Building Physics is an interdisciplinary research area that combines principles from applied physics and mathematics with engineering design. The overarching objective is to contribute to the advancement of resource-efficient buildings that offer high-quality indoor and outdoor environments while minimizing environmental impact.
Our research
The traditional focus of Building Physics has been on optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring moisture safety, and enhancing the durability of buildings through “passive” measures, specifically the design of building envelopes. Various research methods are employed, ranging from analytical and numerical modelling to laboratory and field experimentation. The theoretical foundations draw from fundamental principles of physics, including thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer in porous media, fluid mechanics, and, more recently, data and signal processing. Mathematics plays a crucial role, incorporating numerical analysis, statistics, signal processing, and risk assessment to shape and enhance the research outcomes.
Nationally and internationally, Building Physics at Chalmers is recognized for its numerical and computational excellency, especially in whole building heat, air, and moisture modelling. We develop own theories about how to describe and mathematically couple different transfer processes that occur in building envelopes, how to prove them experimentally and predict numerically. This approach allows us to identify the potentials and estimate the risks associated with advanced building materials, embedded building services, and thermal energy storage materials. We are advancing also in the development and execution of non-standard experiments, often conducted in full scale and in real operation conditions.
Research Themes
Research Area Members
Research Area Leader
Members
- Professor, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Professor Emeritus, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Associate Professor, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Doctoral Student, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Postdoc, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Doctoral Student, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
Associated members
- Postdoc, Fluid Dynamics, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences
- Doctoral Student, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Doctoral Student, Fluid Dynamics, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences
Key Publications
Below is a list of key publications from the Building Physics Research Area that have been published in Chalmers’ research database.
Theoretical Threshold for Estimating the Impact of Ventilation on Materials’ Emissions
Authors: Fredrik Domhagen, Sarka Langer, Angela Sasic Kalagasidis
Published: 2024
A numerical and experimental study of a pavement solar collector for the northern hemisphere
Authors: Josef Johnsson, Bijan Adl-Zarrabi
Published: 2020
Retrofitting of a listed brick and wood building using vacuum insulation panels on the exterior of the facade: Measurements and simulations
Authors: Pär Johansson, Carl-Eric Hagentoft and Angela Sasic Kalagasidis
Published: 2014
Publications
In Chalmers’ research portal you will find more publications by the members of the Building Physics Research Area.
Key Projects
Below is a list of key projects from the Building Physics Research Area that have been published in Chalmers’ research database.
USES4HEAT - Underground Large Scale Seasonal Energy Storage for Decarbonized and Reliable Heat
Participants: Bijan Adl-Zarrabi, Ali Naman Karim
Year: 2023-2027
USES4HEAT is an EU-funded collaborative project aimed at demonstrating innovative, large-scale seasonal thermal energy storage (TES) solutions for a decarbonized and reliable heating supply. Our contribution focuses on reliable and resource-efficient field measurements to accurately track TES performance in the field.
Participants: Pär Johansson, Jan Mandinec, Angela Sasic Kalagasidis
Year: 2020-2026
Service life models are crucial for planning regular maintenance and strategic facade renovations, but existing models are limited by incomplete factor analysis, insufficient documentation, and subjective assessments. By integrating drone inspections, machine learning, and database analysis, we develop an advanced yet practical model for more accurate, timely, and effective service life predictions.
UEQ - simulations, visualizations and evaluations of future sustainable urban environments
Participants: Angela Sasic Kalagasidis, Andreas Mark, Gaetano Sardina, Joaquim Tarraso, Marco Adelfio, Marie Haeger-Eugensson
Year: 2020-2025
Urban environmental quality (UEQ) requires timely and informed decisions in urban planning situations. By considering wind and heat impacts in the city, negative effects of urban heat islands (UHI) can be mitigated through greenery and urban furniture. This project investigates how the advanced digital tool IPS IBOFlow can integrate expertise and stakeholders in early urban planning to improve comfort and safety for citizens. The outcome includes a high-resolution, fast urban design tool and clear visual guidelines for optimizing public spaces and effectively communicating identified qualities and risks.
Projects
In Chalmers’ research portal you will find more projects by the members of the Building Physics Research Area.