On the effect of glazing and code compliance

The trend for modern buildings to be designed with large glazing areas in the exterior envelope is becoming more popular than ever before. At the same time, the power utilities in most of Kuwait demand code compliance through targeting of peak electric requirements for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The lack of detailed and accurate information on the thermal performance of glazing systems coupled with limits set by the code of practice can result in bad building design with respect to indoor comfort conditions. This paper presents a methodology for selecting glazing areas, while keeping the peak-load demand fixed. Provisions for the selection of large glazing areas are based on the type of glazing used. Finally, using a multi-storey building in Kuwait as an example, analysis has been conducted for seven different types of glazing. The choice of glazing offers the designer significant flexibility in opting for a glazing area of between 20 and 100%, and yet achieving full compliance with the code.