Waffle structure optimization in terms of energy efficiency and spatial geometry for a single family house

Sustainable house design represents an integrated complex process, with form rationalization that is to be considered in the early project stages, in order to achieve a set of goals that range from aesthetic and spatial qualities to structural optimization and energy efficiency. Recent research directions in the field of building physics, with regard to the energy efficiency component, focus mostly on environmental aspects, such as carbon footprint reduction. Another contemporary issue that must be addressed concerns establishing a balance between overall energy performance and a comfortable indoor environment. From an architectural standpoint, the passive design principles can adequately respond to the above mentioned issues and have been the focus of specialists during the last years. This paper presents a set of form optimization strategies implemented in the conceptual design stage of a contemporary house. The main objectives of the study focus on energy efficiency maximization and rational use of local resources, without compromising aesthetic criteria. (paper)