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Volume 13 | Issue 9 | Year 2026 | Article Id. IJCE-V13I9P106 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I9P106

Evaluating Passive Envelope Strategies and Lighting Efficiency for One-Story Residential Buildings in Amman’s Suburban Neighborhoods

Rahaf A. Hanaqtah, Batool A. Ghodran, Siba A. Awawdeh

Received Revised Accepted Published
30 Mar 2026 14 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 29 Sep 2026

Citation :

Rahaf A. Hanaqtah, Batool A. Ghodran, Siba A. Awawdeh, "Evaluating Passive Envelope Strategies and Lighting Efficiency for One-Story Residential Buildings in Amman’s Suburban Neighborhoods," International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13, no. 9, pp. 102-121, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I9P106

Abstract

Residential buildings contribute to the maximum percentage of total energy consumption in Jordan. This current study attempts to investigate the energy-saving potential associated with passive envelope design interventions along with the use of efficient lighting units. The study seeks to reduce energy consumption in a one-story residential building located in the Amman suburbs. In this regard, a model house of an area of 133 m² was constructed using DesignBuilder simulation software in order to estimate the total baseline energy consumption. This study assesses the energy-saving potentials due to the integration of various design interventions, such as the thickness of exterior wall insulation, the installation of a roof exterior coating, the addition of shading devices, the adjustment of window to wall ratio, the upgrading of glazing systems, and efficient lighting units. It has been observed that the integration of passive envelope retrofits with the insulation of LED lighting decreases the total energy consumption of the house by up to 31.8% with a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. These findings contribute to the improvement of future frameworks for residential building retrofits in Jordan through practical methods for improving energy efficiency, outlining that climate-responsive techniques can effectively boost residential energy efficiency in Amman.

Keywords

DesignBuilder, Energy performance, Jordan, One-story housing, Passive design strategies.

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