Comfort temperature and humidity evaluation of a bioclimatic design building

Abstract

An evaluation of the hygrothermal comfort levels on a bioclimatic experimental building prototype located in Galician coast is presented. Its design was performed following strict bioconstruction criteria and it is called “A Vieira” (scallop in Spanish) after its shape. The construction was carried out as part of the international formative activity “Ecological Building with Straw Bales in Vocational Training” and the innovation project in vocational training “Didactical Resources for Bioclimatic Construction” during the 2011/12 academic year. The building is currently used for educational, training and experimental purposes. As constructive materials, regional wood, straw bales, clay, lime and grave were used. Floor was constructed with an experimental mortar consisting of a mixture of recycled mussel shell and hydraulic lime. The building was fitted with an insulating green roof and photovoltaic solar panels. Given its experimental character, the building has its climatic parameters continuously monitored to evaluate its response in terms of comfort. The results after the experimental data analysis show a positive behaviour in terms of comfort compared to conventional constructions.