Optimal urban sustainable design for residential village in Al-Baha region: application five roles strategies

Abstract

This paper evaluates and discusses the proposed design for a low carbon environmental village in Al-Baha region. It considers its viability in view of local renewable energy sources, climatic conditions and local vernacular architectural identity. Five areas were targeted when designing the village: (a) low carbon architectural design strategies; (b) on-site renewable energy strategies; (c) selection of local construction materials; (d) exploitation of rain water harvesting and greywater recycling; and (e) waste disposal recycling and management. The used approach is to design a sustainable village with its facilities in prospective of environmental requirements social needs. The design follow application five roles’ strategies from the literature and depending on local site challenges, available of natural in a location of Al-Baha gate from the airport. The site selected is located along the main highway that connects Al-Baha city to its nearest airport. The chosen area is 4,945,000 m ² and has a flat topography with mountains located relatively close by. The findings present in the study plans for comprehensive sustainable low carbon energy village, which meet the climatic requirements and exploiting natural resources operated by natural renewable energy. This village is designed for typical Saudi families, and will be built from local construction materials. The design includes more than 6150 residential units powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels, and local services using wind energy. The energy requirements for the whole village were calculated based on macro and micro energy generation. Local regulatory standards and sustainability criteria have also been met for the proposed village. Five experts also evaluated the five-purpose design proposition. The impact of designing sustainable villages will lead in protection of environment improved the life and health quality as well as economic benefits. The benefits of addressing five aims are highlighted and the study concluded with some recommendations.