Portfolio

Projects

Ph.D. Research: MICRO-V façade Design

MICRO-V (Multifunctional, Integrated, Climate-responsive, Opaque, and Ventilated) façade is a dynamic building façade with decentralized ventilation capability. The aim of the façade is to dynamically control the flow of heat, air and moisture in buildings. MICRO-V is made of several components, including phase change materials, dynamic insulation, and a novel bi-directional ventilation module that pre-conditions the fresh air.

To select the best-performing design configuration of the façade, CFD simulations on the component scale were performed. The final design of the façade was constructed on a real scale and installed on the BeTOP outdoor test cell facility in Toronto for experimental performance evaluation.

Technical research:

  • CFD simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze heat, air and moisture transfer inside the façade in the climate of Toronto.

  • Experimental research to monitor the thermal performance of the façade

Smart cement plaster

Exterior building finishes are constantly exposed to environmental elements, which adversely impacts their performance and durability. Thermal properties of cement plaster as a typical exterior finishing material in buildings was enhanced by incorporating phase change materials (PCM), and thermochromic paint to cement plaster. Thermochromic (TC) paint allows for the control of solar radiation exposure on the surface by increasing and decreasing solar reflectance as a function of temperature in the plaster. PCMs embedded in the plaster act as temperature regulator by decreasing extreme temperatures. Controlling temperature fluctuations the exterior surface façade could increase the durability of the material, and lead to reduced energy use in the building. Several configurations of cement plaster with different PCM and TC paint were developed and tested for thermo-optical performance.

Technical research:

Lab characterization tests:

  • Thermal conductivity measurements (ASTM C518-17)

  • Solar reflectance measurements (ASTM E903-12)

  • Emissivity measurements (ASTM E1933-14)

  • Accelerated UV aging tests (G154-16)

Master's Thesis: PCM integrated building surfaces

The application of latent heat thermal energy storage using PCMs was assessed as a retrofit measure in high-rise residential buildings with high window to wall ratios. The effectiveness of a dual PCM system with two melting temperatures applied to the walls and ceilings was tested in the city of Toronto and Vancouver using whole building energy simulations. The annual performance of this retrofit measure in reducing total heating and cooling energy use, and improving thermal comfort was analyzed. The PCM system was also constructed and tested in the summer season in an outdoor test cell in Toronto.

Technical research:

  • Energy simulations using EnergyPlus and Design Builder

  • Thermal comfort assessment based on ASHRAE Standard 55

  • Experimental tests using small scale test cells

BArch Thesis: Community Centre Design

The goal of this project was to design a cultural community center for a bustling neighborhood to respond to the social needs to people and house cultural, recreation and entertainment activities. The 32,000 square foot lot was divided to cultural, educational, social, and recreation spaces indoor and outdoor. The design concept of the building was based on fluidity initially inspired by its location in the ancient capital of calligraphy in Iran, and also by fluid floor plan design to connect indoor spaces accessibly and in harmony with the shape of the site. Energy efficient design measures were also embedded to control daylight, reduce surface temperature of roofs by installing green roofs, and provide electricity during the year by installing roof PV modules.

Technical features:

  • Architectural design and presentation using AutoCad, Revit, 3D Max

  • Design of green roof and solar array systems

  • Surveying the local neighborhood for social demands

Architecture School Design

The design of a new school of architecture in the QIAU university campus was proposed. The focal point of the design was to maintain the topography of the land by forming the shape of the building structure through the land, seeming that it emerges from the ground to the skies. Each floor is dedicated to specific educational activities and studios for the program of architecture with the importance of communications and social interactions in mind. The dynamic atmosphere inside the building is also translated to the outdoor topographic terraces outside.

Technical features:

  • Architectural design and presentation using AutoCad, Revit, 3D Max

  • Interview with University and Department dean for functional needs

Group projects

Eastern Pine

Eastern Pine is an affordable multifamily residential apartment in downtown Toronto for young adults and families designed with an integrated design approach. This design project was part of the US DOE Race to Zero Student Design Competition, which won the first prize in the category of small multifamily residential buildings. The project was completed in a collaborative effort with architecture, building science and mechanical engineering students in the Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to affordability, energy efficiency and sustainable construction principles were the core design strategies. With this target, the building enclosure, building systems, and architectural planning was completed. The design achieved Passive House US (PHIUS) certification, LEED, and DOE Zero Energy ready certifications.

Technical research (Responsibilities as a team member)

  • Energy simulation using WUFIPlus, BEopt

  • Enclosure design

  • Thermal comfort based on ASHRAE Standard 55, EN15251

  • Indoor air quality based on Indoor airPlus Checklist and LEED V4 home Platinum Certification

  • Material selection with low VOC based on GreenGuard, HPD and Living Building Challenge Red List free certifications.

Harmony Bridge

This design project is a social housing complex in the city of Vienna, Austria that was developed to house new immigrants and low-income families in pre-fabricated buildings. The design of the units were flexible, resident could modify their spaces according to their needs. The factor of energy efficiency was the main target for this complex, particularly to achieve the Passive House (PHI) benchmark criteria. The project was completed in a group of five students from different countries and backgrounds as part of the GBS summer school program. Different design concepts were used to address economical, environmental, social, and sustainable goals.

Technical research (Responsibilities as a team member)

  • Architectural design (Revit)

  • Enclosure design

  • Green wall design

NZEB Office

The design of a net zero energy office building in Toronto was performed to serve as a prototype for Net Zero office developments. The energy efficiency and sustainability targets were set to achieve Net Zero Energy Certification of the Living Building Challenge with 80% reduction in energy use compared to average Ontario office energy usage. The project was completed in a group of four students. The renewable energy generation on site produces 40,000 kWh/year of electricity.

Technical research (Responsibilities as a team member)

  • Architectural design using AutoCad, Revit

  • Daylighting system and analysis using Ecotect

  • Natural ventilation design

  • Building material selection