shading
• Thermal behavior

Main Subjects

• Architecture and Urban Design