Simulation of passive thermal retrofitting techniques in an earthquake-resistant building: A case study of a building in Thakle Namuna Basti, Melamchi, Nepal

Thermal comfort is a relatively emerging topic in the Nepalese context. The role of thermal comfort in building performance is foreshadowed by peoples’ emphasis on only the structural aspect and active heating/cooling systems. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of passive thermal retrofitting techniques in an earthquake-resistant building in a small community called Thakle Namuna Basti of Melamchi, Nepal. Only three retrofitting techniques are used in this simulation; the addition of gypsum plaster on the wall, the use of foam on the floor, and the application of double-glazed windows. The study was conducted through a two-phased survey, and simulation in TRNSYS. The heating and cooling loads before and after retrofitting are compared. It showed that applying passive thermal retrofitting techniques reduced the overall annual heating load by 35% in the winter but increased the overall cooling load by 4% in the summer.