Improving Summer Thermal Comfort in Renovated Buildings Through Passive Strategies: A Chongqing Case Study

This study aims to bridge the research gap in thermal optimization for urban micro‐renewal by proposing an integrated approach that combines natural factors with functional requirements. Through field experiments and DesignBuilder simulations (validated with local climate data), we evaluated a typical building in Chongqing, China, under summer hot–humid conditions. Based on the results, optimization strategies were developed for site conditions, building functions, and the local hot–humid subtropical monsoon climate. Key findings include: (1) a window‐to‐wall ratio (WWR) of 30%–50% optimizes thermal performance by minimizing heat gain without compromising daylight; (2) a ventilated attic achieves a 5.8% annual sensible cooling load reduction (from 61.6 to 58.0 kWh/m 2 ) of a large second‐floor room; (3) nighttime natural ventilation achieves a 24.5% reduction (from 61.6 to 46.5 kWh/m 2 ) compared to the baseline model, demonstrating superior performance to continuous operation; and (4) the lift‐up design (LUD) decreases overall energy consumption while also providing ecological benefits, including strengthening urban ventilation, providing building shadows, and enhancing urban vitality. The study provides a climate‐responsive framework for micro‐renewal, demonstrating that integrated strategies (WWR optimization, attic ventilation, LUD, and nighttime cooling) can simultaneously enhance thermal performance, energy efficiency, and urban ecological benefits.