Bioclimatic study of a housing module in a Mediterranean climate.

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The analysis has focused on identifying the geoclimatic and bioclimatic characteristics of the project’s site, as well as an in-depth analysis of the local Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Mediterranean Architecture, as project guidelines. First the Mediterranean area in general was analysed, then the particular region. The data collected determined the typological, distributive and technological scheme (as well as the passive and active systems) of the building.

 

A thermodynamic calculation allowed us to verify that the "intuitive" design corresponded to the comfort requirements, which showed us how to improve the building model (up to passive house levels) and which options to evaluate for active renewable energy systems.

 

The study ended with a reflection on the ecological and economic sustainability of the project and on the variations of the model depending on different locations in the Mediterranean area.

 

The objective of the project was to design a semi-prefabricated housing unit (a part handmade in mud and a part prefabricated in wood) using local materials following traditional construction techniques, but improving its energy efficiency.

 

The product of this study is a building for a "new market economy", which promotes self-building with the active participation of users. This building is characterized by moderate use of technology, reasonable construction costs, high energy efficiency and low environmental impact.