Role of occupancy and indoor temperature on energy efficiency of tiny housing

With focus on urbanization, population, and sustainable housing, tiny house movement have gained momentum in recent years. In high-density populated regions such as Hong Kong, nonexistence of standards on minimum amount of living space per capita and chronic housing shortage have led to rise in tiny residential units with size less than 18m². As we perceive a future in tiny affordable homes, it is necessary to implement strategies that make it more sustainable. This study utilizes a hybrid model that integrates the physical simulation method with data driven approaches to comprehend key relationships within buildings physical configuration, material specifications and operational conditions to recommend energy saving strategies at a minimal time compared to conventional energy estimation approaches. The study results indicate that establishing a minimum area per occupant along with indoor set-point temperature control can be decisive factors in reducing the annual cooling energy consumption of tiny residential units.