Key Provisions to Make an Energy Efficient Residential Building in Algerian Saharan Climate

This work focuses on a comparative study between two residential buildings; one conventional (inefficient and uncomfortable) house and the other one more low-energy in a residential block subjected to complicated climatic conditions. The findings further suggest that deployed concepts should be based on a more rational use of energy, a good insulation practice: by optimizing thermal performance of opaque and transparent walls (walls, windows and doors) and eliminating thermal bridges, a passive heating of living spaces using solar gains and a better compactness. However, under the influence of the studied concepts, it seems that it is impossible to attribute the type A label. This is mainly due to the very severe conditions corresponding to this Saharan climate. To reach this level, it needed to integrate other bioclimatic concepts adapted to this climate such as a multi-functional active system for heating, cooling and evaporative humidification.