Optimization of Solar Shading for a NZEB Kindergarten in Florence

For the realization of a near-zero energy building (NZEB) school, it is important to define during the preliminary phase of the design process the type of solar shading to be used for each orientation (south, east, and west), as it strongly determines the appearance of the façade of the building. Given that this choice is also strictly linked to the energy balance of the building and to the thermal-hygrometric and visual wellbeing of occupants, it is necessary to combine both aspects. This study aims to analyze and optimize the solar shadings system of one of the new typological models for kindergarten in order to minimize the energy needs of the building. The proposed analysis in the paper is part of a broader work aimed at defining qualitative and quantitative guidelines for the design of NZEB kindergartens and elementary schools in the Mediterranean area.