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Assessment of Floor-Plan Compactness and Its Effect on Energy Performance in Residential Buildings

Abstract

Floor-plan compactness is an important architectural characteristic that can influence the thermal and energy performance of residential buildings. The proportion between a building's enclosed floor area and its external envelope affects the amount of surface exposed to solar radiation and outdoor temperature variations. Highly irregular or fragmented floor plans may increase exposed envelope areas and consequently influence heat transfer and cooling requirements. Assessing floor-plan compactness is therefore important for developing residential buildings that achieve improved energy performance without compromising functional requirements. This study assesses the relationship between floor-plan compactness and energy performance in residential buildings. It examines different plan configurations and evaluates characteristics such as perimeter-to-area ratio, building depth, plan shape, external surface area, and spatial arrangement. The study considers how variations in these characteristics influence the thermal behaviour of residential buildings. Particular attention is given to the relationship between compactness and the amount of building envelope exposed to external environmental conditions. The research further evaluates the influence of floor-plan compactness on heat gain and energy consumption. More compact configurations may reduce exposed surface area and limit unwanted heat transfer, while highly articulated plans may create additional surfaces through which heat can enter or leave the building. The interaction between compactness, building orientation, window placement, shading, roof configuration, and wall materials is also considered. These factors are examined to determine whether improvements in plan efficiency can contribute to reduced cooling and overall operational energy requirements. In addition to thermal considerations, the study recognizes that compactness must be evaluated alongside functional and environmental requirements. Excessive compactness may restrict daylight penetration, natural ventilation, spatial flexibility, or access to outdoor spaces if not appropriately planned. The assessment therefore considers how floor-plan configuration can balance energy performance with occupant comfort, functional efficiency, privacy, and effective space utilization. This integrated approach is important for ensuring that energy-conscious planning does not negatively affect residential quality. Challenges associated with optimizing floor-plan compactness may include irregular site conditions, planning regulations, household space requirements, cultural preferences, and the need for adequate openings and outdoor connections. In tropical residential environments, these challenges are particularly relevant because buildings must respond to solar exposure, heat gain, humidity, and the need for natural ventilation. Understanding the relationship between compactness and these climatic factors can support more informed architectural decisions during early design stages. The study aims to establish how floor-plan compactness affects the energy performance of residential buildings and to identify configurations that can support improved environmental efficiency. Its findings are expected to assist architects and designers in evaluating plan forms using measurable compactness indicators while considering thermal comfort and functional requirements. The study contributes to sustainable residential architecture by demonstrating how early decisions concerning floor-plan geometry can influence building envelope performance, energy consumption, and long-term operational efficiency.

Keywords: Floor-plan compactness, residential buildings, energy performance, building geometry, perimeter-to-area ratio, thermal performance, heat gain, building envelope, cooling demand, passive design, building orientation, spatial efficiency, sustainable housing, energy-efficient design.