A parametric approach for performance optimization of residential building design in Beijing

During the early design stage of green residential buildings, there are tremendous potential of using parametric optimization to achieve preferable green performance, such as building energy consumption efficiency, daylighting, ventilation and thermal comfort. Taking residential design features into consideration, this paper presents an optimization workflow and effects based on a case study of a residential building project in Beijing. Firstly, 27 design parameters related to residential spatial form and building envelope were selected for the optimization. The simulation results of the cooling and heating load were taken as the optimization objects. Secondly, optimized schemes were obtained from 6246 simulation results, with 1925 verified simulation results proving that the optimized result is reliable. Finally, analysis was performed to establish the correlations between design parameters and performance in order to create the easy access for architects to determine design parameters depending on the performance sensitivity of each parameter. Analysis results showed that parametric optimization of spatial form and building envelope at the design stage is a feasible approach to reducing energy consumption in residential building design.