Chapter 8: Using Computer Applications to Measure the Efficiency of Environmental Design in Heritage Buildings

Al Dosariyah Castle is a heritage building located in Jazan Province (KSA). It is perched atop a mountain with a view of the Red Sea harbor. The main aim of the chapter is to investigate the efficiency of the environmental design of heritage buildings. The building was designed with very thick walls and an internal courtyard, which protects from high outdoor temperatures and saves natural ventilation. The building rooms have been selected to represent two different scenarios. The scenarios are concerned with the level of protection from sunlight and saving natural ventilation that influences the value of thermal comfort in indoor spaces. Design Builder simulation was conducted to investigate the thermal comfort of indoor spaces throughout the whole year to determine the highest and lowest quantities with and without these passive techniques. The findings of the chapter motivate old self-used building methods, which have positive effects on improving thermal comfort and reducing total energy consumption.