Building energy conservation in atrium spaces based on ECOTECT simulation software in hot summer and cold winter zone in Iran

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the optimum energy consumption of building atriums in hot, cold and dry climate zones in Iran. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses simulation software to analyze atrium design for energy saving in buildings and the effects of the energy saving process on the use of atrium in hot summer and cold winter zones in Iran. The buildings exhibit brick cavity concrete block plaster for wall, double-glazed alum frame for glaze, concrete slab on ground for flour and plaster insulation suspend for ceiling. This process is analyzed by choosing a suitable atrium for building energy efficiency in warmest session for warm weather conditions and the coldest session for cold weather conditions in Iran. Findings According to the analysis done using simulation software, with respect to the hot need prevention of direct and indirect solar energy and cold need absorption of direct and indirect solar energy, four-side atrium with total radiation incident of 2,506,027 and 69,613 W, radiation absorption of 902,795 and 29,057 W and radiation transmission of 297,118 and 4,201 W in hot summer and in cold winter are the best optimum selections. Originality/value The results of this research are useful for both building energy efficiency and producing a comfortable living environment in the future and will support new observations of how residential building developers can accept sustainable strategies to grow their overtaking in the Iranian construction market.