Total shading system approach at Sultan Qaboos University Eco-House project

This research presents a concept of total shading system made light weight shell that encloses the building and cut down the impact solar radiation on it. Variety of virtual shading plates were assessed by graphical shading charts, and physical models, then further refined into several types of louvers. Shading efficiencies of these louvers types were calculated and plotted and the graphs were used to compare them and select the appropriate type for each orientation. It was found out that horizontal louvers were necessary for South orientation, vertical louvers for East and West orientations, and none for North orientation. Louvers were slanted at specific angles in order cut down the low solar rays in the morning and afternoon hours, and to induce the prevailing North Easterly wind to infiltrate through and cool the cavity spaces. The findings of this research were applied and tested in the design and construction of Sultan Qaboos University Eco-House.