Thermal comfort in buildings for older people: case study of a nursing home in BSHS climate

Abstract

The recent pandemic has emphasised the importance of guaranteeing comfort standards in nursing homes for older people. Most buildings show a lack of air ventilation, a key aspect in terms of respiratory diseases and disease transmission. The object of this research was to test if nursing home buildings are adapted to the specific thermal comfort sensation that older people have in a Dry Mediterranean Climate such as in Alicante (Spain). A case study building was evaluated through analytical models, simulations and air flux diagrams based on BIM models and digital twins. A comparison was made to observe how the building architecture and passive strategies determine thermal comfort for nursing home residents. Ventilation and solar gains were also evaluated as factors that influence thermal comfort. Results show that older peoples’ response to cold temperatures is worse than their response to warm temperatures, which they may be better at adapting to. Hybrid ventilation during winter reduces heat loss and cross natural ventilation during summer, with solar control, dissipates overheating and may improve comfort levels.