Bioclimatic architecture: examples from the past and recent experiences

The term bioclimatic architecture encompasses very broad concepts regarding the techniques of building and proposing an architecture integrated into the environment. From the moment that conditioning techniques (ventilation, air conditioning, supply of drinking water, etc.) respect the environment, we would already be facing a bioclimatic building, regardless of its typology, number of floors, or whether it is located in an urban area or isolated in a natural environment. Therefore, bioclimatic architecture can be defined as that which develops housing projects or any other type of building taking into account the climatic conditions of its location and making use of natural resources (sunlight, vegetation, rain, and wind) to minimize environmental impacts and strive to reduce energy consumption to a minimum. Bioclimatic architecture is closely linked to ecological construction which employs construction systems that are responsible for the environment and use resources effectively throughout the duration of its construction process.

One of the techniques that are commonly used when designing a bioclimatic home is to use the land as a thermal stabilizer. Burying a house 1.50 meters from the surface has many advantages if we want to provide it with an efficient and ecological conditioning system. The ground at that depth is always at a stable temperature, so if we situate the main rooms of the house at that level: living room, dining room, bedrooms, etc., we will ensure that the heat generated inside is stored within the house during winter, while in summer it acts as a container that insulates it from heat coming from the outside.

Examples from the past related to bioclimatic architecture and recent experiences

There are examples of architects who in the 1970s developed systems taking advantage of these natural resources. MICHAEL REYNOLDS used the land and recycled materials such as tires and glass containers which, combined with compacted sand, provided thermal stability to his homes. In addition, the maximum sunlight is utilized by orienting the main facade towards the south with a sloped closure at 45 degrees that optimizes the heat input during the day. Solar panels located on the roof supply electricity to the home throughout the year.

Recently we have seen another example of bioclimatic architecture that takes advantage of the thermal properties of the land. In this case, the houses are located in Australia and recently won the “WESTERN AUSTRALIA ARCHITECTURE” award (Australian Institute of Architects). It is the longest compacted earth wall in Australia, measuring 230 meters in length. It contains twelve residences covered in earth, designed to provide short-term accommodation during the season. With its rammed earth façade of 450 mm thick, the sand dune, and the formation of its roofs, the residences have the best thermal mass available, making them naturally cool in this sub-tropical climate. The compacted earth wall consists of iron clay, sand typical of the area, gravel obtained from the adjacent river, and water from a local drilling. This concept of implanting a residential area represents a new approach to architecture in northwestern Australia.