Intelligent support for the optimal design configuration of high performance homes

Abstract

There is a pressing need to ensure that homes are increasingly energy efficient, have minimal carbon dioxide emissions and embodied energy, while being comfortable and cost-effective to build. As a consequence, the design decision-makers need to make trade-offs, finding appropriate solutions which are often measured by complex evaluation schemes like the 'Code for Sustainable Homes' in the UK. At the same time, houses are likely to be one of the few building types that is fully parametrizable, and where a generic Building Information Model can be developed that can be configured to cover most house variants. This allows a unique starting point to develop an IT system that capitalizes on the recent developments in tool interoperability. Research in 'intelligent computing' has produced a range of novel search, exploration, optimization and visualization techniques and decision support tools that can be brought to bear on engineering problems. However, these techniques mostly remain unused in the home-building industry. This paper presents a research initiative that aims to capitalize on developments in BIM and intelligent computing by developing an IT support system for decision-makers in charge of the design, engineering and construction of domestic properties.