Case study assessment for natural ventilation performance of heritage buildings in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria (Egypt)
2019
Historic buildings are an important aspect of any city in their capacity to provide cultural reference
points. Demonstrating capacity for better levels of energy efficiency and thermal comfort has become a critical
challenge to such buildings’ survival. Wind driven natural ventilation in buildings is one way of reducing energy
use by dependence on mechanical ventilation. This paper is a case study assessment of a nineteenth-century listed
residential building located in the historic business district of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria (Egypt). From
an architectural perspective, the European style courtyarded building offers good potential for healthy indoor air
replacement, and the Mediterranean climate of the city provides enhanced possibilities for promoting indoor
thermal comfort. Yet observation of the building today demonstrates that occupants rely heavily on mechanical
ventilation (air conditioning) . It is clear that the building’s original layout has been modified. In this research, we
use 3D RANS CFD simulation to investigate the potential for the original layout of the building to enable natural
air flow patterns. Simulations are validated against air speed measurements in parts of the building. The results
show a detailed natural ventilation deficiency performance in the case study building as modified today, and
indicate potential for future improvement. This investigation can help in the understanding of conservation
approaches that not only preserve the building’s cultural value but also reclaim its natural ventilation performance.
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