There are a range of computer models that can be used to simulate building thermal performance. Such models are particularly useful in research to study the thermal behavior of a building in response to the climate. The end result of the simulation will provide useful information that will improve  the understanding of the design strategy.

The building type investigated in this research is a traditional courtyard house and is a house type that is no longer built. Computer simulation can predict how this building type functions to the benefit of their occupants.

This chapter will describe the use of a computer simulation program to simulate the thermal performance of traditional houses in the Central region of Saudi Arabia. The program used is called Heat Transfer in Buildings (HTB2), which was developed at the Welsh School of Architecture (1).

The use of HTB2 can provide a good understanding of the thermal performance of traditional mud houses in Saudi Arabia

Simulated House and measured data

Mud House and concrete house simulation