Improving the indoor climate of the traditional Ottoman houses in the Medina of Algiers

Abstract

The implementation of energy efficiency in historic buildings is limited and different parameters inhibit the improvement of microclimate conditions or energy performance. The aim of our research is to study the residential buildings of the old city of Algiers and to highlight the colonial and post-colonial transformations. The hygrothermal comfort is studied in order to identify a typical model of house having undergone transformations. This work requires a scientific and multidisciplinary approach integrating historical understanding, modern non-destructive inspection techniques and advanced experimental and numerical analysis methods (modelling and thermal dynamic simulation). The results show that in some cases of traditional houses, the transformations have been positive. The modification had a good functioning to modulate the variations of temperature and an indoor air quality allowing the occupants to profit from various zones of comfort. In other cases the undergone transformations generated enormous disorder resulting from discomfort situations. This work will provide adequate solutions to improve energy efficiency and sustainability for this residential heritage.