DESIGN FACTOR-ORIENTED LIFE-CYCLE ENERGY OPTIMISATIO FOR EARLY-STAGE BUILDING DESIGN

The need for life-cycle energy (LCE) optimisation is imperative in the building sector. Computational optimisation has been adopted to evolve design populations search for desirable solutions with competitive LCE performance. However, prior studies typically focused on a predefined building form or typologies, which is less effective in assisting designers in space design exploration an informed decision-making. To remedy this gap, this study introduces a design factor-oriented LCE optimisation workflow integrating EvoMass and ClimateStudio within the Rhino-Grasshopper environment, with further steps of taking Window-to-Wall Ratios (WWRs) and multiple thermal zones into consideration. Through a case study, the results of the optimisation demonstrate the efficacy of the approach, revealing a considerable reduction of total energy needs. This study underscores the potential for energy savings through careful consideration of building massing, WWR, and multi-thermal zones in the LCE optimisation process when using a computational process, which also provides useful information for designers' decision-making at the early design stage.