Analysis of the Impact of Different Building Block Layout Patterns on Heating Load Consumption in Cold Climates (Case Study: Tabriz City)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Architecture & Ubranism, Tabriz Islamic Art University

2 Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Art, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

3 Department of Architecture & Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University

Abstract
Optimizing energy consumption in the building sector is one of the most important strategies for achieving sustainable development. In this context, the layout of building blocks plays a crucial role in managing energy use, especially in cold climates. This study aims to analyze the impact of different building block layout patterns on heating energy demand in the cold climate of Tabriz city. The research was conducted using numerical simulation with EnergyPlus software. By keeping independent variables constant—such as the thermo-physical properties of materials and environmental conditions—and parametrically varying geometric factors like the arrangement of blocks (compact, detached, and semi-detached), the study examined how these layouts affect overall energy consumption in building complexes. Hourly climatic data from Tabriz were utilized for the simulations. Results showed that the semi-detached block layout improved energy performance by 8.76 % compared to the detached arrangement. Moreover, the compact layout performed best among the examined scenarios, achieving a 16% improvement over the detached layout. These findings can guide the optimal design of residential neighborhoods in cold climates, contributing significantly to reducing energy consumption and enhancing economic efficiency.

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