A smart green mashrabiyya-shutter design for residential applications in Egypt

Abstract

The revival of traditional latticework mashrabiyya is continually urged in the Middle East and North Africa to address conflicting needs since it optimally balances environmental, social, and aesthetic functions. However, its material and craftsmanship costs and inflexibility are significant barriers. This study aims to provide a preliminary design for a green, smart mashrabiyya-like shutter responsive to climatic conditions and privacy needs in Egypt, manufactured with palm midribs, a waste material available in the MENA region due to annual trimming. The simple, yet responsive and traditional design outlined in this study has a considerable potential for residential applications not only in Egypt, but also in similar socio-environmental contexts. The design generation is based on three steps: 1) constructing a static model that maintains the basic socio-environmental needs, manufactured with palm midrib patterns, 2) modeling dynamic functions, using Grasshopper/Ladybug, through standardizing slats and deciding upon visibility and adjustable parts, and 3) integrating smart controls based on comfort indexes and indoor climatic readings. Using a simple circuit fitted with sensors, actuators, and a microcontroller, the design of a latticework shutter responsive to climate and privacy was generated. The concept depends on computing indoor weather data and comparing them to thermal, daylight, and wind comfort indexes. Consequently, automated decisions could be made to regulate the shutter parts in two ways: 1) its opening angle and 2) openness between the slats. Ultimately, the operating concept of the smart shutter in a room and automated flowcharts that make decisions in daytime and nighttime modes were proposed.