Evaluation of the thermal performance of the envelope of an innovative construction system for low cost buildings

This research work presents the experimental results of the thermal performance of the envelope of a prototype low cost house built in a new sustainable community located in a prevailing temperate climate, with extreme diurnal and seasonal temperature swings. This project is based on the application of an ecological and innovative building system, aimed at reducing construction costs whilst providing suitable indoor thermal comfort for the occupants, as well as high levels of self-sufficiency in energy and water, among other benefits. Previous results have shown that the application of innovative building materials and construction systems integrated with bioclimatic design techniques with a sustainable approach are a promising alternative to reduce the costs of housing whilst providing suitable indoor thermal comfort conditions for occupants, and improving their economy and quality of living as well as the environmental conditions of the region. It is expected that this approach can also be applied to promote beneficial multiple effects in the country, and if applied at massive levels, it can generate a favourable cascade effect and contribute to improve occupants comfort conditions, and to reduce the high housing deficit in the country whilst reducing the severe environmental damage, meant to effectively promote sustainability at regional, national and global levels.