Examination arrangement

Course content

To achieve the operational energy performance of a Net Zero Energy Building, designers must implement numerous strategies coherently. Renewable energy sources are required to meet energy demands while also providing occupants with a high level of thermal comfort. Further, the constraints of the energy targets should consider the contribution of embodied energy and not diminish the creation of excellent architecture.

To deal with the outlined complexity, designers can utilise integrated energy design. This technique is an iterative approach that employs extensive interdisciplinary collaboration from an early project phase. This method differs from traditional sequential design, which relies on design tables and can lead to overdesigned and underperforming outcomes.

This course will introduce the theory of integrated energy design, focusing on essential knowledge of building systems for energy generation and occupant comfort.

When choosing the specialization area Energy in use within AAR4680 Circular Studio - Buildings, AAR4926 Integrated Energy Design is a mandatory theory course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The course scope has a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of building energy systems while including interaction with structural and architectural domains. The course objective is to provide knowledge on fundamentals and principles in the following areas:

• Occupant thermal comfort
• Ventilation systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Energy generation systems
• Building performance simulation
• Interdependences of building energy systems, structures and architecture.

Skills

The students will develop the following skills in relation to the concepts and strategies for sustainable building projects:

• Identify suitable active and passive approaches in relation to building energy systems
• Discuss the benefits of selected approaches with design team members
• Analyse the initial performance of the selected approaches.

General competence

At the course completion, the graduates will understand the challenges and technical aspects involved in developing solutions for sustainable buildings. The overall ambition is to support architects and engineers in overcoming the challenges encountered to achieve a 100% renewable energy society.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures: Delivering knowledge on the fundamentals and principles. Reinforcing the presented theories using design examples.

Group exercises: Participatory learning activities to support student engagement.

Simulation-based tutorials: Introduction to building performance simulation of active systems.

Further on evaluation

Further on evaluation

Evaluation type: Report

The course is evaluated based on a report that is composed of three focus topics.

The focus topics are linked to the following core phases of the teaching plan:

1. Background and motivation for sustainable design

2. Technical systems and approaches for sustainable design

3. Numerical simulation for sustainable design.

As the course progresses, the students can select their individual focus topics when a core phase is completed. The student must be actively involved in the selection process.

The report will be graded A-F.

For postponed evaluations, a new or revised report must be delivered within the deadline set by the course coordinator.

Postponed evaluations are usually scheduled for the next regular exam period.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

To take this course, you must be enrolled in one of the following programs:

• Architecture (MAAR5)
• Architecture (MAAR2)
• Sustainable Architecture (MSSUSARC)
• Master in Civil and Environmental Engineering (MTBYGG) at NTNU in combination with the Minor in architecture program
• AAR4926 can also be taken as a stand-alone course or as a supporting theory course for the Circular Studio AAR4680 - Buildings.

Exchange students have to fulfil the same requirements as for the enrollment in one of the study programs MAAR5, MAAR2, MSSUSARC.

Course materials

Case studies; research articles and other literature; lecture notes