Performance-Based Bioclimatic Design of a Kindergarten in Tirana: Integration of Passive Systems and Dynamic Simulation

Abstract
Contemporary buildings are increasingly energy-intensive due to rising requirements for heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. This article presents the bioclimatic design of a kindergarten for children aged 1–4 years in Tirana, Albania, developed in response to local climatic conditions and supported by digital simulation tools.
Tirana has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild, humid winters. Climate data and solar radiation analyses were conducted for winter and summer solstices using Design Builder software, allowing evaluation of solar exposure, shading effects, and overheating risks. The site, located near Kavaja’s Street, is surrounded by buildings up to 18 m high, resulting in approximately 60% shading. To optimize solar gains, the kindergarten was designed as a two-story building.
Two passive systems were integrated. The Barra–Costantini passive solar system provides winter heating through a glazed façade, metal thermal mass, and controlled air circulation, effectively serving spaces up to 12 m along the north–south axis. For summer conditions, a Canadian Well (earth–air heat exchanger) supports cooling and natural ventilation.
Design Builder simulations revealed increased solar radiation during the summer solstice, leading to potential indoor overheating. This was mitigated through cantilevered floor slabs designed to block solar rays at a 75° angle, combined with adjustable shading devices responsive to solar angles. The study demonstrates that climate-responsive design supported by simulation-based solar analysis can significantly reduce energy demand and improve thermal comfort in early childhood educational buildings in Tirana.

Keywords: Bioclimatic architecture, Passive solar systems, Design Builder simulation, Mediterranean climate, Energy-efficient kindergartens