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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

The research idea addresses improving the thermal performance of buildings in Baghdad by selecting and employing facade materials to reduce heat gain and energy consumption associated with cooling in a hot-dry climate. The study discusses the pivotal role of facade materials in interacting with solar radiation, heat transfer, and inward thermal transmittance, as well as their capacity to store and release heat in ways that maintain thermal comfort within architectural spaces and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. A range of traditional materials such as stone, earth, and concrete is presented alongside modern materials like high-performance glass and thermal storage materials—phase change materials (PCMs)—with an explanation of the variation in their heat-gain performance by measuring their effectiveness in buildings where they have been used, their costs, and their adaptability to Baghdad's climate. The idea also proposes integrating traditional and smart materials within an integrated design framework to achieve functional distribution and appropriate insulating layers, while taking into account local climate, economic, and environmental factors. The overall notion indicates that improving a building's thermal performance requires a rigorous design approach that balances functional and economic factors, thereby contributing to reduced energy consumption, increased thermal comfort for occupants, and the sustainability of buildings in the face of climate change

Keywords

Heat load, Architectural facades, Thermal insulation materials, Phase change materials (PCMs), Energy efficiency, Hot and dry climate

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