Combined use of design of experiment and dynamic building simulation in assessment of energy efficiency in tropical residential buildings

•We simulate a double storey residential building which is common in Malaysia.•Main factors effecting on cooling load examined by dynamic simulation and DOE method.•Ceiling and wall material and temperature have significant effect on the cooling load.•The most optimized materials for ceiling and wall identified among several options.•Keeping temperature on 26°C provides comfort level and energy saving concurrently.