Thermal Performance and Comfort Conditions Analysis of a Vernacular Palafitic Timber Building in Portuguese Coastline Context

Fernandes, Jorge Emanuel Pereira; Mateus, Ricardo; Gervásio, Helena; Silva, Sandra Monteiro; Branco, Jorge M.; Almeida, Manuela Guedes de

doi:10.3390/su122410484

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Concerning the indoor temperature, higher mean indoor temperatures were reported in this study than the mean values reported in some of the previous investigations on indoor comfort in buildings built with timber materials [8,11,18,28,42]. However, lower mean temperatures were noted in this study than the average temperatures recorded or predicted in existing research [9,12], especially in some of the buildings in the tropics [43].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 83%

“…However, lower mean temperatures were noted in this study than the average temperatures recorded or predicted in existing research [9,12], especially in some of the buildings in the tropics [43]. The mean RH in the current study is within a similar range to the values obtained from previous investigations [11,28,42]. On the one hand, the neutral temperatures reported in this study are higher than those reported in some studies [11].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 61%

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Indoor Comfort, Thermal Indices, and Energy Assessment of Multi-Family Colonial Revival Style Buildings

Adekunle¹

2021

Energies

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Colonial Revival style residences have unique architectural features amongst others. They are common multi-family residences in the United States with no or limited information about their performance. The research purpose is to assess indoor comfort, energy performance, and thermal indices in multi-family Colonial Revival style residences. The research questions include (i) Do Colonial Revival style buildings perform better than other old buildings? (ii) Do the buildings consume additional electricity than typical and other old buildings? The research examined four case studies in Hartford County, Connecticut. The investigation explored comfort surveys, monitoring, collection of actual electricity usage, and assessed thermal indices using mathematical models. The average indoor temperature of 25.4 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 61.3% are reported. About 67% of the residents are thermally comfortable. The research noted significance between thermal sensation and other variables, excluding how occupants feel about the air movement. The average number of hours of temperature exceeds 28.0 °C and 30.0 °C marks for over 11.4% and 2.5% of the time, respectively, except in one of the buildings. The mean indoor temperatures are within the applicable bands of the adaptive comfort models. The averages of actual thermal sensation vote (TSV) ranged from 3.32 to 4.37 on a 7-point sensation scale. The mean neutral temperatures varied from 24.2–25.6 °C. The average monthly electricity bill is within the national average for residences in summer, excluding in August. The mean wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of 21.1–22.3 °C and summer simmer index (SSI) of 30.1–32.4 °C are calculated as feasible bands for thermal indices in the buildings. The basements are more comfortable than other spaces within the case studies. The research outcomes can be used for future developments of Colonial Revival style and other similar buildings. The study recommends interventions such as retrofit to improve the performance of some existing Colonial Revival style buildings, especially the older ones that are less insulated with outdated equipment and appliances.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 83%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 61%

Indoor Comfort, Thermal Indices, and Energy Assessment of Multi-Family Colonial Revival Style Buildings

Adekunle¹

2021

Energies

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“…Concerning the use of reed as an element for thermal insulation in walls, the walls of palheiros, and the tabique technique are important examples of Portuguese vernacular architecture using reeds. Palheiros are palafitic timber buildings, and although their timber walls usually just have an air cavity, there are records of palheiros in Leirosa (near Figueira da Foz) in which the cavity of the external wall was filled with reeds to improve thermal insulation [8,13] (Figure 2). Reed is also found in earth-filled timber frame walls such as the tabique.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Potential of the Reed as a Regenerative Building Material—Characterisation of Its Durability, Physical, and Thermal Performances

et al. 2021

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Knowing the properties of vernacular materials is crucial to heritage conservation and to develop innovative solutions. Reed, considered to be a carbon-neutral and a carbon dioxide sink material, has been used for centuries for diverse uses. Its high availability and properties made it a popular building material, including in Portuguese vernacular architecture. An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the physical performance, thermal performance, and durability of the reed found in Portugal since the characterisation of this material was not found in previous studies. The influence of geometric characteristics and the presence of nodes on these properties were also analysed, and the results showed that they are irrelevant. The studied reeds were found to have an adequate thermal performance to be used as thermal insulation. Their thermal resistance (1.8 m2·°C/W) and thermal conductivity (0.06 W/m·°C) are under the requirements defined by Portuguese regulations on thermal insulation materials. Overall, the physical characteristics (moisture content, density, and retraction) are compatible to its use in the construction. Concerning durability, there was only a trend for mould growth in particular environments. The results provide valuable data to be considered in the development of new construction products based on this natural and renewable material. Additionally, considering the studied samples, the reed found in Portugal has characteristics suitable for use as a building material, especially as a thermal insulation material.

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“…In Portugal, for example, only the coastal region reaches temperature and humidity conditions similar to those studied. This situation can happen during the summer, for a short time, usually at night (Fernandes et al, 2020). Second, the reed was studied considering the resistance to the mould of the inner face, i.e.…”

Section: Durability Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

Reed as a Thermal Insulation Material: Experimental Characterisation of the Physical and Thermal Properties

Malheiro

Ansolin

Guarnier

et al. 2022

Construction Technologies and Architecture

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The building sector plays a significant role in reducing global energy use and carbon emissions. In the European Union (EU), the building stock represents 40% of total energy use and in which cooling and heating systems represent over 50%. Portugal is one of the EU countries where the consequences of energy poverty are most evident due to the families' financial inability to adequately climate their homes. The reasons are several, but they are mainly linked to buildings' poor passive thermal performance, resulting from inadequate adaptation to the climatic context and reduced thermal insulation. Thus, it is necessary to develop solutions to increase buildings’ thermal performance and reduce their potential environmental impact, which arises mainly from the significant use of active systems. In this sense, natural building materials are a promising solution, reducing energy use and carbon emissions related to buildings. This research studies the potential use of reed found in Portugal (Arundo donax) as a thermal insulation material. Its physical characterisation and the influence of geometry configuration on its thermal performance are evaluated. Its durability was studied too. Reed stalks were used to carry out the physical and durability tests. A reed board (150 x 150 mm) was built, and its thermal performance was tested in a hotbox. According to the results, the characteristics of reeds found in Portugal make it suitable to be used as a building material. Furthermore, regardless of the configuration studied, the reeds have a satisfactory thermal performance to be used as thermal insulation, under the requirements defined by Portuguese thermal regulation, Re ≥ 0.30 (m2.oC)/W. There is a trend to the mould growth in the reed, but only under favourable conditions. Additionally, considering the abundance of reed throughout the Portuguese territory, this is an eco-friendly and low-cost option that gathers all requirements to be more used in the construction market.

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Thermal Performance and Comfort Conditions Analysis of a Vernacular Palafitic Timber Building in Portuguese Coastline Context

Cited by 4 publications

References 22 publications

Indoor Comfort, Thermal Indices, and Energy Assessment of Multi-Family Colonial Revival Style Buildings

Indoor Comfort, Thermal Indices, and Energy Assessment of Multi-Family Colonial Revival Style Buildings

The Potential of the Reed as a Regenerative Building Material—Characterisation of Its Durability, Physical, and Thermal Performances

Reed as a Thermal Insulation Material: Experimental Characterisation of the Physical and Thermal Properties

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