Regional Sensitivity Analysis for Multi-Performance Optimization of Rural Dwellings: A Case Study in Tianjin

¹ School of Architecture and Art Design, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China
² Key Laboratory of Healthy Human Settlements in Hebei Province, Tianjin 300132, China
³ School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
⁴ College of information Engineering, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

With the advancement of building energy efficiency simulation technology, sensitivity analysis has become increasingly important in optimizing architectural design. This study examines typical rural dwellings in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, using Regional Sensitivity Analysis (RSA) to assess how design parameters affect energy consumption, carbon emissions, costs, and thermal comfort. Eleven parameters were analyzed through 1,000 simulations, including insulation type, envelope geometry, and photovoltaic configuration. Eave depth showed the highest sensitivity for all metrics, while roof insulation thickness and PV panel angle strongly influenced thermal performance and cost. The study also applies an RSA workflow to mixed continuous and categorical variables, with binning adjustment improving sensitivity results for discrete parameters. Based on sensitivity findings, differentiated optimization strategies were proposed: prioritizing passive shading and roof insulation for comfort optimization, while focusing on PV system scale for carbon emission and cost control. This study provides quantifiable evidence for low-carbon, efficient, and comfortable design in rural buildings.