Passive Solar Buildings and Bioclimatic Architecture in Italy

Extensive experimental and research work has been carried out in Italy in the general field of bioclimatic architecture for over a decade. The thermal and energetic behaviour of a variety of buildings under realistic conditions is now well known and can be represented by many simulation programs. This paper reports on research developments within the Italian National Energy Project and describes the systematic analysis of the results. This includes the application of new technologies, a study of their energy saving potentials and their cost-to-benefit ratios. The recently published Directory of Bioclimatic Applications is also described. The most commonly used passive solar systems were found to be sunspaces, Trombe walls, solar chimneys and direct gain systems.