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Assessment of Thermal Comfort in Buildings With Large Glazed Areas

Abstract

Thermal comfort is an important consideration in building design because it directly affects occupant wellbeing, productivity, and satisfaction with indoor environments. Buildings with large glazed areas can provide extensive daylight, external views, and visual connection with the surrounding environment, but they may also experience significant solar heat gain and increased indoor temperature variations. In warm and tropical climates, extensive glazing without appropriate solar control can create uncomfortable indoor conditions and increase dependence on mechanical cooling. Assessing thermal comfort in such buildings is therefore important for achieving a balance between visual benefits and environmental performance. This study assesses thermal comfort in buildings with large glazed areas by examining indoor environmental conditions and their relationship with glazing characteristics. The assessment considers factors such as window-to-wall ratio, glazing orientation, glass type, window size, shading provision, indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and air movement. Differences in thermal conditions between spaces with varying levels of glazing are examined to determine how extensive glazed surfaces influence occupants' thermal experiences. Particular attention is given to solar heat gain through large windows and glazed façades. The orientation of glazed surfaces can significantly affect the amount of direct solar radiation entering interior spaces at different times of the day. The study therefore considers the influence of façade orientation, external shading devices, glazing properties, curtains, blinds, and other solar-control measures on indoor thermal conditions. The effectiveness of these strategies is considered in relation to their ability to reduce excessive heat gain while maintaining useful daylight and external views. Natural ventilation and air movement are also examined as factors that can influence thermal comfort in highly glazed buildings. Operable windows may support ventilation and heat removal, while fixed glazing can restrict opportunities for natural airflow. The interaction between glazing design, ventilation openings, building orientation, and prevailing climatic conditions is therefore considered. Occupant behaviour, including window operation, use of shading devices, and adjustment of cooling systems, is also relevant to the overall thermal experience within these buildings. Large glazed areas can create significant differences in thermal conditions between perimeter and interior spaces, particularly where direct sunlight reaches floors, walls, and occupants. These variations may contribute to localized discomfort even when average indoor temperatures appear acceptable. The study therefore considers both general indoor conditions and localized thermal effects associated with solar exposure. Understanding these conditions can help designers select glazing systems and shading strategies that respond appropriately to the building's climatic context. The study aims to identify the major factors influencing thermal comfort in buildings with large glazed areas and evaluate architectural strategies for improving indoor environmental conditions. The findings are expected to support better decisions regarding glazing proportions, orientation, glass specifications, shading devices, ventilation, and solar-control measures. The research can contribute to the design of buildings that benefit from daylight and views while minimizing overheating, cooling demand, and thermal discomfort.

Keywords: Thermal comfort, Large glazed areas, Window-to-wall ratio, Solar heat gain, Glazing systems, Building envelope, Solar shading, Indoor temperature, Natural ventilation, Daylighting, Façade orientation, Occupant comfort, Passive design, Energy efficiency.