Architecture and energy - architectural strategies for low-energy buildings of the future

The aim of the project Architecture and Energy is to analyse the interplay between architectural design and primary energy consumption in response to the introduction of the new Danish Energy Regulations in 2006. This is achieved through the use of four integrated themes: Daylight, Passive solar, Construction and Technology. The overall conclusion is that there are many advantages in using the four themes as an integrated design strategy that is more extensive than the new Danish Energy Regulations' requirements: 1) Daylight: Glazing areas needs to be sized and proportioned in relation to daylighting requirements so that a better visual quality is created and primary energy consumption to lighting reduced. 2) Passive solar: Traditional ideas about the advanages of passive solar energy are not correct. 'Light' buildings with moderate glazed areas, limited building depth and larger room height can minimise primary energy consumption and improve daylighting. 3) Construction: Insulation levels can be improved, but only to a certain level. A high thermal mass needs to be combined with a low embodied energy. 4) Technology: When a broad selection of electricity saving technologies are used, eg natural ventilation combined with low energy equipment, then very large reductions in primary energy consumption can be achieved