Assessment of the climate adaptive level of several envelope typologies for old apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

This research proposes the concept of the “Climate Adaptive level of the Building Envelope” applied to pre-1975 apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. The primary objective of establishing this "climate adaptive level" is to provide a clear, quantitative framework to evaluate how effectively existing building envelopes regulate harsh microclimatic conditions and maintain indoor thermal comfort. Using field survey data from 30 old apartment buildings and Dynamic Thermal Simulation software, the study evaluates typical facade typologies located in areas with high land surface temperatures. By assessing the climate adaptive level, the research aims to pinpoint specific thermodynamic and aerodynamic deficiencies within the current facade structures. Ultimately, the results provide a reliable quantitative basis for optimizing facade retrofitting solutions, contributing essential data to the “Performance-based Design” process. This purposefully aims to sustainably enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency for old apartment buildings in Vietnam within the context of ongoing climate change.