The paper reviews modelling studies, relevant to UK type climates, of the energy balance of glazing in which several conclusions as to the optimum window area are suggested. Window management systems designed to reduce heat losses and prevent overheating are discussed and the potential for widening limits imposed on uncontrolled glazing is indicated. In general the studies indicate that energy use is insensitive to changes in window area suggesting that where buildings and their services are designed in an integrated manner to realise potential solar heating and daylighting gains then there is great freedom in window design with little energy penalty.
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