Energy-efficient apartments for elderly

Abstract: The literature claims that elderly people need warmer indoor temperatures, short overheating periods and more light indoors. The thesis analysed a case study building in order to propose a solution of the façade design in the energy-efficient apartments for elderly people. Due to the simplified approach to the analysis, only specific apartments were chosen and optimized parts of design were shape of the façade, glazing area and shading type. The analysis included heating energy demand, amount of overheating hours, daylight autonomy and view out, and lighting energy demand. The results proved that due to the increased requirements of light, the building will suffer overheating but this can be easily fixed with shading and natural ventilation. It also proved that the initial electric light assumptions were too low due to the increased lighting requirements. Finally it showed that even with increased indoor temperature during heating season, the building fulfills the requirements of an energy efficiency certificate.