Summer Indoor comfort levels in the Mediterranean Area. The Impact of different window configurations, natural ventilation and solar shading strategies on the indoor comfort level in simple rooms

The case studied is related to a residential family house, which is a typical residential building in the South Mediterranean Sea. The house type is also representative for second home. It is a two-storey house that is assumed to be located in Rome. The objective of the research is to compare indoor comfort conditions of two kitchens (in which internal gains are defined and taking into account a traditional use of the kitchen in Southern Italy) with different window configurations, natural ventilation and solar shading strategies to avoid overheating in summer. Both rooms have the same floor area and the same total window area. One kitchen has a facade window with shutter; the other kitchen has a facade window and two roof windows including shutters. The aim of the research is to ascertain the differences in indoor comfort, temperature, air flow and solar distribution for two window/shutter control regimes, in four main orientations and with different roof constructions. The simulation tool ESP-r from the University of Strathclyde has been used in the report and the ESP-r model has been verified by the University. This research project has been sponsored by VELUX A/S.