Architectural design principles for passive cooling in Cyprus climate

Energy consumption in houses in Cyprus is mostly for cooling, with buildings responsible for 30,84% of total energy consumption. The electricity is mainly produced and consumed during the summer as demand for cooling is increased. The aim of this study is to analyse and emphasise passive cooling strategies in traditional building of Cyprus, in order to maximize comfort level, while reducing energy consumption and the level of CO2 emissions to the environment. Architectural design principles are analysed in terms of passive cooling to focus on the importance of climate. These passive cooling methods are reviewed in order to prevent energy consumption through the use of mechanical air conditioners. Cyprus is hot and dry in summer, mild and rainy in winter. It is formed by two dominant mountains: the slopes facing to the north of the mountains are humid, whereas the south facing slope is drier. Different design parameters for the two different climatic regions are evaluated to show the relationship between space and passive cooling energy use. The climatic analysis techniques such as sun path diagram and wind rose diagrams are used to evaluate the design principles of buildings. Then, Autocad is used as a drawing software to show the buildings and the cooling methods for each climatic regions, hot-dry and hot-humid. These are evaluated according to the following design principles: building shape and orientation, shading, vegetation, building layout, wall openings, topography and thermal mass material. These design principles and passive cooling methods are clearly illustrated as tables and figures to make comparison of different climatic conditions.