PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES IN MANABITA VERNACULAR HOUSING FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF THERMAL COMFORT IN SOCIAL HOUSING

Authors

Keywords:

Thermal comfort, Passive design, Local materials

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v9i16.0637

Vernacular architecture, characterized by the use of local materials and traditional construction techniques, has historically been effective in maintaining thermal comfort in specific climates. This study assesses the effectiveness of passive design strategies in vernacular Manabí housing, located in Rocafuerte, Ecuador. The aim is to analyze how these traditional techniques impact thermal comfort under current climatic conditions. A descriptive approach was employed, focusing on a house built in 1993, evaluated during two periods. Advanced tools such as ENERGY 3D thermal simulation software and Giovani’s psychometric chart were used, along with direct measurements of temperature and relative humidity in various areas of the house. The results indicate that despite the application of passive design strategies, such as cross-ventilation and the use of local materials, the house did not achieve adequate thermal comfort. The average indoor temperature recorded was 29.1°C in the dry summer season, suggesting that traditional techniques alone are insufficient to address the extreme climatic conditions of the region. It is concluded that integrating traditional techniques with modern solutions is essential to optimize thermal comfort in social housing. Combining advanced technologies and contemporary materials can provide a more effective and sustainable solution while preserving the cultural value of vernacular architecture.

Keywords: Thermal comfort, Passive design, Local materials.

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References

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Published

2025-05-10

How to Cite

Abad-Gallardo, J. D., & Molina-Lozano, M. B. (2025). PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES IN MANABITA VERNACULAR HOUSING FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF THERMAL COMFORT IN SOCIAL HOUSING. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA MULTIDISCIPLINARIA ARBITRADA YACHASUN - ISSN: 2697-3456, 9(16), 1104–1118. Retrieved from https://editorialibkn.com/index.php/Yachasun/article/view/656