The present research is focused on an experimental investigation to evaluate the mechanical, durability, and thermal performance of compressed earth blocks (CEBs) produced in Portugal. CEBs were analysed in terms of electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, total water absorption, water absorption by capillarity, accelerated erosion test, and thermal transmittance evaluated in a guarded hotbox setup apparatus. Overall, the results showed that compressed earth blocks presented good mechanical and durability properties. Still, they had some issues in terms of porosity due to the particle size distribution of soil used for their production. The compressive strength value obtained was 9 MPa, which is considerably higher than the minimum requirements for compressed earth blocks. Moreover, they presented a heat transfer coefficient of 2.66 W/(m²·K). This heat transfer coefficient means that this type of masonry unit cannot be used in the building envelope without an additional thermal insulation layer but shows that they are suitable to be used in partition walls. Although CEBs have promising characteristics when compared to conventional bricks, results also showed that their proprieties could even be improved if optimisation of the soil mixture is implemented.

The recast of the European Union's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive introduced the concept of nearly zero-energy buildings, requiring its adoption from 2021 by all new buildings and existing ones submitted to major renovations. European Union member states must also ensure minimum energy requirements for buildings in order to achieve cost-optimal levels during their life cycle. Cost optimality and nearly zero-energy buildings are important concepts in European Union energy policies. These concepts are related, but one is more focused on costs, while the other is more concerned with low energy consumption and on site-renewable energy harvesting. If these approaches result in major differences in the selection of the best package of retrofit measures, then the transition from the cost-optimal concept to nearly zero-energy buildings might be problematic. To assess the most cost-effective solutions to achieve net-zero, a building in Porto, Portugal, was analysed. This determined not only the most cost-effective retrofit solutions but also compared these net-zero solutions with those resulting from the cost-optimal calculation. Both approaches lead to similar results, indicating that the transition between ‘cost optimality’ to ‘nearly zero-energy buildings’ could occur in Portugal.

The increase in global average temperature, mainly due to the high rate of greenhouse gas emissions, has triggered severe global warming and climate change. In Europe, the building sector accounts for a significant portion of emissions and energy consumption, prompting attention on nearly-zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) and zero-carbon buildings, as they play a pivotal role in reaching the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Passive systems offer a promising solution, optimizing energy usage by better adapting buildings to their local climates. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of passive heating and cooling techniques, exploring their contributions to contemporary architecture and showcasing their features and adaptability across different climates. Furthermore, the link between traditional and bioclimatic architecture is assessed. Recent years have witnessed a surge in publications on bioclimatic solar passive strategies, reflecting an intensified debate on climate change. Europe leads research in this area, aligned with initiatives like the Green Deal and Fit for 55. While dynamic simulation software is widely utilized for energy efficiency analysis, there remains limited integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and life cycle analysis (LCA) tools, which could enhance holistic assessments.

Modular timber construction embodies a pioneering and eco-friendly methodology within the building sector. With the notable progress made in manufacturing technologies and the advent of engineered wood products, timber has evolved into a promising substitute for conventional materials such as concrete, masonry, and steel. Beyond its structural attributes, timber brings environmental advantages, including its inherent capacity for carbon sequestration and a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional materials. Timber’s lightweight nature, coupled with its versatility and efficiency in factory-based production, accelerates modular construction processes, providing a sustainable solution to the growing demands of the building industry. This work thoroughly explores contemporary modular construction using wood as the primary material. The investigation spans various aspects, from the fundamentals of modularity and the classification of modular timber solutions to considerations of layout design, structural systems, and stability at both the building and module levels. Moreover, inter-module joining techniques, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) integration, and designs for disassembly are scrutinized. The investigation led to the conclusion that timber modular construction, drawing inspiration from the steel modular concept, consistently utilizes a structural approach based on linear members (timber frame, post-and-beam, etc.), incorporating stability configurations and diverse joint techniques. Despite the emphasis on modularization and prefabrication for adaptability, a significant portion of solutions still concentrate on the on-site linear assembly process of those linear members. Regarding modularity trends, the initial prevalence of 2D and 3D systems has given way to a recent surge in the utilization of post-and-beam structures, congruent with the ascending verticality of buildings. In contrast to avant-garde and bold trends, timber structures typically manifest as rectilinear, symmetric plans, characterized by regular and repetitive extrusions, demonstrating a proclivity for centrally located cores. This work aims to offer valuable insights into the current utilization of modular timber construction while identifying pivotal gaps for exploration. The delineation of these unexplored areas seeks to enable the advancement of modular timber projects and systems, fully leveraging the benefits provided by prefabrication and modularity.