Bioclimatic architecture: the case study of the sustainable residential settlement in Pieve di Cento

Energy savings inside buildings require a comprehensivedesign approach to balance bioclimatic strategies with the use of active systems.A climatic responsive building aims to mediate externalagents both to reduce climate loads and to create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.The sensitive approach to comfort gives nowadays more chances to implement passive strategies and especially the use of natural ventilation.The residential settlement in Pieve di Cento is made with a general Masterplan designed according to sustainableprinciples. Different building typologies have been planned all following the same general rules. Accordingto the new energy regulations following the European Energy Performance Directive, building energyperformance requirements has increased along the years. The project described in the article aims to reduceenergy consumption both for heating and cooling. Bioclimatic strategies and passive control techniques are applied both to the external spaces and the building.They include: strict solar radiation control, heavy thermal mass and insulation, building orientation, indoorspace arrangement according to the orientation and night natural ventilation. The construction is made of bearing brick walls and wooden ventilated roofs and materials are selected according to LCA. Solar panels are used to heat domestic water. Heating system is made by a low temperature radiant heating floor combined with a high efficient condensation boiler. Floor radiant panels can be also used for cooling even if this is not a real necessity, thanks to bioclimatic strategies.During each design phase expected performances have been continuously verified by means of simulations includingdynamic thermal simulations tools.The project - which is financed only by a private investor- represents a good example of smart use of simple strategies to reach energy efficiency targets both in the hot and cold season. The project was a good success on the market and demonstrates to be sustainable also from an economic point of view. The lesson to be learned is that the common battle to reduce CO2 emissions can be fought not only with extraordinary solutions, but a lot of goals can be achieved with a logical design which uses appropriately what we already have.