Parametric Design Structures in Low Rise Buildings in Relation to the Urban Context in UAE

sustainability

Article Parametric Design Structures in Low Rise Buildings in Relation to the Urban Context in UAE

Lindita Bande *, Abeer Alshamsi, Anoud Alhefeiti, Sarah Alderei, Sebah Shaban, Mohammed Albattah and Martin D. Scoppa

Department of Architectural Engineering, Al Ain Campus, College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, AL Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates; [email protected] (A.A.); [email protected] (A.A.); [email protected] (S.A.); [email protected] (S.S.); [email protected] (M.A.); [email protected] (M.D.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The city of Al Ain (Abu Dhabi, UAE) has a mainly low rise residential buildings. Villas as part of a compound or separate units represent the majority of the residential areas in the city. Due to the harsh hot arid climate of Al Ain, the energy demand for the cooling load is quite high. Therefore, it is relevant finding new retrofit strategies that are efficient in reducing the cooling load of the villas. The aim of this study is to analyze one particular strategy (parametric shading structure) in terms of design, construction, cost, energy impact on the selected villa. The main data for this study is taken from the local sources. There are six steps followed in this analysis: case study analysis; climate analysis; parametric structure and PV panels; building energy consumption and outdoor

thermal comfort; modelling, simulation, and validation; materials, construction, and cost evaluation. The model of the villa was validated for the full year 2020 based on the electricity bills obtained.

Citation: Bande, L.; Alshamsi, A.; After adding the parametric design structure, the reduction after shading is approximately 10%. Alhefeiti, A.; Alderei, S.; Shaban, S.; Meanwhile the UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) dropped from extreme heat stress to strong Albattah, M.; Scoppa, M.D. heat stress (average for the month of March and September). These ﬁndings are promising in the Parametric Design Structures in Low retroﬁt industry due to the advanced calculations used to optimize the parametric design structure. Rise Buildings in Relation to the Urban Context in UAE. Sustainability Keywords: energy in buildings; parametric structure; BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics); ROI 2021, 13, 8595. https://doi.org/ (return of investment); OTC (outdoor thermal comfort) 10.3390/su13158595

Academic Editor: Chi-Ming Lai 1. Introduction Received: 17 June 2021 Based on a study done in the city of Abu Dhabi, the residential building stock is the Accepted: 26 July 2021 sector that has the highest demand in energy consumption. The energy used for the cooling Published: 1 August 2021 load of the buildings is higher than the other cities in UAE. Moreover, the OTC values are impacted by the harsh hot arid climate. Although UAE has regulations and codes, there are Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in still residential areas that have a lack of shading structures and do not follow regulations published maps and institutional affil- that could improve the indoor and outdoor environment [1]. iations. UAE has several cities but the biggest in terms of population are: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain. The urban development of Dubai is linear where the buildings are located on the side of two main highways in parallel to the coast. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi has the financial center in the downtown area of the main island and the residential zones develop around it. Al Ain has also a central area with low-rise buildings (5–6 floors) and the rest Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. of the city is made of villas as part of compound or individual units. Studying retrofit Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article strategies for villas is relevant for the city of AL Ain [2]. distributed under the terms and There is growth in residential electricity bills for both expats and nationals from conditions of the Creative Commons 2011 to 2017, and this data includes both the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company and Al Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// Ain Distribution Company Statistics; it shows that Abu Dhabi has the highest electricity creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ consumption in the domestic sector in 2018 [3]. 4.0/).

Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158595 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 2 of 23

Referring to a study based on existing residential buildings stock, buildings con- structed before 2003 did not follow any such regulations in both of the emirates of Dubai and Sharjah. In Abu Dhabi, the city of Al Ain’s thermal insulation requirement was only established in 2011. The data show that all buildings in UAE built before 2003 did not have to satisfy any thermal insulation requirements [4]. The cooling load of buildings can be mitigated only by improving the current conditions of the building stock. Therefore, finding retrofit strategies is crucial. These strategies are efficient in application, maintenance, and cost. Based on a study done in a villa in Abu Dhabi, it is shown that several retrofit strategies such as window louvres, cool paint, efficient glazing, external shading devices can reduce the annual energy consumption by 43% [5,6]. There is a study in Abu Dhabi that is related to the project target; it is allegedly most likely to reduce 10% of residential projects’ electricity bills in UAE by adopting simple passive strategies such as shading devices; it could be valid for retrofitting existing projects. A recent study proved that a 6% reduction in the houses’ annual energy consumption could be achieved. Therefore, based on a simple calculation, it would result in a 2.7% reduction in the annual energy consumption of UAE. Green design principles can be uncomplicated and efficient at the same time without adding much extra cost and complexity to the architecture, as shown in the figure below [7]. Based on a conducted study, buildings’ energy consumption is 80% of the total amount of electricity consumption in Abu Dhabi. The cooling load comprises 70% of this energy. Some of the useful retrofit strategies that can go along with the parametric shading structure are stated below [8]. To find a solution to these problems and to accomplish the research, case studies were done in a residential stock low-rise building in the city of Al Ain for the development of a sustainable solution for adaptive parametric facades. It involves expanding the parametric shading structures into the neighborhood, creating an innovative approach for the connection to current buildings, and expansion into parking areas [9,10]. The Abu Dhabi Media Zone is a mixed-use development that integrates three city blocks, and it is an important landmark in Abu Dhabi. The project buildings are designed to resemble a large-scale display frame. The frame façades are asymmetrically proportioned and designed with folded smooth claddings. The TwoFour54 towers with the double-skin facade reach levels of performance rarely attained on a project of this scale and are high profile in the Middle East. The double-skin facade (DSF) was an important feature for the design. It achieved three key goals: high environmental quality, an extraordinary glass surface, and the implementation of media lighting. DSF offers a healthy and productive workplace by providing a desirable environment in terms of comfort, quality, and the quantity of light. It consumes between 13 and 16% less energy than a high-performance single skin system [11]. The facade was built by combining five different types of precast pieces in the shape of a propeller. It rotates about 180◦ on its axis, and the heights vary between 16 to 20 m, depending on their position. The light changes that occur during the day and the artificial lighting at night provide an interesting mix of colors, reflections, and shades, resulting in an ever-changing and unstable image of the facade [12]. This project is mainly designed to maintain residents’ visual privacy, and green design techniques are in place to provide convenience and improve the residents’ standard of living. Furthermore, the residents did not want the strong east and west facade sunlight to penetrate deep into the rooms, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons when the sea breeze passes through the neighborhood. Therefore, when constructing the exterior, these requirements were the parametric considerations. It consisted of a perforated aluminum screen, where specifics were created and calculated through the use of the Igeo and Grasshopper software programs for various times of the day and weather conditions. The technique of urban camouflage was introduced, in which the double skin facade Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 3 of 23

inspired by the foliage blends with its surroundings. It was based on the pattern derived from a photographic montage of the surrounding trees and street-scape [13]. The ability to circulate fresh air throughout the building without any reliance on air conditioning and mechanical equipment is the thermal switch’s major performance support. By applying dynamic action to create isolated standard flows, the facade can bring in air passively through the facade and cool building residents. This system contains an inherent chemical property that turns it proportionally dark to the intensity of UV light, and it allows shading every time it is necessary, but this system is impractically expensive. The material must be efficiently distributed and allocated where needed. Moreover, the design features curved glazing, combining photochromic pigments within protective films. This strategy can be applied to buildings with different climate conditions. It is used mainly to reduce the cooling load. An experiment was made on the UAE region, specifically on the rooftop of the University of Sharjah. This was also connected to the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018 Dubai, for a housing project. After the experiment was performed, the results showed an improvement of 5–10% when applying the cool roof. This is what made it a great strategy to be used to reduce the cooling load and the building’s generation of electricity. Cool walls are used in different climates and they are not very common in the UAE region; the research and analysis on cool walls indicated that if they were combined with proper indoor ventilation, they would have a huge impact on the reduction of heat gain in the buildings [14–16]. Applying the shading devices in many areas can sometimes lead to a higher amount of energy consumption due to the use of artificial lighting in the building. So, when installing a shading device on a building, it is important to choose the best elevation and direction in order to have enough natural lighting entering the building to reduce the electricity use. Shading devices are the best choice regarding the retrofit strategies. It is recommended to use a centralized automated system, which is more beneficial for the reduction of the cooling load [1,17]. The local standards have clear retrofit strategies on low-rise buildings. The Urban Planning Council (UPC), which is an Abu Dhabi local authority, have developed different programs and regulations since 2010, for example, the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan. Based on the new and updated regulations that are related to the Estidama sustainability rating system, neighborhood areas must follow at least the minimum standard rates of Estidama codes and regulations, and government buildings are required to target a higher level of rating. The main target in this project and the focus of this research is applying the developed retrofit strategies in the low-rise residential villas without exceeding a high retrofit cost and in a reasonable amount of time [18,19]. Based on the above literature analysis, there is a large space for improvement in retrofit strategies for low-rise buildings. Shading devices are an efficient strategy (among others), however multiple parameters must be taken into consideration in order to find the optimized structure [20]. The goal of this research is to design a parametric shading structure that will be added to a residential villa to reduce the excessive heat gains on the villa façade (decreasing the internal cooling load) and improve the walkability for the compound inhabitants. The aim of this structure is to improve both the indoor and outdoor conditions. Instead of adding a multi-shading device for each area separately, this research project suggests to have one parametric shading device structure that connects all areas and the urban context (building facade, parking area, sidewalks) under the same shading structure without any disturbance of the surrounding environment (architecturally and structurally). The novelty in this research is using advanced software (such as Rhino and Grasshop- per) to add parameters that automatically adjust the optimized shape of the structure from the architecture and construction perspective (while reducing cooling load and improving OTC). In addition, the production method brings advanced technology into the mass production. Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 24

2. Methodology The methodology followed in this study is linear. The city was selected because of its rapid urban development and the relevance of the city in the region. Al Ain has a hot arid climate with low levels of humidity, unlike cities on the coast such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 The data used for the modeling, validation, and cost evaluation model are taken from4 local of 23 sources. The modelling follows two main directions based on the tools used, the base model, and the retrofitted model. The results are compared and adjusted in accordance with the specified method. The results are then compared and analyzed (Figure 1). 2. Methodology The methodology of this research follows the main points below: The methodology followed in this study is linear. The city was selected because of its

- rapidCase urban study development analysis; and the relevance of the city in the region. Al Ain has a hot arid

- climateClimate with analysis; low levels of humidity, unlike cities on the coast such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. - TheParametric data used for structure the modeling, and PV validation, panels; and cost evaluation model are taken from local - sources.Building The energy modelling consumption follows two and main outdoor directions thermal based comfort; on the tools used, the base - model,Modelling, and the simulation, retroﬁtted model.and validation; The results are compared and adjusted in accordance - withMaterials, the speciﬁed construction, method. The and results cost evaluation. are then compared and analyzed (Figure1).

FigureFigure 1. 1. SchematicSchematic view view of of the the methodology methodology followed followed in in this this study.

2.1. CaseThe Study methodology Analysis of this research follows the main points below: - BasedCase on study the analysis;research, the MREIFA villa compound is chosen to be the unit to retrofit, located- Climate in Alain. analysis; This is because we found more problems in this unit. Moreover, a site visit- ofParametric the compound structure was andperformed PV panels; to investigate and the results showed that the com- - Building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort; pound has excessive heat gain. As investigated, the heat was very uncomfortable when - Modelling, simulation, and validation; walking around there. This will cause a high electricity bill due to the overuse of air con- - Materials, construction, and cost evaluation. ditioning. In addition to that, the units are very old, and they do not follow the sustaina- bility2.1. Casestandards. Study Analysis So, the aim is to have higher outdoor thermal comfort by adding a parametric shading structure, which will result in less usage of air conditioning and lower the Based on the research, the MREIFA villa compound is chosen to be the unit to retrofit, electricity bill. Moreover, one of the reasons to select the Al Ain units (MREIFA VILLAS) located in Alain. This is because we found more problems in this unit. Moreover, a site visit is the availability of information and documentation in these units specifically. of the compound was performed to investigate and the results showed that the compound The complex is located in Asharej Alain, as illustrated in Figure 2, with a complex has excessive heat gain. As investigated, the heat was very uncomfortable when walking area of 131,302.69 m2. It consists of 114 units, and the units’ areas range from 420.75 to around there. This will cause a high electricity bill due to the overuse of air conditioning. In 2 608.75addition m . toMoreover, that, the unitseach areunit very is a old,two-story and they villa do that not includes follow the a sustainabilitybalcony, gym, standards. two bedrooms,So, the maid’s aim is room, to have parking higher lots, outdoor and a thermal big living comfort room. by The adding villa has a parametric many weaknesses shading thatstructure, will cause which high will energy result consumption. in less usage of Th aire first conditioning problem andis having lower poor the electricity shading, bill.and notMoreover, only in onethe unit; of the even reasons the tooutdoor select the area Al is Ain not units shaded (MREIFA and the VILLAS) parking is thelots availability in front of theof informationunits are unshaded and documentation as well, as illustrated in these units in Figures specifically. 3 and 4, which lets lots of heat insideThe the units complex and is in located the neighborhood; in Asharej Alain, additi asonally, illustrated it caused in Figure cracks2, with on the a complex walls. More- area over,of 131,302.69 there are m no2. Itwater consists bodies of 114 that units, can andhelp the improve units’ areas the air range quality from and 420.75 evaporative to 608.75 cooling.m2. Moreover, Moreover, each there unit is is no a two-story green surroundin villa thatg includes the units, a balcony,as seen in gym, Figure two 5, bedrooms, and there ismaid’s also no room, green parking in the lots,neighborhood and a big living that co room.uld help The villato reduce has many heat. weaknesses On the other that hand, will thecause strengths high energy and opportunities consumption. we The found first problemin the units is having are the poor small shading, openings and in not the only units in the unit; even the outdoor area is not shaded and the parking lots in front of the units are unshaded as well, as illustrated in Figures3 and4, which lets lots of heat inside the units and in the neighborhood; additionally, it caused cracks on the walls. Moreover, there are no water bodies that can help improve the air quality and evaporative cooling. Moreover, there is no green surrounding the units, as seen in Figure5, and there is also no green in the neighborhood that could help to reduce heat. On the other hand, the strengths and Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 5 of 23 Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 24

opportunities we found in the units are the small openings in the units and the plaster epoxyand the beige plaster paint epoxy color theybeige used paint for color the surface, they used as lighter for the colored surface, materials as lighter will colored help mate- reﬂect more sunlight and trap the heat less. In conclusion, this complex consists of many rials will help reflect more sunlight and trap the heat less. In conclusion, this complex problems that will cause heat and high energy consumption in both the units and the neighborhood,consists of many which problems leads to highthat will electricity cause bills. heat The and façade high andenergy location consumption of the villa in is both the shownunits and in Figure the neighborhood,2. which leads to high electricity bills. The façade and location of the villa is shown in Figure 2.

(a) (b)

(e)

Figure 2. Analysis of the selected villa and neighborhood. (a) Asharej neighborhood. (b) MREIFA Villa. (c) The parking slots. (d) Surrounding area. (e) Site analysis of MREIFA Villa Compound. Figure 2. Analysis of the selected villa and neighborhood. (a) Asharej neighborhood. (b) MREIFA Villa.Then, (c) The we parking chose units slots. with (d) Surrounding different orientations area. (e) Site and analysis locations of to MREIFA study the Villa heat Compound. gain and retroﬁt them. Unit A, as shown in Figure3, has a southeast orientation. There is excessiveThen, sun we exposure chose units due towith heat different trapped betweenorientations two and buildings, locations which to exposesstudy the the heat gain street and villa to excessive heat. Unit B is oriented to the southwest, and it faces the and retrofit them. Unit A, as shown in Figure 3, has a southeast orientation. There is ex- main street with no green surroundings. Unit C is oriented to the northeast; it is on the edge,cessive as seensun exposure in Figure5 due, which to heat makes trapped it very between exposed to two heat, buildings, causing the which overuse exposes of air the street and villa to excessive heat. Unit B is oriented to the southwest, and it faces the main street with no green surroundings. Unit C is oriented to the northeast; it is on the edge, as seen in Figure 5, which makes it very exposed to heat, causing the overuse of air conditioning. Finally, unit D is oriented to the southeast with nothing in front of it. In the end, unit B was chosen for this research because it has excessive heat gain since it is located to the southwest and facing the main street. Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 24

Based on the site study analysis of the MREIFA villa compound in Alain, it is found that it has no green area surroundings. The sun is mainly directed to the south. The wind Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 comes from the northeast. The compound has the following units: unit A, unit6 of B, 23 unit C, and unit D. Each unit has a different area. Unit A has an area of 420.75 m2, unit B is 497.112 m2, unit C is 608.75 m2, and unit D is 420.75 m2. Regarding the study performed, unit B is chosenconditioning. to work Finally, with unit(Figures D is oriented 2). to the southeast with nothing in front of it. In the end, unit B was chosen for this research because it has excessive heat gain since it is located 2.2.to the Climate southwest Analysis and facing the main street. TheBased city on of the Al site Ain study has analysisa hot desert of the climate MREIFA characterized villa compound by invery Alain, hot, it sunny is found summers andthat pleasantly it has no green mild area winters. surroundings. June is Thethe wa sunrmest is mainly month directed of the to year, the south. with Thean average wind tem- comes from the northeast. The compound has the following units: unit A, unit B, unit C, and perature of 33.8 °C/92.8 °F. January has the lowest average temperature of the whole year, unit D. Each unit has a different area. Unit A has an area of 420.75 m2, unit B is 497.112 m2, whichunit C is is 20.8 608.75 °C/69.4 m2, and °F. unit The D average is 420.75 temperature m2. Regarding in Al the Ain study is 27.8 performed, °C/82.0 unit °F [21,22]. B is chosenA sun to work shading with (Figurechart helps2). us to understand the sun angles that we can use to generate energy. It shows that the huge amount of heat south and west that needs to be treated. It2.2. also Climate shows Analysis the glare in the east that should be avoided (Table 1, Figure 3). The city of Al Ain has a hot desert climate characterized by very hot, sunny summers Tableand pleasantly 1. Temperature mild winters.values in Junethe city is theof Al warmest Ain [21]. month of the year, with an average temperature of 33.8 ◦C/92.8 ◦F. January has the lowest average temperature of the whole Janu- February March ◦ April ◦ May June July August Septem- ◦October ◦Novem- Decem- ary year, which is 20.8 C/69.4 F. The average temperature in Al Ain isber 27.8 C/82.0 F[ber21, 22]. ber A sun shading chart helps us to understand the sun angles that we can use to generate Avg. 20.8 energy.21.5 It shows24.5 that28.4 the huge32.5 amount 33.8 of heat south32.6 and31.5 west that30.8 needs 28.9 to be treated.25.3 It 22.6 Temper- also shows the glare in the east that should be avoided (Table1, Figure3). ature (°C) Table 1. Temperature values in the city of Al Ain [21]. Min. 14.7 15.8 18.6 21.7 25.6 27.2 26.8 25.9 24.4 22.1 18.5 16.6 JanuaryTempera February March April May June July August September October November December Avg. ture (°C) Temperature 20.8Max. 26.9 21.5 27.2 24.5 30.4 28.4 32.535.2 33.839.4 32.640.5 31.538.4 30.837.1 28.937.2 25.335.8 22.632.1 28.6 (◦C) Tempera Min. Temperature ture14.7 (°C) 15.8 18.6 21.7 25.6 27.2 26.8 25.9 24.4 22.1 18.5 16.6 ◦ ( C) Avg. 69.4 70.7 76.1 83.1 90.5 92.8 90.7 88.7 87.4 84 77.5 72.7 Max. Tempera Temperature 26.9 27.2 30.4 35.2 39.4 40.5 38.4 37.1 37.2 35.8 32.1 28.6 (◦C) ture (°F) Avg. Min. 58.5 60.4 65.5 71.1 78.1 81 80.2 78.6 75.9 71.8 65.3 61.9 Temperature Tempera69.4 70.7 76.1 83.1 90.5 92.8 90.7 88.7 87.4 84 77.5 72.7 (◦F) ture (°F) Min. Temperature 58.5Max. 80.4 60.4 81.0 65.5 86.7 71.1 78.1 95.4 81 102.9 80.2104.9 78.6 101.1 75.9 98.8 71.8 99 65.3 96.4 61.989.8 83.5 (◦F) Tempera Max. ture (°F) Temperature 80.4 81.0 86.7 95.4 102.9 104.9 101.1 98.8 99 96.4 89.8 83.5 (◦F) Precipita 10 34 9 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 7 6 tion/ Precipitation/ 10 34 9 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 7 6 Rainfall (mm) Rainfall (mm)

FigureFigure 3. Average temperature temperature of Alof Al Ain Ain from from climate climate analysis analysis [21]. [21]. Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 24

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A wind wheel provides climate information like the temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and humidity. These all provide ideas about opening locations and a suitable A wind wheel provides climate information like the temperature, wind direction, passive strategy. A wind wheel gives us the opportunity to discover mainly if evaporative wind speed, and humidity. These all provide ideas about opening locations and a suitable cooling and natural ventilation are applicable or not. The figures below present the wind passive strategy. A wind wheel gives us the opportunity to discover mainly if evaporative wheel of the average over all years of the Al Ain climate, summer wind, and winter wind. cooling and natural ventilation are applicable or not. The ﬁgures below present the wind The average wind wheel shows that high wind speeds come from the northwest, north- wheel of the average over all years of the Al Ain climate, summer wind, and winter wind. east, and south (Figure 4). The average wind wheel shows that high wind speeds come from the northwest, northeast, and south (Figure4).

(a) (b)

(e) (f)

Figure 4. Weather condition analysis of Al Ain City. (a) Summer-fall sun shading chart [21]. (b) Winter- springFigure sun 4. Weather shading condition chart [21]. analysis (c) Summer of Al SunAin pathCity. on(a) siteSummer-fall [22]. (d) Wintersun shading Sun path chart on [21]. site ( [b22) ]. (eWinter-spring) Winter wind sun wheel shading [21]. (fchart) Summer [21]. (c wind) Summer wheel Sun [21 ].path on site [22]. (d) Winter Sun path on site [22]. (e) Winter wind wheel [21]. (f) Summer wind wheel [21]. 2.3. Parametric Structure and PV Panels 2.3.1.2.3. Parametric Parametric Structure Structure and PV Panels Focusing on other retroﬁt strategies and methods that will be used in the unit selected in the city of Al Ain, and after examining and pointing out the misconceptions that the Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 8 of 23

Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 24

villa is facing in regard to the correct use and suitable function of the efficient Mashrabiya design, research is found that illustrates and provides the traditional use and heritage of Mashrabiya,2.3.1. Parametric how isStructure it applied today in contemporary architecture, and what standards are notFocusing used correctly on other in the retrofit modern strategies Mashrabiya and design.methods Referring that will to thebe used history, in the heritage, unit selected and culture, the use of Mashrabiya in the design of old building façades was one of the in the city of Al Ain, and after examining and pointing out the misconceptions that the most important shading strategies. Mashrabyia was previously handmade, and it was madevilla is up facing of wooden in regard materials. to the The correct Mashrabiya use and in suitable the past function was the placeof the that efficient is covered Mashrabiya withdesign, wood, research and they is found used to that put theillustrates water jar and to cool provides there; itthe provided traditional a passive use and cooling heritage of strategy.Mashrabiya, The factor how thatis it mostapplied helped today in the in growth contemporary of Mashrabiya architecture, is the privacy and what concern standards thatare not was used in the correctly Islamic in religion. the modern Mashrabiya Mashrabiya was mostly design. famous Referring in Egypt, to the but history, it was heritage, widespreadand culture, throughout the use of Syria, Mashrabiya Iraq, the Arabianin the de Gulf,sign Sudan, of old Lebanon, building and façades the Maghreb was one of the countries.most important This strategy shading was strategies. used not onlyMashrabyia in houses was but alsopreviously in mosques, handmade, tombs, and and it was differentmade up organizations. of wooden materials. The Mashrabiya in the past was the place that is covered Functions that the Mashrabiya strategy provides follow: Daylight Control, Air Flow with wood, and they used to put the water jar to cool there; it provided a passive cooling Regulation, Humidity Control, Temperature Regulation, Visual Privacy, and Air Circulation. strategy.The research The factor that that we tookmost the helped information in the fromgrowth as aof reference Mashrabiya and evidence is the privacy of our concern mainthat was concern in the stated Islamic that religion. the old Mashrabiya Mashrabiya design was hadmostly more famous functions in Egypt, than just but being it was wide- decorative.spread throughout The research Syria, also Iraq, stated the that Arabian modern Gulf, architecture Sudan, has Lebanon, changed andand modified the Maghreb the coun- designtries. This of Mashrabiya strategy was in a used more not efficient only way, in houses such as but inthe also city in ofmosques, Masdar in tombs, Abu Dhabi; and different itorganizations. is the most popular building technique in terms of sustainable and efficient buildings. It alsoFunctions kept the tradition that the ofMashrabiya Mashrabiya strategy and did prov not changeides follow: its function Daylight but addedControl, in aAir Flow modernRegulation, touch Humidity and sense toControl, enhance Temperature the use of it. Returning Regulation, to the Visual roots ofPrivacy, traditional and UAE Air Circula- elements in building Mashrabiya and modernizing it has been studied, as seen in Figure5. tion. The concept of desert dunes is added to create the final design of the parametric shading structure,The asresearch illustrated that in we Figure took6. the information from as a reference and evidence of our mainIn concern this part, stated we studied that thethe differentold Mashrabiya structures design and made had a decisionmore functions matrix to than help usjust being todecorative. choose the The best research structure toalso hold stated the parametric that modern structure architecture to be extended has changed to the parking and modified lotsthe anddesign street. of TheMashrabiya first structure in a is more the Beam efficient Structure, way, which such acts as asin athe cantilever. city of ItMasdar carries in Abu aDhabi; vertical it loadis the and most shear popular load. The building second structuretechnique is thein Spaceterms Truss,of sustainable which is a long-and efficient spanningbuildings. three-dimensional It also kept the plate tradition structure of basedMashrabiya on the rigidity and did of thenot triangle. change The its thirdfunction but structureadded in is a the modern Cable Structure, touch and which sense utilizes to enhance tensioned the cables use toof support it. Returning or transmit to the the roots of majortraditional loads ofUAE the structure.elements The in fourthbuilding structure Mashrabiya is the Tree and Structure, modernizing which has it thehas shapes been studied, of trees: they are complex and fractal-like. A decision was made based on several criteria: as seen in Figure 5. The concept of desert dunes is added to create the final design of the the cost, span, durability, efficiency/quality, and weight. After testing and examining the structuresparametric based shading on the structure, given criteria as illustrated using the decision in Figure matrix, 6. the best structure with the highest total was the Tree Structure, which carries the whole shading element.

FigureFigure 5. 5.Final Final design design of of parametric parametric shading shading structure. structure. Sustainability 2021,, 13,, x 8595 FOR PEER REVIEW 99 of of 24 23

FigureFigure 6. 6. 3D3D views views of of the the structure. structure.

2.3.2.In Building this part, Integrated we studied Photovoltaics the different (BIPV) struct Applicationures and made (Product a decision Selection) matrix to help us to Afterchoose analyzing the best structure the UTCI to and hold finalizing the parametric the results structure of the to energy be extended validation to the and park- the ingelectricity lots and bill street. savings The thatfirst arestructure created is bythe the Beam parametric Structure, shading which structure,acts as a cantilever. this section It carriesexplains a vertical the next load stage and of shear the energy load. The savings, second which structure will leadis the to Space lower Truss, bills, createdwhich is by a long-spanningthe BIPV. The nextthree-dimensional step is making plate the decisionstructure tobased apply on BIPVthe rigidity panels of to the the triangle. structure The to thirdcreate structure more bill is savings the Cable and Structure, in the future, which a paybackutilizes tensioned payment. cables The first to stepsupport was or to trans- select mitthe the BIPV major product. loads The of the product structure. selection The fourth was based structure on the is flexibility, the Tree Structure, the watt power, which andhas thethe shapes efficiency of trees: of the they BIPV are module complex as welland asfractal-like. the ability A to decision have it customizedwas made based based on on sev- the eralcurvature criteria: desired the cost, according span, durability, to the parametric efficiency/quality, structure. After and a weight. wide search After and testing access and to examiningdifferent kinds the structures of products, based the Monocrystallineon the given criteria PERC using (Passivated the decision Emitter matrix, and Rear the Cell)best structureSolar Panel with product the highest from thetotal TARGRAY was the Tree Company Structure, (Dubai, which UAE) carries is selected. the whole The shading product element.selected comes as a transparent back sheet and front sheet; additionally, the color, size, and shape can be customized as desired and include a wide variety of choices. The type of 2.3.2.the solar Building cell is Integrated the Monocrystalline Photovoltaics PERC (BIPV) 6” with Application an Efficiency (Product of 21.7%; Selection) the reason this product is the most advantageous is that even though the cells are cut and formed into After analyzing the UTCI and finalizing the results of the energy validation and the different shapes, this does not affect the high efficiency of the solar cell. Other advantages electricityare the customized bill savings ultra-flexible that are created lightweight by the solarparametric panels, shading which comestructure, with this a standard section explains25-year warrantythe next stage that guaranteesof the energy maximum savings, performancewhich will lead throughout to lower bills, the lifetime. created by It alsothe BIPV.has high The durability next step is and making BIPV the application decision withto apply a high BIPV watt panels power to the that structure reaches to 330 create watt morepower; bill this savings is the selectedand in the watt future, power a thatpaybac is appliedk payment. to the The parametric first step structure. was to select Below the is BIPVan image product. of the The product product that selection shows its was ultra-flexibility based on the as flexibility, well as the the electrical watt power, characteristics and the efficiencyat standard of testthe conditionsBIPV module (STC). as well as the ability to have it customized based on the curvature desired according to the parametric structure. After a wide search and access to different2.3.3. Building kinds of Integrated products, Photovoltaics the Monocrystal (BIPV)lineApplication PERC (Passivated (Calculation) Emitter and Rear Cell) Solar AfterPanel selectingproduct from the product the TARGRAY and explaining Company the (Dubai, specifications, UAE) is selected. the second The step product is to selectedcalculate comes the Array as a Size transparent of BIPV, asback well sheet as the and number front ofsheet; modules, additionally, and the system’sthe color, Direct size, andCurrent shape (DC) can size, be customized to know how as muchdesired energy and include the BIPV a willwide generate variety perof choices. year and The in whattype ofway the it solar will cell be connected is the Monocrystalline to the parametric PERC structure. 6″ with an First, Efficiency the process of 21.7%; of calculating the reason wasthis productnot an easy is the process; most manyadvantageous difficulties is werethat ev faced,en though and the the result cells was are calculatedcut and formed by creating into differentan Excel shapes, spreadsheet. this does The not Excel affect sheet the calculated high efficiency the BIPV of the Array solar Size cell. and Other the advantages number of aremodules the customized based on theultra-flexible numbers inserted, lightweight which solar are panels, related which to the come energy with consumption a standard load 25- yearof the warranty interior lightingthat guarantees of the villa maximum (80 kWh performance per day); it alsothroughout refers to the the lifetime. energy simulationIt also has highdiscussed durability in detail and in BIPV the previousapplication subsections with a high of sectionwatt power dy. The that reason reaches for 330 selecting watt power; only a thissmall is loadthe selected sector from watt the power villa is that the smallis applied area ofto the the BIPV parametric panels thatstructure. are available Belowon is thean imagestructure; of the additionally, product that BIPV shows is meant its ultra-flexib to generateility energy as well for as the a small electrical sector characteristics of the energy atload standard and not test for conditions the whole (STC). building. So, the aim is to have the BIPV generating energy to decrease electricity bills and get a payback in the future. The BIPV will generate 10% 2.3.3.from Building the solar Integrated cells that are Photovoltaics available on (BIPV) the structure, Application and (Calculation) 90% will be connected to the Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 24

After selecting the product and explaining the specifications, the second step is to calculate the Array Size of BIPV, as well as the number of modules, and the system’s Direct Current (DC) size, to know how much energy the BIPV will generate per year and in what way it will be connected to the parametric structure. First, the process of calculating was not an easy process; many difficulties were faced, and the result was calculated by creating an Excel spreadsheet. The Excel sheet calculated the BIPV Array Size and the number of modules based on the numbers inserted, which are related to the energy consumption load of the interior lighting of the villa (80 kWh per day); it also refers to the energy simulation discussed in detail in the previous subsections of section dy. The reason for selecting only a small load sector from the villa is the small area of the BIPV panels that are available on the structure; additionally, BIPV is meant to generate energy for a small sector Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 of the energy load and not for the whole building. So, the aim is to have the BIPV10 of 23gener- ating energy to decrease electricity bills and get a payback in the future. The BIPV will generate 10% from the solar cells that are available on the structure, and 90% will be con- gridnected with to the the Al grid Ain with Distribution the Al Ain Company. Distribution The amount Company. of area The available amount for of the area BIPV available on thefor structurethe BIPV is on 21.717 the structure m2 (12.7 m is× 21.7171.71 m). m2 After(12.7 discoveringm × 1.71 m). all After of this discovering information, all the of this applicationinformation, stage the begins application by inserting stage thebegins numbers by inserting into the Excelthe numbers sheet, and into the the results Excel are sheet, thatand thethe Direct results Current are that size the of theDirect BIPV Current is 19 kW si andze of the the number BIPV ofis 19 solar kW cells and needed the number is 58 of modulessolar cells with needed a watt is power 58 modules of 330 eachwith (Figurea watt 7power). of 330 each (Figure 7).

FigureFigure 7. 7.BIPV BIPV product product speciﬁcation. specification.

2.4.2.4. BuildingBuilding Energy Energy Consumption Consumption and and Outdoor Outdoor Thermal Thermal Comfort Comfort 2.4.1. Building Energy Consumption 2.4.1. Building Energy Consumption The reduction of energy consumption in buildings can be achieved by simple methods The reduction of energy consumption in buildings can be achieved by simple meth- and techniques using an appropriate building design and energy-efficient system and technologiesods and techniques such as passiveusing an cooling appropriate strategies. building Passive design cooling and strategies energy-efficient are methods system to and improvetechnologies the performance such as passive of the cooling building. strategi Therees. are Passive several passivecooling cooling strategies strategies. are methods Nat- to uralimprove ventilation the performance is the process of of the supplying building. air withoutThere are the several use of mechanical passive cooling systems, strategies. and thermalNatural mass ventilation is the ability is the to process store thermal of supplying energy air to helpwithout with the balancing use of mechanical the temperature. systems, Highand thermal thermal mass withis the night ability flush to store increases thermal air movement energy to athelp night with to coolbalancing the structural the temper- elementsature. High of a building,thermal mass and finally with night there isflush the evaporativeincreases air cooling movement strategy. at night to cool the structuralAfter the elements analysis of done a building, by the climate and finall consultant,y there thereis the was evaporative not enough cooling information strategy. to dependAfter only the on analysis the values done of the by climate the climate consultants. consultant, The best there idea was was not to learnenough the realisticinformation valuesto depend of the only villa on by the doing values a site of examination the climate to consultants. know how the The parametric best idea structure was to learn will the berealistic in the values context of of the sidewalks villa by anddoing the aurban site examination area, which to is know the next how step the in parametric the outdoor struc- thermalture will comfort be in the process. context The of site sidewalks visit experience and the showed urban a area, huge which human is discomfort the next step while in the walking or just standing for five minutes; the parking area allowed access to the sun and outdoor thermal comfort process. The site visit experience showed a huge human discom- did not include any shading strategy to prevent heat gain to humans and surrounding fort while walking or just standing for five minutes; the parking area allowed access to facilities. All of this trapped heat is absorbed by the unshaded street and the gained the sun and did not include any shading strategy to prevent heat gain to humans and heat is reflected to the villa. This whole compound region has a high rate of unshaded facilities,surrounding which facilities. makes itAll an of Urban this trapped Heat Island heat (UHI).is absorbed This processby the unshaded occurs when street a city and the experiencesgained heat much is reflected warmer to temperatures the villa. This than whole the nearby compound rural areas. region The has surfaces a high in rate each of un- environmentshaded facilities, absorb which and makes hold heat, it an and Urban this Heat is what Island is happening (UHI). This to process the selected occurs area. when a Thecity UAEexperiences Green Building much warmer Regulations temperatures & Specifications than the will nearby be taken rural into areas. consideration The surfaces in whileeach environment designing the absorb parametric and structurehold heat, in and order this to is achieve what is the happening minimum to temperature the selected to area. improveThe UAE outdoor Green thermalBuilding comfort Regulations and reduce & Specific heat gainations to createwill be a comfortabletaken into consideration outdoor environment for people in the urban context. Based on the green building regulations, the dry bulb temperature comfort zone is in the range of 22.5 ◦C to 25.5 ◦C, and the air velocity is between 0.2 and 0.3 m/s. The relative humidity should range from 30% to 60%. By following these standards, outdoor thermal comfort will be achieved, and the retrofitting strategy and parametric structure will lead to a sustainable green building that reduces heat gain and energy consumption. The next sections show how the UHI problem will be solved in addition to the main strategy, which is the parametric double skin facade structure.

2.4.2. Outdoor Thermal Comfort Extreme climate and heat stress negatively affect things in many dimensions, including food, water, and especially human health and performance. Human activities are affected by weather conditions. In fact, humans are very sensitive to environmental heat. They Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 11 of 23

may suffer from severe consequences because of high temperature environments. For example, heatstroke can damage major body organs or even cause sudden death. It can also increase the likelihood of work-related accidents. Human thermal comfort in indoor and outdoor environments is measured by various indicators. Over 60 thermal stress indicators have been proposed to assess high temperature environments and predict the potential for the heat stress of the body. Each of these indicators has its own advantages and disadvantages [23,24]. The universal thermal climate index (UTCI) is the equivalent temperature for the environment derived from a reference environment. It is one of the most used indices for measuring heat stress in outdoor spaces. Calculating the UTCI considers many parameters, like the dry temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. It is regarded as the reference environmental temperature causing strain. The UTCI is divided into ten groups ranging from extreme cold stress to extreme heat stress, as shown in Table2[25].

Table 2. UCTI classiﬁcation [26].

Class of Thermal Stress UTCI (◦C) Range Stress Category −5 below −40 Extreme Cold Stress −4 −27 to −40 Very Strong Cold Stress −3 −13 to −27 Strong Cold Stress −2 0 to −13 Moderate Cold Stress −1 +9 to 0 Slight Cold Stress 0 +9 to +26 No Thermal Stress +1 +26 to +32 Moderate Heat Stress +2 +32 to +38 Strong Heat Stress +3 +38 to +46 Very Strong Heat Stress +4 above +46 Extreme Heat Stress

2.5. Modelling, Simulations, and Validation 2.5.1. Modelling and Simulation The modelling of the unit used for this study was conducted in Rhino software. Rhino is designed to work on complex structures. Grasshopper is a plugin that enables the parametrization to happen. For each stage of this research, different software programs are used, and the alignment of this software proved to be challenging and time Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 24 consuming [27,28]. In Figure8, the base model is shown in Rhino Grasshopper. The values of walls and openings refer to data received from the building company and from the site survey. The precision inin buildingbuilding the the model model was was crucial crucial in in achieving achieving a model a model close close to the to the real real conditions conditions(Figure (Figure8)[10, 298) ].[10,29].

Figure 8. Energy model before shading.

2.5.2. Validation for 1-Bedroom Apartment A study conducted in UAE by Taleb and Al Saleh focused on the energy consumption rate in the residential sector for every property. From their research, we can understand how much energy is normally used in UAE houses and apartments: in an expat villa, the energy use ranges between 32,100 and 97,000 kW and for an expat apartment, from 7200 to 12,400 kW. The focus will be mainly on expats because the selected compound is only for expat residents. We must study the energy consumption for the whole villa and reduce it, but there is a lack of information regarding the electricity bills for the whole villa; the only electricity bill data available are for 1-bedroom apartments within the villa. Electric- ity data for a 1st floor expat apartment in the northeast-facing unit are available. This data will be used only for validation purposes in order to make sure the energy model is correct [30]. Referring to the energy bills, it is noticed that the occupant is using less energy in some months, such as January to April; this means that the occupant is either using less electricity or is not available during the day. Because of this observation, as we are using Honeybee in Grasshopper plugins within Rhino software, we use a plugin called the Oc- cupancy Activity Schedule, as shown in Figure 9 below. The top chart shows the months in the year with respect to this and the activity of this occupant. The holidays and the weekends are added into the schedule so that we can reach the same energy consumption: this person uses 5781.10 kWh per year, and the energy use is calculated from the electricity bills from the data given. The purpose of doing this is to make the Rhino energy model close to reality as possible. After we added the occupancy schedule into the energy calculation, we ran the energy model in Rhino as shown below, and the Rhino model energy consumption for the whole year is 5932.50 kWh. The goal here is to make the Rhino model as close as possible to the validation energy use. They are close, at 5932.50 kWh per year and 5781.10 kWh per year, respectively. Lastly, after doing the energy use calculation for Rhino, we start calculating the electricity bills provided by the Al Ain Distribution Com- pany website. The following information was added with 5932.50 kWh per year, and it calculated the electricity bill, which is 1589.91 AED per year for the expat apartment. This bill is closer to the validation bill, which is 1549.32 AED per year. This means that the Rhino energy model is close to reality and correct (Figure 9). Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 12 of 23

2.5.2. Validation for 1-Bedroom Apartment A study conducted in UAE by Taleb and Al Saleh focused on the energy consumption rate in the residential sector for every property. From their research, we can understand how much energy is normally used in UAE houses and apartments: in an expat villa, the energy use ranges between 32,100 and 97,000 kW and for an expat apartment, from 7200 to 12,400 kW. The focus will be mainly on expats because the selected compound is only for expat residents. We must study the energy consumption for the whole villa and reduce it, but there is a lack of information regarding the electricity bills for the whole villa; the only electricity bill data available are for 1-bedroom apartments within the villa. Electricity data for a 1st ﬂoor expat apartment in the northeast-facing unit are available. This data will be used only for validation purposes in order to make sure the energy model is correct [30]. Referring to the energy bills, it is noticed that the occupant is using less energy in some months, such as January to April; this means that the occupant is either using less electricity or is not available during the day. Because of this observation, as we are using Honeybee in Grasshopper plugins within Rhino software, we use a plugin called the Occupancy Activity Schedule, as shown in Figure9 below. The top chart shows the months in the year with respect to this and the activity of this occupant. The holidays and the weekends are added into the schedule so that we can reach the same energy consumption: this person uses 5781.10 kWh per year, and the energy use is calculated from the electricity bills from the data given. The purpose of doing this is to make the Rhino energy model close to reality as possible. After we added the occupancy schedule into the energy calculation, we ran the energy model in Rhino as shown below, and the Rhino model energy consumption for the whole year is 5932.50 kWh. The goal here is to make the Rhino model as close as possible to the validation energy use. They are close, at 5932.50 kWh per year and 5781.10 kWh per year, respectively. Lastly, after doing the energy use calculation for Rhino, we start calculating the electricity bills provided by the Al Ain Distribution Company website. The following information was added with 5932.50 kWh per year, and it calculated the electricity bill, which is 1589.91 AED per year for the expat apartment. This bill is closer Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 24 to the validation bill, which is 1549.32 AED per year. This means that the Rhino energy model is close to reality and correct (Figure9).

Figure 9. Occupancy activity schedule for Rhino model. 2.5.3. UsingFigure 9. PVwatts Occupancy Software activity schedule for Rhino model.

2.5.3.After Using the PVwatts results Software were calculated by the Excel sheet (AppendixA, Table A1), the next step was moving on to calculating the amount of energy that the BIPV system with a Direct After the results were calculated by the Excel sheet (Appendix A, Table A1), the next step was moving on to calculating the amount of energy that the BIPV system with a Di- rect Current of 19 kW will generate per year. The next approach started with the selection of software that gives us a rough estimation of how much energy this BIPV will generate per year and the annual savings as well. The best selection to perform this action was the PVwatts software. The numbers from the Excel Sheet were next inserted into the software to get the results according to the BIPV DC size, which is 19 kW; the energy generated will be 30,640 kWh/year, with a total of 2480 dollars per year of electricity bill savings as a rough estimation from PVwatts. After that, the calculation of the bill savings started; they are based on the amount of energy consumption and the energy simulation of the shading structure before adding the BIPV to it. The amount of electricity bill savings before adding the BIPV was 84,587.34 kWh, and after adding the BIPV on top of the shading structure, the final electricity bill savings was 53,947.34 kWh after the BIPV energy simulation for the villa. So, the amount of the electricity bill that will be paid by the consumer of the villa after the BIPV is 14,457.89 kW per year, but in the future, the payback period will reach zero, and the consumer will not pay anything for the utility or the electricity bill. By this, the aim of installing the BIPV has been reached, and it will also benefit the people living in the villa. To add, the process did not end up going smoothly, and all of the numbers were calculated with the help of an Excel sheet that performs a simple rough calculation. This is because the software that we planned to use for the project did not work even with the help of the instructor because the servers of the company itself were facing problems. The figure below shows the trial of using the BIMSolar software, which calculated an efficiency of the BIPV modules when applied to the shading structure of 77% (Figure 10) [31]. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 13 of 23

Current of 19 kW will generate per year. The next approach started with the selection of software that gives us a rough estimation of how much energy this BIPV will generate per year and the annual savings as well. The best selection to perform this action was the PVwatts software. The numbers from the Excel Sheet were next inserted into the software to get the results according to the BIPV DC size, which is 19 kW; the energy generated will be 30,640 kWh/year, with a total of 2480 dollars per year of electricity bill savings as a rough estimation from PVwatts. After that, the calculation of the bill savings started; they are based on the amount of energy consumption and the energy simulation of the shading structure before adding the BIPV to it. The amount of electricity bill savings before adding the BIPV was 84,587.34 kWh, and after adding the BIPV on top of the shading structure, the final electricity bill savings was 53,947.34 kWh after the BIPV energy simulation for the villa. So, the amount of the electricity bill that will be paid by the consumer of the villa after the BIPV is 14,457.89 kW per year, but in the future, the payback period will reach zero, and the consumer will not pay anything for the utility or the electricity bill. By this, the aim of installing the BIPV has been reached, and it will also benefit the people living in the villa. To add, the process did not end up going smoothly, and all of the numbers were calculated with the help of an Excel sheet that performs a simple rough calculation. This is because the software that we planned to use for the project did not work even with the help of the instructor because the servers of the company itself were facing problems. The Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEWfigure below shows the trial of using the BIMSolar software, which calculated an efficiency14 of 24 of the BIPV modules when applied to the shading structure of 77% (Figure 10)[31].

Figure 10. BIMSolar trial results. Figure 10. BIMSolar trial results.

2.6.2.6. Materials,Materials, Construction,Construction, and and Cost Cost Evaluation Evaluation GKDGKD Metal Metal Fabric/Solar Fabric/Solar OmegaOmega ThisThis material material is is designed designed for for sun sun shading. shading. It It is is made made of of woven woven vertical vertical flat flat wire wire with with horizontalhorizontal stainless-steel stainless-steel wire wire to to provide provide even even more more efficient efficient solar solar protection protection for for building building facades.facades. ItIt waswas usedused inin projectsprojects andand showedshowed aa greatgreat reductionreduction inin energyenergy consumption.consumption. SolarSolar Omega Omega worksworks byby creating creating a a solar solar block block through through a a stacking stacking effect effect that that enhances enhances the the sun’ssun’s positionposition inin the sky. sky. As As the the sun sun rises rises high higher,er, the the stacking stacking effects effects of the of thehorizontal horizontal rods rodsshade shade the facade. the facade. In winter, In winter, when when the thesun sunis low, is low, more more solar solar gain gain is allowed is allowed through through the themesh. mesh. If we If add we addmore more depth depth to the to horizontal the horizontal rods, it rods, will itincrease will increase the amount the amount of shading of shadingwithout withoutblocking blocking the view thethrough view the through fabric. the It also fabric. has It a alsoLEED has Certification; a LEED Certification; when talk- whening about talking Solar about Omega, Solar Omega,we talk weabout talk its about benefit its benefitin reducing in reducing the heat the gain heat as gain well as as well re- asducing reducing the energy the energy needed needed to power to power the HVAC the HVAC systems. systems. Some Some of the of advantages the advantages of Solar of SolarOmega Omega are that are it that is made it is made of a ofmetal a metal fabric fabric that thatallows allows the transmission the transmission of natural of natural light lightand andprovides provides effective effective internal internal lighting lighting while while reducing reducing energy energy costs. costs. The cable The cableand mate- and materialsrials of metal of metal fabrics fabrics are made are made of 60% of recycl 60% recycleded materials materials and 40% and new 40% materials. new materials. During manufacturing, 100% of the leftover or unused material is recycled. The material is 100% recyclable whenever it reaches the end of its life. So, it can be used repeatedly and will not cost as much as new material; the only cost is the recycling process [32]. After a detailed study was made of the design and schematics for the looked-for shape and function of the facade and the structure type, as well as the materials that were based on certain criteria, the next step in this section is to choose the most beneficial fabrication method to accomplish the target. Moreover, having the shading structure completed for the desired form and time and cost, we must choose a suitable fabrication method. The first step was to look and search for similar project installation and fabrication methods, and due to the uniqueness and complexity of the parametric shading structure, it was found that the best solution is to use the 3D-printing fabrication method. The reasons behind choosing this process are its great benefits and the successful results it show in many parametric design projects, as well as the time it takes to complete the project compared to many other construction methods. 3D printing is a process that transforms a digital drawing into the final desired design by the method of layering the materials until the object is created. The materials that are used in 3D printing come in many kinds, and they are formed in thin strings that are called filaments; they are placed inside the 3D printer for the selected size and material type, and the desired structure is made by layering them. The 3D-printing process goes through three important stages: modeling, printing, and then finalization. A detailed design is prepared to describe these stages (Figure 11). Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 14 of 23

During manufacturing, 100% of the leftover or unused material is recycled. The material is 100% recyclable whenever it reaches the end of its life. So, it can be used repeatedly and will not cost as much as new material; the only cost is the recycling process [32]. After a detailed study was made of the design and schematics for the looked-for shape and function of the facade and the structure type, as well as the materials that were based on certain criteria, the next step in this section is to choose the most beneficial fabrication method to accomplish the target. Moreover, having the shading structure completed for the desired form and time and cost, we must choose a suitable fabrication method. The first step was to look and search for similar project installation and fabrication methods, and due to the uniqueness and complexity of the parametric shading structure, it was found that the best solution is to use the 3D-printing fabrication method. The reasons behind choosing this process are its great benefits and the successful results it show in many parametric design projects, as well as the time it takes to complete the project compared to many other construction methods. 3D printing is a process that transforms a digital drawing into the final desired design by the method of layering the materials until the object is created. The materials that are used in 3D printing come in many kinds, and they are formed in thin strings that are called filaments; they are placed inside the 3D printer for the selected size and material type, and the desired structure is made by layering them.

Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEWThe 3D-printing process goes through three important stages: modeling, printing,15 of 24 and then ﬁnalization. A detailed design is prepared to describe these stages (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Building section. Figure 11. Building section. For 3D printing, the materials are divided into many sectors, and usually 3D printers For 3D printing, the materials are divided into many sectors, and usually 3D printers print a variety of materials of different types, including plastic, powders, metals, carbon fiber,print and a variety Nitinol, of which materials is not ofused different in constr types,uction including but is used plastic, for medical powders, components. metals, carbon Theyfiber, all and come Nitinol, in the whichform of isfilaments, not used except in construction the powders. but For is the used project, for medicalas previously components. discussedThey all comein section in the one, form the materials of filaments, and st exceptructure the were powders. chosen by For the the decision project, matrix, as previously anddiscussed the distribution in section of one,the materials the materials through and the structure facade will were be by chosen fixed bypanels the that decision are matrix, goingand the to be distribution attached on ofthe the top materials of the structur throughe, which the is facade supported will by be tree by structure fixed panels col- that are umnsgoing for to holding be attached the parametric on the topstructure. of the Since structure, the printing which will is take supported place for the by shad- tree structure ingcolumns structure, for the holding material the that parametric was chosen structure. was aluminum Since filaments the printing for the will structure. take place On for the topshading of the structure,structure, attached the material to it, thatare the was panels, chosen which was are aluminum the GKD filamentsMetal Fabric/Solar for the structure. Omega,On top ofspecifically the structure, TIGRIS attached 2100; they to are it, are form theed panels, of a stainless which steel are mesh the GKD that is Metal horizon- Fabric/Solar talOmega, and vertical, specifically and they TIGRIS were 2100; used theybefore are in formedthe Abu of Dhabi a stainless Capital steel Gate mesh skyscraper. that is It horizontal has brown shades that accommodate the surrounding environment. It is brought from the and vertical, and they were used before in the Abu Dhabi Capital Gate skyscraper. It has factory. Figures 12 and 13 show a detailed design of the different layers of the structure reflectingbrown shades the fabrication that accommodate and application the complexity surrounding of the environment. design shadingIt structure is brought [33]. from the Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 15 of 23

Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 16 of 24 Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEWfactory. Figures 12 and 13 show a detailed design of the different layers of the16 structureof 24 reﬂecting the fabrication and application complexity of the design shading structure [33].

Figure 12. MaterialsMaterials applied applied based based on on our our façade façade design. design. Figure 12. Materials applied based on our façade design.

Figure 13. Structure layers. Figure 13. 13. StructureStructure layers. layers. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 16 of 23

Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 24

3. Results 3. ResultsThe results of this research refer to three main points analyzed in the paragraphs above.The Each results section of showsthis research decreased refer values to thr asee expected.main points The analyzed results referin the to paragraphs above. Each section shows decreased values as expected. The results refer to - Energy consumption;

- - OutdoorEnergy thermalconsumption; comfort; - Outdoor thermal comfort; - Cost evaluation. - Cost evaluation. 3.1. Energy Consumption Reduction 3.1. Energy Consumption Reduction In this section are shown the results of the energy calculations for the whole villa In this section are shown the results of the energy calculations for the whole villa before and after shading was added. Referring to a study, the expat villa energy use is in before and after shading was added. Referring to a study, the expat villa energy use is in the range from 32,100 to 97,000 kWh per year. Another study was conducted that estimated the range from 32,100 to 97,000 kWh per year. Another study was conducted that esti- householdmated household energy usageenergy inusage UAE; in UAE; in this in study, this study, the mostthe most energy energy is usedis used for for cooling cooling in houses,in houses, and and this this is because is because of the of the hot hot weather weather in UAEin UAE [24 [24].]. BeforeBefore the the shading, shading, after after generating generating the the energy energy in Honeybee in Honeybee in the in Grasshopper the Grasshopper plugin, theplugin, total energy the total consumption energy consumption is 92,436.79 is 92,436.79 kWh per kWh year. per In year. this calculation,In this calculation, we did we not did use thenot occupancy use the occupancy activity schedule,activity schedule, as the villa as the selected villa selected for this for project this project has no has information no infor- regardingmation regarding the electricity the electricity bills. Because bills. theBecause occupant’s the occupant’s activity isactivity unknown, is unknown, it will not it will affect thenot accuracy affect the of accuracy the calculation of the calculation as well as as the well reduction as the reduction of it. After of it. running After running the energy the model,energy the model, result the of result the electricity of the electricity bills is bill provideds is provided by the by Al the Ain Al Ain Distribution Distribution Company Com- website.pany website. The 92,436.79 The 92,436.79 kWh per kWh year per was year added, was added, and it and calculated it calculated the electricity the electricity bill, whichbill, is 25,492.28which is 25,492.28 AED (local AED currency) (local currency) per year. per Figureyear. Figure 14 shows 14 shows the model the model before before and and after addingafter adding the shading the shading structure. structure. The colors The colors in the studyin the study zones zones change change from orangefrom orange to yellow to andyellow from and light from blue light to darker blue to blue darker referring blue referring to the scheme to the scheme code from code rhino/grasshopperfrom rhino/grass- softwarehopper (darksoftware blue (dark 329 kWh/mmblue 329 kWh/mm2 and red2 and 971 red kWh/mm 971 kWh/mm2). 2).

Figure 14. 3D modeling of the base case without the shading structure and with the shading structure (structureFigure 14. not 3D visible). modeling of the base case without the shading structure and with the shading structure (structure not visible). After adding the shading structure, the energy model is generated using the Honeybee and GrasshopperAfter adding plugins; the shading the totalstructure, energy the consumption energy model isis 84,587.34generated kWhusing per the year.Honey- The reductionbee and afterGrasshopper shading isplugins; approximately the total 10%.energy This consumption decrease in is the 84,587.34 energy usagekWh per happened year. becauseThe reduction of the GKD after metalshading fabric’s is approximately ability to reduce 10%. This the energydecrease consumption. in the energy usage The studied hap- anglepened of thebecause sun isof fromthe GKD 12 p.m. metal to fabric’s 2 p.m.: abil onity the to 21st reduce of June the energy (summer), consumption. it is 85 degrees, The andstudied on the angle 21st of the December sun is from (winter), 12 pm it isto 422 pm: degrees. on the The 21st material of June is(summer), able to blockit is 85 the summerdegrees, sun and with on thethe gaps21st andof December allow the (winter) winter, sun it is to 42 enter degrees. for heating. The material When is the able energy to analysisblock the is completedsummer sun the with electricity the gaps bills and areallow calculated. the winter The sun calculation to enter foris heating. done by When using thethe Al energy Ain Distribution analysis is completed Company the website. electricity The bills amount are calculated. of payment The is calculation 23,098.03 AEDis done per by using the Al Ain Distribution Company website. The amount of payment is 23,098.03 year. Comparing between the payment before (25,492.28 AED per year) and after (23,098.03 AED per year. Comparing between the payment before (25,492.28 AED per year) and after AED per year), the bill savings are 2394.25 AED per year. (23,098.03 AED per year), the bill savings are 2394.25 AED per year. 3.2. OTC Results This section focuses on calculating the outdoor surface temperature, as this was the second aim of this research. The below results show how much the parametric shading Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 24

Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 24 3.2. OTC Results Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 This section focuses on calculating the outdoor surface temperature, as this was17 the of 23 second3.2. aimOTC of Results this research. The below results show how much the parametric shading design is going to reduce the outdoor surface temperature to improve walkability. An This section focuses on calculating the outdoor surface temperature, as this was the analysis was done in terms of: the building is under severe heat exposure from the sun; second aim of this research. The below results show how much the parametric shading designthe orientation is going of to the reduce building the outdooris in the southwest surface temperature direction, which to improve means walkability.that it is under An design is going to reduce the outdoor surface temperature to improve walkability. An analysishigh sun was exposure done in for terms the of:whole the buildingyear. Moreover, is under the severe radiation heat exposure analysis fromshows the that sun; the the analysis was done in terms of: the building is under severe heat exposure from the sun; orientationbuilding has of a the high building radiation is inexposure. the southwest From th direction,e chart as which shown, means the most that critical it is under months high the orientation of the building is in the southwest direction, which means that it is under sunof the exposure year are for March, the whole June, year.September, Moreover, and theDecember, radiation and analysis the most shows critical that time the is building 2 pm, has ahigh high sun radiation exposure exposure. for the whole From year. the chart Moreover, as shown, the radiation the most analysis critical monthsshows that of thethe as thisbuilding time is has in betweena high radiation 12 pm andexposure. 6 pm. FromAt 2 pm, the thechart temperature as shown, the is atmost the criticalhighest months peak yearfor the are whole March, year June, (Figure September, 15). and December, and the most critical time is 2 p.m., as this timeof is the in between year are 12March, p.m. June, and 6September, p.m.. At 2 and p.m., De thecember, temperature and the ismost at the critical highest time peak is 2 pm, for the wholeas this yeartime (Figureis in between 15). 12 pm and 6 pm. At 2 pm, the temperature is at the highest peak for the whole year (Figure 15).

FigureFigure 15. UCTI 15. valuesUCTI values before before and after and the after structure. the structure.

AfterAfterFigure identifyingidentifying 15. UCTI thethe values critical critical before months months and after and and the time, time structure. the, the next next step step is is to to plug plug these these parameters parame- into Grasshopper and calculate the UTCI before and after shading. The ﬁrst row shows the ters into Grasshopper and calculate the UTCI before and after shading. The first row calculationshows theAfter beforecalculation identifying shading before the for critical theshading chosen months for months, the and chosen time and , itmonths,the has next high stepand heat itis hasto exposure; plug high these heat the parame- secondexpo- row shows the results after applying aluminum shading with GKD/Solar Omega metal sure;ters the into second Grasshopper row shows and the calculateresults after the applyingUTCI before aluminum and after shading shading. with The GKD/Solar first row fabric panels, which have been hidden to show the colors clearly. Overall, we have noticed Omegashows metal the fabriccalculation panels, before which shading have beenfor the hi ddenchosen to months,show the and colors it has clearly. high heat Overall, expo- a differencesure; the before second and row after shows shading; the results it has after decreased applying the aluminum temperature shading in the with months GKD/Solar from we have noticed a difference before and after shading; it has decreased the temperature MarchOmega to December. metal fabric Meanwhile panels, which the UTCIhave been dropped hidden from to show extreme the colors heat stressclearly. to Overall, strong in the months from March to December. Meanwhile the UTCI dropped from extreme heat heatwe stress have (average noticed fora difference the month before of March and afte andr shading; September). it has decreased Although the the temperature shading is stress to strong heat stress (average for the month of March and September). Although the approximatelyin the months 3 m from above March ground to December. level, it still Meanwhile reduced the the UTCI surface dropped temperature from extreme impacting heat shading is approximately 3 m above ground level, it still reduced the surface temperature UTCI.stress Figure to strong 16 shows heat astress graphical (average representation for the month of of the March parametric and September). shading structure Although at the a impacting UTCI. Figure 16 shows a graphical representation of the parametric shading largershading and more is approximately realistic perspective 3 m above [34 ground]. level, it still reduced the surface temperature structure at a larger and more realistic perspective [34]. impacting UTCI. Figure 16 shows a graphical representation of the parametric shading structure at a larger and more realistic perspective [34].

FigureFigure 16.16. RealisticRealistic 3D3D view of the structure. Figure 16. Realistic 3D view of the structure. 3.3. Cost Evaluation 3.3.1. Payback Period of the BIPV (Using a Simple Payback Period Excel Sheet) After ﬁnishing the BIPV analysis process, the last step was to calculate the payback period to examine whether the aim was reached or not. The tables of the Excel sheet that has been used to calculate the payback period state the different approaches that are Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 18 of 23

followed and added up to get the result of the annual savings and income as well as the number of years that the people in the villa will wait until they get the payback from the BIPV modules and start paying zero AED in electricity bills to the utility. The first tables, which are titled PV system cost, are numbers that are taken from PVwatts as well as the first Excel sheet that calculated the DC (AppendixA, Table A1); in row (1c) is the rate per kWh based on the AADC (Al Ain Distribution Company) tariff, which is the amount of money that is paid by the consumer for the electricity bills. For United Arab Emirates, the tariff that is decided by the Al Ain Distribution Company is 0.286 AED/kWh. The next row, which is (1d), is the installed system’s total cost, which is 49,318.51 AED, and this includes the labor cost as well as the installation cost and the transportation and the fixation of the BIPV models as well as the solar cells of the BIPV product. The Annual Savings and Income, calculates the first year electricity bill savings from the BIPV, and it is calculated by multiplying the DC system size, which is 19 kWh, by 30,640 kW (from PVwatts), which is the amount of energy that is generated per year by the BIPV, and it results in a total savings of 8641.03 kW for the first electricity bill. Finally, the simple payback period of the BIPV system resulted in having a total of 3.50 years as a payback period, so after 3.5 years, the people living in the villa will start getting their investment back from BIPV. Furthermore, the next subsection in this section will explain the payback period and the return of investment in the BIPV modules in detail.

3.3.2. Return of Investment (ROI) for the BIPV This section will explain the return of investment of the BIPV. The return of investment is a process that is calculated based on accumulations of different values or amounts of money paid over several years in order to reach a value of zero. The year this value is reached will reveal the number of years the consumer must wait in order to examine the efficiency of the product that has been invested. In this case, the product that has been invested in is the installation of the BIPV system; the aim of the project is to make a profitable project so that people living in the villa can benefit financially from the installed BIPV system. The way that this investment is calculated is by the accumulation of the total amount of money paid each year for the electricity bills. First, a comparison has been made to test the project aim. The accumulation of the total electricity bills paid each year for the normal villa with the addition of the parametric shading structure was used as a baseline for the return of investment calculations. The total electricity bills were accumulated and the total amount of money paid each year for a lifetime of 10 years was added up. The result was 254,922.80 AED paid over 10 years, and this amount is for the villa itself without the addition of the shading structure and the BIPV system. The next step is the accumulation Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 20 of 24 of the electricity bills for 10 years when applying the parametric shading structure, which comes to 259,172.31 AED (Figure 17).

Figure 17. Return of investment chart.

Comparing this value with the ﬁrst value, it shows a difference when applying the Figure 17. Return of investment chart. shading structure and that makes the project aim at a decrease of electricity bills throughout Comparing this value with the first value, it shows a difference when applying the shading structure and that makes the project aim at a decrease of electricity bills throughout the years achieved. The next step is examining the amount paid for 10 years after the addition of the BIPV for more efficiency and financial income for residents in addition to the shading structure. This amount is 179,439.52 kW. This means that the aim has been achieved, and in terms of the return of investment, zero is reached. The number below zero that is achieved by the BIPV in addition to the parametric structure is the amount of money that will start returning to the people living in the villa after 4 years. The calculations of the BIPV and Shading structure are shown in the Appendix A, Table A2.

4. Discussion This study is an attempt to investigate the impact of parametric structures in building facades and the surrounding environment. The results showed a significant improvement in the reduction of the energy consumption and improvement in outdoor thermal comfort. However, difficulties were encountered related to software: - Aligning the design software Rhino and the structure calculation software STAAD. Rhino is an architectural software that has a large field of application. The base of the files in Rhino were proven difficult to be converted in STAAD. After several trials the converted file did not read all the structural elements. Therefore, they had to be re- designed and adjusted (Figure 18). - The integration of the BIPV proved to be challenging in the software adaptation. In the Rhino software there are many plug-in software that can be connected (such as grasshopper and honeybee), however in order to have the estimation of the energy production from the BIPV thru BIMSolar the files needed additional work in adapting.

Figure 18. Structural analysis of the parametric design structure. Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 20 of 24

Figure 17. Return of investment chart. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 19 of 23 Comparing this value with the first value, it shows a difference when applying the shading structure and that makes the project aim at a decrease of electricity bills through- theout years the years achieved. achieved. The The next next step step is examiningis examining the the amount amount paid paid for for 1010 yearsyears after the the additionaddition of of the the BIPV BIPV for for more more efﬁciency efficiency andand ﬁnancialfinancial incomeincome for residents in addition addition to to the shading structure. This amount is 179,439.52 kW. This means that the aim has been the shading structure. This amount is 179,439.52 kW. This means that the aim has been achieved, and in terms of the return of investment, zero is reached. The number below achieved, and in terms of the return of investment, zero is reached. The number below zero zero that is achieved by the BIPV in addition to the parametric structure is the amount of that is achieved by the BIPV in addition to the parametric structure is the amount of money money that will start returning to the people living in the villa after 4 years. The calcula- that will start returning to the people living in the villa after 4 years. The calculations of tions of the BIPV and Shading structure are shown in the Appendix A, Table A2. the BIPV and Shading structure are shown in the AppendixA, Table A2.

4.4. Discussion Discussion ThisThis study study is is an an attempt attempt to to investigate investigate thethe impactimpact of parametric structures in in building building facadesfacades and and the the surrounding surrounding environment. environment. TheThe resultsresults showed a significant signiﬁcant improvement improvement inin the the reduction reduction of of the the energy energy consumption consumption andand improvement in in outdoor outdoor thermal thermal comfort. comfort. However,However, difﬁculties difficulties were were encountered encountered related related to to software: software:

- - AligningAligning the the design design software software RhinoRhino andand thethe structure calculation software software STAAD. STAAD. RhinoRhino is is an an architecturalarchitectural software that that has has a alarge large field field of ofapplication. application. The The base base of the of thefiles files in inRhino Rhino were were proven proven difficult difficult to be to converted be converted in STAAD. in STAAD. After After several several trials trials the converted file did not read all the structural elements. Therefore, they had to be re- the converted file did not read all the structural elements. Therefore, they had to be designed and adjusted (Figure 18). re-designed and adjusted (Figure 18). - The integration of the BIPV proved to be challenging in the software adaptation. In - The integration of the BIPV proved to be challenging in the software adaptation. In the Rhino software there are many plug-in software that can be connected (such as the Rhino software there are many plug-in software that can be connected (such as grasshopper and honeybee), however in order to have the estimation of the energy grasshopper and honeybee), however in order to have the estimation of the energy production from the BIPV thru BIMSolar the files needed additional work in adapt- production from the BIPV thru BIMSolar the files needed additional work in adapting. ing.

Figure 18. Structural analysis of the parametric design structure. FigureAdditionally, 18. Structural difficulties analysis of werethe parametric encountered design while structure. collecting the data from the local sources. Collecting the information on the building architecture and structure took more time than previously estimated. Collecting the electricity bills for the specific villa where the information was available was a time-consuming process too. The material selected and the 3D-printing technology are new in the market, and this study investigated their application in the city of Al Ain. The cost analysis is based on local suppliers, and the return of investment is based on realistic climate conditions. Summers are proven to make it difficult to keep a normal work schedule. Future research and further development has to be done in adapting architectural and structural software for faster computing. This adaptation of files will drastically reduce work time. Grasshopper is based on the python language and is accessible to the audience. New researchers can give their contribution in improving the scripts [35]. However, with all of the technical challenges faced in this research, the results shown after the validation of the model based on the real energy bills are promising for future applications on a larger scale. Other cities with a similar climate can adapt this strategy and technology in order to achieve the levels of sustainability aimed at initially.

5. Conclusions The aim of this study was to understand and analyze the impact of the parametric structure on the building’s energy consumption and the surrounding environment. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 20 of 23

The major findings of this research are: a reduction of the energy consumption by a total of 10% per year; an improvement in the outdoor thermal comfort, the UTCI dropped from extreme heat stress to strong heat stress (average for the month of March and September). Another relevant aspect of this study was the application of the BIPV in order to add value to the full structure in terms of design and energy production. The Annual Savings and Income calculates the first year electricity bill savings from the BIPV, and it is calculated by multiplying the DC system size, which is 19 kWh, by 30,640 kW (from PVwatts), which is the amount of energy that is generated per year by the BIPV, and it results in a total savings of 8641.03 kW for the first electricity bill. This study brings innovation in terms of the software used, production method, and application. The software programs used for the modeling are Rhino and Grasshopper (as a plugin), and the calculation of the structure is done in STAAD. BIPV was also integrated into the parametric structure and analyzed accordingly using BIMSolar. An analysis of the cost and the payback investment was conducted. Based on the potential design of the parametric structure and the different systems and products, future work is needed to understand the application of such a structure in other units of the same compound in order to have such an application on a district level. Moreover, other retrofit strategies using the parametric design of structures can be explored on a unit level and on a district level. Therefore, more energy savings can be achieved, and the outdoor thermal conditions can be improved. This study is relevant to the local industry in improving production with advanced software. Parametric shading structures are crucial in improving the energy performance of a building and OTC, therefore the analysis done in this research can have a large field of application. Moreover, it will help in reaching the sustainability goals defined by the Abu Dhabi Municipality.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, L.B., A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., S.S., M.A., and M.D.S.; methodology, L.B., A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; software, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; validation, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; formal analysis, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; investigation, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; research, L.B., A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., S.S., M.A., and M.D.S.; data curation, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; writing—original draft preparation, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; writing—review and editing, L.B., A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; visualization, A.A. (Abeer Alshamsi), A.A. (Anoud Alhefeiti), S.A., and S.S.; supervision, L.B., M.A., and M.D.S.; project administration, L.B., M.A., and M.D.S.; funding acquisition, L.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research received no external funding. Acknowledgments: The authors are thankful to the United Arab Emirates University, College of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department for their support during this research. Conﬂicts of Interest: The authors declare no conﬂict of interest.

Appendix A

Table A1. BIPV calculations [36].

BIPV Calculations Estimated Total AC Loads 80,000 Inverter Efﬁciency 0.97 Ave. Daily DC Energy Consumption of (DC Loads 82,474 WHr + AC Loads DC Energy/Inverter Efﬁciency) Sustainability 2021, 13, 8595 21 of 23

Table A1. Cont.

BIPV Calculations Number of Modules Estimated Annual DC Energy Usage 30,103 kWHr/year Peak Sun Hour 5.37 kWHr/m2/day PV size + Usage/(365 * PSH) 15.36 kW Actual PV Size with 25% Losses 19.2 kW kWp for PVSYST 19 kW Number of Modules + Array/Wats per Module 1900 330 58 Modules Area per Module 0.37 m2 Total Area needed 21.3 m2

Table A2. Parametric shading structure and BIPV cost calculations.

Total Cost Total Cost (Item Items Units Daily Output Item Cost (AED) Quantity No. including 10% + Labor + Equip) O&P (AED) Temporary fencing LM/panel 110 6.06 44 272.22 299.4 Site Cleaning m2 120 0.207 125.52 25.98 28.6 Excavation m3 115 26.14 16 418.24 460.06 Foundation m3 16 263.38 16 4214.08 4635.5 Column Erection each 10 872.34 4 3489.36 3838.3 3D printing sand mold m2 18 43 91 3893 4282.3 Aluminum casting kg 1451.5 13 258.064 3396.12 3735.73 Transportation each 60.96 69 2 138 151.8 Aluminum supportive each 960 8.19 12 98.28 108.108 structure welding Aluminum supportive each 105 20.53 12 246.36 270.996 structure erection GKD installation m2 140 69.42 139.5 9684.09 10,652.5 BIPV installation each 250 303.11 20 6062.1 6668.31 Total Cost 34,860.62

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