Optimizing the design of retirement homes concerning the indoor environment, energy efficiency, and climate change resiliency

This study explored the design optimization possibilities for Danish retirement homes while considering an increased risk of overheating due to elevated temperatures imposed by climate change. The focus was on combinations of design features and technical components ensuring thermal comfort and daylight. The study used a dynamic simulation tool to consider the current Danish design reference year and future climate predictions. The results indicate that using predicted climate data for 2050 could reduce overheating degree hours by 80% due to predicted direct solar radiation discrepancies. The study suggests using heatwave data to assess occupants' heat exposure. Design measures such as solar control coating on glazing reduced overheating by up to 53% while reducing daylight and increasing heating energy consumption. Ventilation hatches provided increased airflow and mitigated overheating without increasing energy consumption. A combination of static shading, solar control coating, and natural ventilation was sufficient for south-facing windows, but dynamic shading was necessary for east and west-facing windows.