GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE HOTEL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TOWARDS NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDING

Why would an Interior Designer undertake research on NZEB—a topic many believe only concerns Construction Engineers?

Have you ever wondered why an Interior Designer delved into researching NZEB—a topic commonly associated with Construction Engineers? Initially, the complexity of NZEB may seem distant from the field of interior design, which traditionally focus on aesthetics, functionality, and the human experience within a space. However, as projects grow in scale and complexity, it becomes increasingly important to understand the building as a whole.

My interest in this area began with a curiosity about how buildings interact with their environments. How does a structure relate to its surroundings? How do interior designs influence a building's energy consumption? These questions motivated me to explore beyond the conventional boundaries of interior design.

My research revealed that understanding the building envelope, efficient systems, and internal loads is crucial for designing spaces that are sustainable and effective. This knowledge empowers me to make more informed decisions, leading to interior design solutions that align with the principles of sustainability.

The crux of my research was to develop guidelines that introduce Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) to improve the overall performance of hotels, particularly in hot and humid climates like those found in developing countries. These guidelines are designed to help architects, developers, and policymakers implement sustainable practices in hotel design and construction.

Under the guidance of two exceptional mentors, Dr. Ravi Srinivasan and Dr. Bahar Armaghani, at the University of Florida, We developed a framework for designing NZEB hotels. This framework can serve as a model for creating guidelines for various building types in different climate zones.

Figure 1. Pathway towards NZEB

Figure 2. Energy Efficient Measures simulation model evaluation process

To evaluate the effectiveness of the guidelines, I applied them to a hotel project I had previously worked on. Through energy simulations, we assessed the feasibility of the proposed energy-efficient measures. The results were promising, showing significant improvements in energy performance. While there are still some limitations, the guidelines proved to be a viable approach for achieving NZEB status in hotel buildings.

Figure 30. Electricity (KWh) consumption as compared to benchmark building

After conducting testing and evaluation simulations, the guidelines were refined into a comprehensive set of steps and specific requirements. This process ensures that the energy modeling is thorough and the recommendations are both practical and impactful.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the methodology and findings, I encourage you to explore the full report, which offers a detailed overview of the research and its implications.

My research journey has not only deepened my understanding of sustainable building practices but also equipped me with the tools to collaborate more effectively with experts in the field of sustainable construction. As I move forward, I’m excited to apply these insights to future projects, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.