Traditional courtyards: an example of eco-efficiency for architects

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-10/f-sf-tca101512.php

[font face=Serif]Public release date: 15-Oct-2012

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FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
[font size=5]Traditional courtyards: an example of eco-efficiency for architects[/font]

[font size=3]Researchers from the University of Seville (Spain) have used mathematical tools to assess what has been known for centuries: the temperature inside the typical Mediterranean courtyard is cooler than that of the street. Though seemingly common sense, understanding such information in detail helps to save energy and money, which is the objective of eco-efficient buildings.

The inhabitants of Mediterranean regions have known for centuries that during the summer their courtyards are cooler than the street. "Why then put air conditioning extractor units on rooftops or outer walls when we could save energy by taking the cooler air from inside the courtyard," suggests architect Juan Manuel Rojas.

Along with two lecturers at the University of Seville, the researcher has developed a mathematical tool that for the first time assesses the complex thermodynamic behaviour of the courtyard. Details have been published in the Energies journal.

"These spaces create a mixture of phenomena: stratification (hot air rises and cold air falls); convection (the walls heated throughout the day project air upwards); and flow patterns (whirlwind formation depending on the geometry of the space)," explains Rojas.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en5072381

[bongbong]

1. Spain has had eco design for many decades

The rolling shutters on the OUTSIDE of seemingly every window in the typical Spanish apt/house save monstrous amounts of energy.

[Odin2005]

2. Spamming housing styles derived from Northern Europe everywhere...

...is an exercise in stupidity.