Acoustic and thermal performance evaluation of residence facades

Abstract

The building envelope plays a critical role in providing acoustic and thermal comfort. However, in different environmental conditions such as different noise levels and climate, the design process becomes more complex. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of building envelope options in terms of acoustic and thermal performance. In this paper, it is desired to make a comparison of scenarios that meet the limit values of acoustic and thermal requirements recommended by the regulations in Turkey. Calculations have been made for a 4m x 4m bedroom with high sensitivity level affected by traffic noise in Istanbul. Simulations have been executed in condition for 30%,50% transparency ratio, with brick, aggregated concrete, and aerated concrete block opaque components, and double glazing, double laminated glazing transparent components. The sound insulation value of proposed facades DnT,A,tr (dB), and the total energy consumptions (heating and cooling) Q (kWh) have been calculated. The scenario set up with aggregated concrete block and double laminated glazing transparent component achieved high performance in terms of acoustic and thermal comfort conditions. This study shows that the importance of acoustic and thermal performance should be considered together for more effective building design in accordance with user needs.