Sustainable Greek traditional dwellings of Cyclades

Abstract

The Greek traditional dwellings of the Cyclades epitomize sustainable design principles to create optimum comfort environment. This paper evaluates specific traditional dwelling type in terms of its response to climate and thermal comfort, based on passive design principles that could be adapted to current architectural practice in the area, in order to optimize the relationship between site, building and climate. This study especially deals with building envelope (walls and roofs: construction materials, type of insulation) that demonstrate sustainable design principles. The paper discusses relevance of the study in the context of the Greek legislation the Act 3661-Measures to reduce energy consumption of buildings; Gazette 89/19 May 2008 KENAK [Hellenic Republic. 2008. Act 3661-Measures to reduce energy consumption of buildings, draft rules for energy efficiency of buildings-KENAK. http://portal.tee.gr/portal/page/portal/TEE-EVOIAS/KENAK.pdf (in Greek)]. Finally, the study is important from the point of socio-cultural identity and regional character of the Cyclades, which are under preservation status as per law.