Redefined Energy Efficient Strategies to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Contemporary Houses in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract:-The past few decades have witnessed a visible rise in energy consumption by the residential users. The adverse change can be partially attributed to a modernistic and apathetic approach to house designs which do not adhere to the local realities of climate, topography and orientation. The paper aims at investigating current strategies and techniques of energy conservation and efficiency being implemented by four selected architects namely, Kamil Khan Mumtaz Associates, Ghayyoor Obaid, Saad and Aqrab Rana(Side Words) and Nabeel Wali (Wali and Associates), in the domain of residential architecture. A cross-analysis of the residential projects by these architects was carried out to identify the customized techniques adopted to deal with the semi-arid climate of Lahore. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the architecture professionals to acquire primary data for the research. Meanwhile a number of books, journals, magazines, research papers, essays and blogs (both in printed form and online) were consulted regarding the literature review. Architects in Lahore are capitalizing on a number of passive means such as roof insulation, cavity walls, wall insulation, sun shades, trees placement, courtyards, and natural ventilation with stack effect, brisesoleil, verandahs and terraces with the aim of creating houses that correlate with the site topography, climatic conditions, winds and solar path in addition to the latest materials to develop eco-friendly houses.