Bioclimatic design principles
Bioclimatic design aiming at the construction of buildings that are in harmony with the natural surroundings and local climate, ensuring conditions of thermal comfort inside. The bioclimatic design of the buildings serves four main objectives:
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Saving conventional energy. Thrift in oil consumption through renewable energy sources (RES), that leads to energy saving.
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Saving money. Using inexpensive solar energy for heating and / or cool wind for cooling. This is an economic challenge resulting in cutting down heating and cooling expenses by 50%, possibly more.
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Protection of the environment. Less usage of fossil fuels and electricity reduces the waste which harms the environment and cause air pollution.
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Improvement of the indoor living conditions. Bioclimatic design ensures thermal comfort and air-quality thus creating a healthy living environment.
Bioclimatic principles design
The following diagram shows a section of a bioclimatic building shell and its function during winter and summer period.
The design of
the building must comply with
the following bioclimatic principles of
operation:
The building as a natural solar collector in winter:
- The proper location of the building - Orientation (the largest face of the house facing SOUTH)
- Shape of the building,
- Size of the openings are depended on the orientation of the building,
- Interior design according to bioclimatic
principles of orientation
The building serving as a heat trap:
- Protection from cold winds,
- Thermal protection
- insulation
The building serving as a heat storage:
- Thermal mass - heat
capacity
The building serving as a natural cooling trap / storage:
- Sun protection of the building and its openings,
- Color and texture of the outer surfaces,
- Sufficiency of thermal mass,
- Thermal protection – insulation,
- Natural ventilation,
- Outgoing heat radiation during night,
- Microclimate
Source: BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN OF BUILDINGS, T. G. of the Technical Chamber of Greece, 20702-5/2010