A comprehensive approach to comfort and energy efficiency for cooling and heating:results of thermal dynamic simulation of a bioclimatic massive building in Mediterranean climate

This study examines, by means of energy simulation softwares, the thermal behaviour of a real heavy masonrybuilding designed with a full application of bioclimaticstrategies, located in Mediterranean climate; the results are then compared with the performances of a twin building, which differs for one single feature, that is thermal mass. Unlike many researches on the thermal mass subject, here the whole building shell system is investigated, and not single constrution elements taken out of context: in such way energy interactions between the components of the building envelope emerge and it is possible to observe how the overall thermal balance is influenced. Moreover, using more than one simulation tool, it can be understood how different softwares take into account the effects of mass dynamic properties.