This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Earth, wood and others traditional materials are still used in house constructions in many regions of the world, especially in the Andes. San Pedro de Atacama, for example, is a small town where earth blocks (adobes) and rammed earth (tapial) are important ways to construct, an art passed on through generations. Energy properties of earth are very interesting: thermal conductivity is low; heat storage capacity is high; color is variable and can be used to absorb or to reject solar radiation. However, nowadays the government social dwelling service is proposing a different type of construction, which does not maintain any relation with the tradition. This paper presents simulation studies and monitoring of four different San Pedro houses, constructed by using different techniques and materials. Results can be used to discuss the thermal performance needed in desert climate and the reliability of social dwelling service houses, under construction at this time in the town.
Massimo Palme; José Guerra; Sergio Alfaro. Thermal Performance of Traditional and New Concept Houses in the Ancient Village of San Pedro De Atacama and Surroundings. Sustainability 2014, 6, 3321 -3337.
AMA StyleMassimo Palme, José Guerra, Sergio Alfaro. Thermal Performance of Traditional and New Concept Houses in the Ancient Village of San Pedro De Atacama and Surroundings. Sustainability. 2014; 6 (6):3321-3337.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo Palme; José Guerra; Sergio Alfaro. 2014. "Thermal Performance of Traditional and New Concept Houses in the Ancient Village of San Pedro De Atacama and Surroundings." Sustainability 6, no. 6: 3321-3337.
Vertical cities’ growth is argument of discussion worldwide. Population increases and a better soil use are needed, in terms of efficiency and density, in many cities of the world. However, an excessive vertical growth seems to be harmful, especially near the green areas of midtowns. In this paper, the case of Antofagasta is studied. The paper studies different possible future evolutions searching for a bearable development, respecting the society needs and the environment. Parameters analyzed are: temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction in the studied area. Results show the impact of building growth in terms of overheating and wind reduction on the ground area studied. Additionally, the social impact of living in towers is also discussed in the paper, searching for better design in order to guarantee user’s comfort, satisfaction and stimulation in their residences. Thermal, visual and acoustical effects produced by towers are considered in the critical evaluation of the Antofagasta city evolution. Part of this work relates to architectural workshop “energy and architecture” conducted by the authors at the School of Architecture of the Catholic University of the North (UCN) in 2012.
Massimo Palme; José Guerra Ramírez. A Critical Assessment and Projection of Urban Vertical Growth in Antofagasta, Chile. Sustainability 2013, 5, 2840 -2855.
AMA StyleMassimo Palme, José Guerra Ramírez. A Critical Assessment and Projection of Urban Vertical Growth in Antofagasta, Chile. Sustainability. 2013; 5 (7):2840-2855.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo Palme; José Guerra Ramírez. 2013. "A Critical Assessment and Projection of Urban Vertical Growth in Antofagasta, Chile." Sustainability 5, no. 7: 2840-2855.