Energy and indoor thermal performance analysis of a glazed façade high-rise building under various Nordic climatic conditions

Research has shown that glazed buildings can have higher energy use and are more prone to overheating than other types of buildings. However, few studies have explored the performance of glazed buildings in cold climates. This article aims to evaluate the energy and indoor thermal performance of a high-rise residential building with glazed façades and balconies under Nordic climatic conditions, through a parametric study. Dynamic, whole-year simulations are used to evaluate the impact of four design parameters (with and without glazed balconies, type of balcony glazing, window to wall ratio, and building location within the Nordic region) on the energy and indoor thermal performance of the building. The results show that the building without glazed balconies outperformed that with glazed balconies. Changing from single- to double-pane glazing also helped to reduce energy use and overheating, as did lowering the window-to-wall ratio. Overheating of apartments was found to occur during the summer in five of the six locations simulated, which suggests that solar control strategies might be needed for glazed buildings even in a Nordic climate. This study highlights the importance of further research on glazed residential buildings, which are becoming more common in contexts subject to such climates. •Parametric analysis of a highly glazed building in Nordic climate conditions.•The building with no glazed balconies outperformed that with glazed balconies.•In winter, glazed balconies reduced solar heat gains and increased heat demand.•In summer, the greenhouse effect of glazed balconies increased indoor overheating.•Glazed residential buildings may need shading or cooling even in a subarctic climate.