Effect of Corridor Design on Energy Consumption for School Buildings in the Cold Climate

This paper discusses the energy impact of corridor design for school buildings in the cold climate of China. Local school buildings were classified into three types in terms of the corridor design patterns. Architectural related parameters of corridors which could have a potential impact on the energy consumption were summarized and discussed, including: form and orientation, temperature control, opaque envelope components, glazing, ventilation and infiltration. The annual heating, cooling, lighting and total energy consumption were compared. Results showed that form and orientation have the most significant influence on building energy consumption while opaque envelope insulation of corridors shows the least effect on energy demand. By combining the most beneficial strategies at each step, this study resulted in a better performing corridor design that increases the energy-saving by around 6% for the double-sided corridor building type and 17% for the one-sided enclosed corridor type of school building respectively.