Energy Simulation-Based Assessment of Traditional and Modern Wall Materials for Thermal Performance: A Case Study of a Traditional House in Jordan
Eman N. Shaqour,
Islam A. Alshafei,
Ala Abu Taqa (),
Ahmed Senouci and
Ahmed M. Seddik Hassan
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Eman N. Shaqour: Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Al-Zaytonah University of Science and Technology, Salfit P390, Palestine
Islam A. Alshafei: Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jerash University, Jerash 26150, Jordan
Ala Abu Taqa: Department of Civil Engineering, Munib and Angela Masri Faculty of Engineering, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 11947, Jordan
Ahmed Senouci: Department of Construction Management, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
Ahmed M. Seddik Hassan: Department of Architectural Construction Technology, Faculty of Technology and Education, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-23
Abstract:
In this study, the energy performance of traditional, modern, and insulated wall assemblies in a heritage residential building in Al Salt city, Jordan, is evaluated using the simulation software DesignBuilder version 7.0.2.004. The case study compares the thermal behavior of traditional thick limestone walls, modern reinforced concrete and block-based walls, and contemporary insulated systems under local climatic conditions. The results show that traditional stone walls exhibit limited energy efficiency and require insulation to meet contemporary standards. However, they perform better than modern concrete walls based on their thermal mass. While concrete walls with inadequate insulation exhibit the poorest performance and are associated with significantly higher energy demand and CO 2 emissions, insulated wall systems that combine stone with insulation layers demonstrate the best thermal performance and achieve substantial reductions in energy use and environmental impact. These findings emphasize the feasibility of upgrading heritage buildings through the integration of modern insulated wall assemblies, which can lead to considerable energy savings and a lowered carbon footprint while simultaneously keeping the architectural identity and cultural value.
Keywords: energy efficiency; heritage buildings; retrofitting; DesignBuilder; CO 2 emissions; energy simulation; traditional walls; modern building material; insulated walls; sustainable preservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:20:p:5336-:d:1768108
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