Review of Related Literature
Related Studies
A growing body of research confirms the effectiveness of external shading devices in tropical buildings for
reducing heat gain and lowering cooling energy demand. Studies in Malaysia have shown that
appropriately designed shading devices, shaped and constructed from energy-efficient materials, can
significantly reduce indoor air temperature, improving overall building efficiency in tropical climates [8].
Research combining external shading with solar control films in high-rise office buildings in Jakarta
demonstrates a synergistic effect, reducing annual cooling loads by up to 29% while maintaining daylight
quality and thermal comfort. This suggests that integrating shading with advanced façade technologies
offers greater performance benefits in tropical urban contexts [9].
Comparative analyses across different window orientations indicate that shading system effectiveness
varies by façade orientation, with optimized shading yielding up to ~25% cooling energy savings for east-
facing windows. Such findings reinforce the importance of orientation in passive design strategies, aligning
with this study's focus on the east-facing façade [10].
Simulation-based research in tropical climates has shown that dynamic external shading can achieve almost
15% cooling energy reduction compared with unshaded conditions, especially on facades exposed to
maximum solar radiation. These results further validate the role of shading devices in reducing thermal
load in hot climates [11].
Other real-world case studies, such as the Darwin (Australia) analysis, provide evidence that horizontal
overhangs and fins can reduce cooling loads by around 9–15% when optimally designed, adding practical
support to analytical findings on shading efficacy [12].
Finally, research on static vs. dynamic horizontal shading devices reveals that even simple fixed-angle
devices can achieve cooling load reductions of about 15–18% in tropical climates while balancing daylight
performance, giving designers practical guidelines for passive shading implementations [13].
Theoretical Framework
This study is grounded in building physics and passive cooling theory, which posits that controlling solar
radiation entering a building reduces cooling loads without additional energy consumption. The heat
balance principle underlies solar heat gain calculations, where the total energy entering through windows is
a function of window area, solar heat gain factor, and shading coefficient:
Q = A × SHGF × SC (1)
Where:
- Q = solar heat gain (W)
- A = window area (m²)
- SHGF = solar heat gain factor (W/m²)
- SC = shading coefficient
1
This framework aligns with the principles outlined in the ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals, which provides
methods for calculating solar heat gain and emphasizes the effectiveness of shading devices in tropical
climates [2]. By applying this theoretical model, the study quantifies the reduction in cooling load achieved
by horizontal overhangs, vertical fins, and combined shading configurations.
Standards and Codes (Philippines)
The study adheres to standards and codes recognized in the Philippines for building energy efficiency and
passive design:
1. Philippine Green Building Code (PGBG) – Mandates the use of passive strategies, including shading
devices, to enhance energy efficiency and reduce cooling loads in tropical buildings.
2. Philippine Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (Republic Act No. 11285) – Encourages energy-
efficient building design practices, which include passive cooling measures such as external shading.
3. Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) – Provides guidance on energy efficiency for mechanical systems in
buildings.
4. ASHRAE Standards and DOE Guidelines – Although international, these standards are referenced in
local Philippine building design for calculating solar heat gain, window performance, and energy
efficiency best practices [1], [2].