ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 651

Building Envelope and Insulation Strategy Intent Nightjars have very light thin skin covered with feathers, during the winter the bird protects his body and restores heat by saving an amount of fat under its skin, where this fat acts as insulation layer that reduces heat loss during the cool night, on the other side in summer the bird becomes more active and get rid of the amount of fat that he gained in winter to prevent heat gain. Strategy Implementation Metro station is consisted of three main components; the building itself, the curved structure covering the station, and the rail that the metro passes on. The rail and foundations are constructed of concrete, where the skin is constructed of steel structure and panels; the metro building is constructed of concrete walls. The main aim in this strategy is to use materials with lower U-value in order to reduce cooling loads inside the building and save energy. In the study, using Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software to simulate the monthly cooling loads according to the current situation of the building envelope. Figure 26 shows the amount of cooling consumed through the months of the year. Figure 26: Monthly Heating/Cooling Loads- Saturday 1st September – Before (Autodesk 2011) Figure 27: Hourly Gains- Saturday 1st September – Before (Autodesk 2011) Thermal comfort through biomimicry in the case of Emirates Towers Metro Station in Dubai 649