Architectural Design and Operational Method of a House by Mode-Changing for Environmental Adjustment: A Case Study

Background: Many studies have been carried out using scientific approaches, but the targets are uncertain due to variable environmental and human factors. Therefore, these two factors need to be integrated into modes, which represent combinations of devices in specific statuses. These modes should be changed in response to environmental conditions. To maximize the effectiveness of elemental technologies for environmental consideration, buildings must be designed alongside an operational method based on this mode changing, and the way of describing these operations must also be developed. In this paper, a logic of mode changing is established. The proposed design and operational method can be applied broadly to building design while being adaptable to individual cases. Methods: The design of a house based on the mode-changing theory is presented along with a provisional operational flow as a case study. To support the theory, CFD simulations of each mode’s configuration were conducted for comparison under the representative conditions. These conditions, which represent each mode, can be continuously changed to the other mode by occupants based on their personal comfort. After the house was built, mode-changing operations by the occupants themselves were monitored for a year for the purpose of an operational record. Results: The record of the modes manually selected by occupants, measurements of outdoor/indoor temperatures, and indoor illuminance are superimposed into an integrated graph. According to these records, an actual operational flow was extracted as a method for environmental adjustment. There are notable deviations between the provisional operational flow and the actual record. Based on the actual operational flow, the deviated behaviors are described in the flow, and reasons for the deviation are examined as conscious factors. Conclusions: The deviations from the provisional operational flow demonstrate the flexibility of the mode-changing design, which ultimately enhances occupant satisfaction. Further research is expected to develop a wider variety of modes. The cost analysis of the environmental adjustment devices, human contribution to mode changing, and energy saving ratio are verified as a case study providing a valuable reference for future projects.