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Indoor Thermal Performance in Vernacular Dwellings in Alentejo, Portugal

Costa, Inês; Neila González, Javier; Raslan, Rokia; (2021) Indoor Thermal Performance in Vernacular Dwellings in Alentejo, Portugal. (SSRN ). Elsevier BV Green open access

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Abstract

Understanding the indoor environmental conditions of liveable architectural heritage such as vernacular dwellings is a key step towards its conservation. Yet, there is a lack of large-sample studies that assess indoor conditions using long-term quantitative and qualitative data complying with monitoring standards. This paper addresses this gap in Portuguese vernacular dwellings using long-term mixed methods, by analysing the thermal performance, indoor air quality, and illuminance of 22 case studies. Key findings highlight the role of thermal mass in damping the outdoor thermal wave and providing thermal stability, night ventilation, and lack of windows. Summer thermal performance bettered that of winter, but occupant control strategies negatively impacted thermal stability and overheating. In winter, the most prevalent heating system, electric, performed less efficiently than radiant heating, leaving occupants exposed to thermal discomfort and health risks from cold, mould, and toxins from wood-burning and cooking. Important discrepancies were found between the illuminance monitored and survey data, indicating the significance of cultural practices in indoor environment acceptability and expectations.

Type: Working / discussion paper
Title: Indoor Thermal Performance in Vernacular Dwellings in Alentejo, Portugal
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3944793
Publisher version: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3944793
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Indoor environmental performance, vernacular dwellings, in situ monitoring, hot-dry climate, occupant survey
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > Bartlett School Env, Energy and Resources
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10146496
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