Impact of unit type and configuration on indoor natural ventilation performance of high-rise, high-density residential buildings in Hong Kong

Abstract

Indoor natural ventilation of residential buildings is challenging in High-rise high-density urban environment. By analyzing 659 residential floor plans built in Hong Kong over the past 10 years, a trend of bigger floor plan with multiple units and preference of view over ventilation as design principle were identified. Furthermore, 16 typical unit types located in various positions within the plan were analyzed for their ventilation performance using coupled CFD simulation technology. The results helped identify four unit types with good natural ventilation performance and three floor plans that provide effective indoor natural ventilation for different site conditions. The paper also highlighted several design guidelines to enhance indoor ventilation, such as the importance of placing openings on different façades or surface levels to create a pressure difference, achieving a balanced distribution of inlet and outlet areas, and positioning rooms within the wind path between inlets and outlets. These strategies contribute to improved indoor air quality and ventilation efficiency in high-density urban environments.