The proper utilization of passive solar energy in residential buildings, northern cyprus

Abstract

Abstract In the past, humans have always tried to have a relationship with the environment in order to create comfortable conditions for their lives. Over time, different cultures of the world created the architectural styles and techniques to adapt to climatic conditions. Unfortunately, building adaptation to the climate was gradually ignored with the arrival of the industrial revolution. Followed by high-energy consumption, environmental pollution and an energy crisis emerged. Thus there has been a revised consideration by architects motivated toward climatic design which is an effective approach to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. Undoubtedly, one of the important issues in compatible design with climate in mind is the proper utilization of solar energy. In this context, attention to the form and orientation of the building can significantly reduce energy loss especially in countries that enjoy solar energy such as Cyprus. This chapter focuses on the evaluation of appropriate orientation and form of dwellings regarding energy efficiency in Northern Cyprus based on a problem-solving method. The main purpose of this work is reducing building heat in summer and gaining heat in winter in order to achieve a favorable residential space. Ignoring climatic design can lead to harmful effects on human comfort. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.