Question

Design a space within a building (could be one room) indicating the interior thermal
mass and construction. The design should illustrate the best location for thermal mass
and window placement in order to improve indoor comfort and building's thermal
performance.

Answer 1

Answer,

A typical living room designed with keeping thermal mass in mind is drawn below:

An outer explanation of thermal mass criteria in a building and explanation of prerequisites in below image:

Designing a house or room considering thermal mass have following prerequisites.

1) Solar orientation and angle :- House should face North or south so that it allows winter sun and excludes summer sun.

2) Cross ventilation :- We need breeze in summer to cool the night through house.

So by providing windows on opposite sides (E - W) direction will allow air to pass through in those hot summer night.

3) Insulation :- It reflects the heat flow , so that rooms remain at cool from outside.

4) Material (Glass) :- Placemnt of glass should be - most at North side but minimum at East - West side.