A Multi-Objective Design Optimization of a New-Build Future Homes Standard House in Controlled Conditions

This paper aims to determine the optimal construction strategies for new-build houses in the UK to minimize heating energy demand and discomfort hours. This research utilizes a previously calibrated model of “The Future Home” in Energy House 2.0’s environmental chamber. Eight design variables were optimized including multiple building fabric specifications, air permeability rates, and heating setpoint temperatures. Three optimization scenarios were investigated: fixed heating setpoints, variable heating setpoints, and variable setpoints with comfort constraints. The analysis revealed that while fixed heating setpoints showed limited optimization potential, variable setpoint scenarios identified three distinct clusters of optimal solutions. The optimization consistently favored superior building fabric parameters, though air permeability solutions became more nuanced with variable heating control. When constrained to a maximum of 400 discomfort hours, solutions required elevated heating setpoints (22–23 °C) while maintaining high fabric specifications. These findings advance building optimization methodology by demonstrating the importance of heating control flexibility and comfort constraints in achieving optimal performance, while the use of a calibrated model in controlled conditions overcomes the limitations of previous studies that relied on uncalibrated or hypothetical models. As in situ field measurements of short- and long-term building performance are often subjected to disruptions, delays, and uncertainties, the building performance research under controlled conditions reported in this article will lead towards the achievement of net zero targets in a timelier manner and with more certainty.