Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

www.elsevier.com/locate/buildenv

Recovery of Spanish vernacular construction as a model

of bioclimatic architecture
Ignacio Cañas∗ , Silvia Mart,-n
Department of Construction and Rural Roads, Superior Technical School of Agricultural Engineer,
Polytechnical University of Madrid, via Complutense s/n, Madrid, Spain
Received 18 February 2003; accepted 22 April 2004

Abstract

The objective of the study is to set the bases of bioclimatic construction by learning from the traditional construction. The research is
focused in the information obtained from the classical authors of Spanish vernacular architecture. The aim of this paper is to determine the
design strategies used in vernacular constructions to adapt them to the environment. The results of the study can be used in two di4erent
forms: (1) to make a proposal for the recovery of vernacular constructions with peculiar bioclimatic strategies; (2) to translate some of
the bioclimatic strategies used in vernacular constructions to the present ones.
? 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Popular architecture; Bioclimatic design strategies; Graphic information; Particular cases

1. Introduction A total number of 212 photographies whose legend refers

It is generally accepted that traditional or vernacular ar-
chitecture is well adapted to the dominant climate of its sur-
roundings by means of the method of trial and error. This
is the reason of popular architecture is said to be the origin
of bioclimatic architecture.
During hundreds of years man has developed some con-
structive techniques to obtain the internal comfort consider-
ing the local climatic conditions, the available materials and
other conditions relating to culture.
The aim of this paper is to determine the design strategies
used in vernacular constructions to adapt them to the envi-
ronment. The results of the study can be used in two di4erent
forms: (1) to make a proposal for the recovery of vernacu-
lar constructions with peculiar bioclimatic strategies; (2) to
translate some of the bioclimatic strategies used in vernac-
ular constructions to the present ones.
In this work, all books available from the School of Ar-
chitecture of Polytechnical University of Madrid have been
studied. Only books with speci?c examples of buildings
have been selected.
∗
Corresponding author. Tel.: +34-913-365-767; fax: +34-913-365-
625.
E-mail addresses: icanas@cvr.etsia.upm.es (I. Cañas),
smartin@cvr.etsia.upm.es (S. Mart,-n).
to the climate conditions have been collected. The classical
authors of vernacular architecture’s references are checked
and the examples of bioclimatism are studied.
The 212 cases of buildings in Spain are going to be a
guide to the study of the bioclimatic strategies more used in
Spanish popular architecture. The approach to the study of
bioclimatic architecture is made through case studies.
2. The Spanish climate and geography
Spain is a country located in the south-west part of the
European continent (see Fig. 1). It is situated in the temper-
ate area, between latitudes 43◦ 47 24 N (Estaca de Bares)
and 36◦ 00 3 S (Punta de Tarifa), and between longitudes
7◦ 00 29 E (Cape of Creus) and 5◦ 36 40 W (Cape of
Tourinan).
The area of Spain is 580:850 km2 , this is a four-?fth of
the Iberian Peninsula. It borders on Cantabrian sea, France
and Andorra to the north, on Mediterranean sea to the east,
on Mediterranean sea and Atlantic ocean to the south and
on Portugal and Atlantic ocean to the west.
Due to its placing Spain belongs to the temperate climate
area. But due to the geographic situation of Spain, we can

0360-1323/$ - see front matter ? 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2004.04.007
1478 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495
Fig. 1. Situation of Spain in the European continent.
?nd ?ve di4erent areas with an speci?c climate (see Fig. 9):
• Oceanic climate: belonging to Galicia and the Cantabrian
costs, in this areas the temperature is soft and the precip-
itations are abundant.
• Continental climate: belonging to the interior areas of the
Peninsula, this areas have cold winters and hot summers.
• Mediterranean climate: belonging to the Mediterranean
costs, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are
soft. The precipitations accumulate in autumn.
• Mountainous climate: belonging to Pirineos, the Central
System and the Penibetica mountain chain. The winters
are cold and long and the precipitations are abundant.
• Subtropical climate: belonging to Canary Islands, the
temperature are soft all the year and the precipitations are
scarce.
In relation to political divisions Spain is formed by 17
Autonomic Communities (see Fig. 2), as well, each Auto-
nomic Community is divided into provinces (see Fig. 5).
3. Materials and methods: the bioclimatic strategies in
the Spanish popular constructions
The bioclimatic strategies studied are 10: (1) high ther-
mal mass, (2) protection against solar radiation, (3) use of
solar radiation, (4) use of natural resources, (5) built form,
(6) protection against rain, (7) protection against wind, (8)
protection against cold temperatures, (9) town planning and
(10) protection of the entrance. Next this strategies are ex-
plained in detail (see Table 1 for numbers in brackets):
(1) High thermal mass: The aim of this strategy is to
protect the interior of the building from the extreme tem-
peratures because solar gains can be absorbed into the mass
Fig. 2. Map of the geographic distribution of the cases studied. The
di4erent colors represent di4erent Autonomic Communities.
during the day and released in the evening. Thus, comfort
conditions can be maintained for a longer part of the day.
Where thermal mass is used the thickness is a signi?cant
characteristic. The thicker the mass, the longer the time lag
(cases 3, 31, 79, 141).
(2) Protection against solar radiation: This strategy try
to reduce the entry of solar radiation (light and heat) into
the interior of the building when it is annoying (cases 1, 4,
8, 9, 17, 21, 57, 67, 68, 69, 80, 81, 89, 92, 93, 98, 99, 100,
110, 118, 120, 126, 127, 128, 134, 135, 136, 150, 168, 171,
172, 181, 184, 193, 194, 207, 208, 211).
(3) Use of solar radiation: The aim of this strategy is
to reduce the amount of energy employed due to heating
and lighting using the solar radiation. For this purpose it is
necessary that the orientation and the building surfaces are
designed taking into account the sunpath (cases 7, 15, 23,
28, 104, 113, 119, 121, 123, 124, 130, 139, 149, 155, 173,
182, 190, 192).
(4) Use of natural resources: The aim of this strategy is
to reduce the energy consumption in the building to get the
comfort conditions. In this paper three types of this strategy
are found: the use of stubble as combustible in a traditional
system of heating named “gloria”, the incorporation of a
system to collect the rainfall for its use for the inhabitants,
the placing of livestock in the ground plant of the housing
for heat up the rest of the building (cases 5, 36, 49, 55, 65,
90, 107, 112, 144, 145, 166, 169, 170, 177, 183, 189, 197).
(5) Built form: This strategy is used to increase or reduce
the contact with the environment, depending on the favor-
able of the exterior conditions (cases 48, 76, 101, 108, 165).
(6) Protection against rain: The aim of this strategy is
to avoid the penetration of humidity inside the building.
Table 1
Cases studied

Case Localization Province Autonomic Community Bioclimatic strategy Classi?cation Documental

reference
1 Acequias Granada Andaluc,-a Balcony protected by the prolongation of the roof Protection against solar radiation 4
2 Ademuz Valencia Comunidad Valenciana Balcony protected by the prolongation of the roof Protection against rain 4
3 Aguilar de Campos Valladolid Castilla y Le,on Cave-dwelling housing High thermal mass 1
4 Al,ajar Huelva Andaluc,-a Balcony protected by the prolongation of the roof Protection against solar radiation 4
5 Alba de Cerrato Palencia Castilla y Le,on Chimney of “gloria”, use of stubble to heat the housing Exploitation of natural resources 1
6 Alba de Tormes Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
7 Albalate del Arzobispo Teruel Arag,on All the openings are oriented to the south Use of solar radiation 4
8 Alcaracejos C,ordoba Andaluc,-a Small windows to avoid brightness to entry Protection against solar radiation 2

I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

9 Alcarecejos C,ordoba Andaluc,-a Small windows to avoid brightness to entry Protection against solar radiation 2
10 Aldea del Obispo Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Portal for the protection against climate conditions Protection against rain 1
11 Algodre Zamora Castilla y Le,on Large slopes of the roof and a portal protecting the front door Protection of entrance 3
12 Almod,ovar del Pinar Cuenca Castilla La Mancha Protection of the front door with a small cover Protection of entrance 4
13 Ans,o Huesca Arag,on Concentrated town due to the strong conditions imposed by climate Town planning 2
14 Arenas de San Pedro ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Metallic sheet protecting the facade Protection against rain 2
15 Arcade Pontevedra Galicia ; oriented to the south
Facade Use of solar radiation 4
16 Arrayoz Navarra Navarra Facades covered by wooden boards Protection against rain 4
17 Arure Tenerife Islas Canarias The door is the only opening for lighting and ventilation Protection against solar radiation 4
18 Atienza Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Closing of the superior part of the housing Protection against low temperatures 4
19 Atienza Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Closing of the superior part of the housing Protection against low temperatures 4
20 Atienza Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Closing of the superior part of the housing Protection against low temperatures 4
21 Ayamonte Huelva Andaluc,-a Courtyard of a house Protection against solar radiation 4
22 B,arcena Mayor Cantabria Cantabria Protection of the joint between the roof and the wall Protection against rain 4
23 Barcenillas Santander Cantabria Balconies oriented to the south Use of solar radiation 2
24 Barcenillas Santander Cantabria Portal for the protection against climate conditions Protection against rain 2
25 ,
Barco de Avila ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
26 ,
Barco de Avila ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
27 Barrillos de las Arrimadas Le,on Castilla y Le,on Small roof protecting the double front door Protection of entrance 1
28 Barruecopardo Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Frames of door and windows whitewashed to increase the brightness Use of solar radiation 1
29 B,ejar Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
30 Benasque Huesca Arag,on Wooden shutters to avoid the cold winds Protection against low temperatures 2
31 Benimamet Valencia Comunidad Valenciana Subterranean housing High thermal mass 2
32 Bermeo Vizcaya Pa,-s Vasco Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
33 Betlan L,erida Cataluña Terraced front wall for the protection against snow Protection against low temperatures 4
34 Betlan L,erida Cataluña Terraced front wall for the protection against snow Protection against low temperatures 4
35 Betlan L,erida Cataluña Terraced front wall for the protection against snow Protection against low temperatures 4
36 Boadilla de Rioseco Palencia Castilla y Le,on Chimney of “gloria”, use of stubble to heat the housing Exploitation of natural resources 2
37 Bossost L,erida Cataluña Slope of the roof to make easy the evacuation of the snow Protection against low temperatures 4
38 Bubi,on Granada Andaluc,-a Stones in the roof slope to avoid the removal of tiles by the wind Protection against wind 4
39 Calzadilla de Tera Zamora Castilla y Le,on Finish of a mud wall made by vegetal elements Protection against rain 1
40 Cambados Pontevedra Galicia Balconies protected by the slope of the roof Protection against rain 4
41 Campanet Mallorca Islas Baleares Piece of stone to protect the wooden front door Protection against rain 4
42 Candelario Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Facade protected by tiles Protection against rain 2
43 Candelario Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Facade protected by tiles Protection against rain 2
44 Candelario Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Passage protected by wooden boards Protection against rain 4

1479
45 Canej,an L,erida Cataluña Wooden shutters to avoid the cold winds Protection against low temperatures 2
Table 1 (continued)

1480
Case Localization Province Autonomic Community Bioclimatic strategy Classi?cation Documental
reference
46 Canicosa de la Sierra Burgos Castilla y Le,on Small windows in the back facade to avoid the cold winds Protection against low temperatures 1
47 Carmona Cantabria Cantabria Exterior space protected by the superior part of the housing Protection against rain 4
48 Casas del Puerto de Villatoro ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Housing put against the Noor to reduce the contact with the Building form 1
environment
49 Casasola de Rueda Le,on Castilla y Le,on Chimney of “gloria”, use of stubble to heat the housing Exploitation of natural resources 1
50 Castell de Cabres Castell,on Comunidad Valenciana Small openings due to the strong climate Protection against low temperatures 4
51 Castillejo de Mart,-n Viejo Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Flagstones above the door Protection of entrance 1
52 Castrotierra de Valmadrigal Valladolid Castilla y Le,on Wing of tiles above the door Protection of entrance 3
53 Cepeda Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Party walls protected by metallic sheets Protection against rain 3
54 Cip,erez Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Front door protected by walls and a small roof Protection of entrance 1

I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

55 Ciudadela Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
56 Correcillas Le,on Castilla y Le,on Town located in the bottom of a valley and oriented to the south Town planning 1
57 Cumbres Mayores Huelva Andaluc,-a Prolongation of the roof to protect the opening Protection against solar radiation 4
58 Curtis La Coruña Galicia Joint of two buildings specially constructed to avoid humidity Protection against rain 2
59 Degaña Asturias Asturias Cabin with the balcony protected by the slope of the roof Protection against rain 4
60 El Maillo Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
61 El Roncal Navarra Navarra Overhang of the wing to protect the facade Protection against rain 2
62 El Roncal Navarra Navarra Overhang of the wing to protect the facade Protection against rain 2
63 El Roncal Navarra Navarra Overhang of the wing to protect the facade Protection against rain 2
64 Escamilla Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Small openings and absence of verandas due to the strong Protection against low temperatures 4
conditions imposed by climate
65 Felanitx Mallorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
66 Fornelles Menorca Islas Baleares Shutters to avoid the saline and humid winds Protection against wind 2
67 Garrovillas C,aceres Extremadura Small windows Protection against solar radiation 2
68 Garrovillas C,aceres Extremadura Small windows Protection against solar radiation 2
69 Garrovillas C,aceres Extremadura Small windows Protection against solar radiation 2
70 Gauc,-n M,alaga Andaluc,-a Protection of the top of the roof with a small slope in the Protection against rain 4
opposite direction
71 Grandas de Salime Asturias Asturias Slate slab to protect the building Protection against rain 2
72 Granera Barcelona Cataluña Gallery with a wooden structure protected with a pitched roof Protection against rain 4
73 Hecho Huesca Arag,on Gallery in the last Noor protected by the elongation of the roof Protection against rain 4
74 Herv,as C,aceres Extremadura Facade protected by tiles Protection against rain 2
75 Herv,as C,aceres Extremadura Facade protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
76 Horcajo de Medianero Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Housing put against the Noor to reduce the contact with the Building form 2
environment
77 Hoza de los R,-os La Coruña Galicia Portal for the protection against climate conditions Protection against rain 2
78 Huelma Ja,en Andaluc,-a Protection of the top of the roof with a small slope in the opposite Protection against rain 4
direction
79 Illana Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Cave-house, the interior temperature is 16◦ C along the year High thermal mass 4
80 Jerez de la Frontera C,adiz Andaluc,-a Protection of the balcony with a small wing of slate Protection against solar radiation 4
81 J,erica Castell,on Comunidad Valenciana Blind of vegetal canes for the protection of the opening Protection against solar radiation 4
82 Jocano ,
Alava Pa,-s Vasco Wing protecting the front door Protection of entrance 4
83 La Alberca Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Wooden boards protecting the facade Protection against rain 1
84 La Alberca Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Wooden boards protecting the facade Protection against rain 2
85 La Alberca Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Wooden boards protecting the facade Protection against rain 4
86 La Cabrera Le,on Castilla y Le,on Corridor protected by wooden boards Protection against low temperatures 1
 87 La Hoya Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
88 La Iglesuela del Cid Teruel Arag,on Roof of tiles with great stones for the protection against wind Protection against wind 4
89 La Laguna Tenerife Islas Canarias Balcony protected by the elongation of the roof Protection against solar radiation 4
90 La Puebla Mallorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
91 Lanzarote Las Palmas Islas Canarias High walls closing a yard Protection against wind 2
92 Lanzarote Las Palmas Islas Canarias Small openings and walls of white color Protection against solar radiation 2
93 Lanzarote Las Palmas Islas Canarias Small openings above the front door to allow ventilation Protection against solar radiation 2
94 Laredo Cantabria Cantabria Lateral wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
95 Les L,erida Cataluña Terraced front wall to avoid the penetration of humidity Protection against rain 2
96 Les Bordes L,erida Cataluña Balcony protecting the front door Protection of the entrance 4
97 Lezana ,
Alava Pa,-s Vasco Facade protected by a large wing Protection against rain 4
98 Loeches Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Small windows to avoid brightness to entry Protection against solar radiation 2
99 Los Llanos de Aridane Tenerife Islas Canarias Lattice in the window to ?lter the light Protection against solar radiation 4
100 Los Llanos de Aridane Tenerife Islas Canarias Lattice in the window to ?lter the light Protection against solar radiation 4

I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

101 Los Santos de la Humosa Madrid Madrid Housing put against the Noor to reduce the contact with the Building form 2
environment
102 Lucillo Le,on Castilla y Le,on Closed corridor and roof with a high slope Protection against low temperatures 1
103 Lugo Lugo Galicia Wings in the superior part of the housing to protect the facade Protection against rain 2
104 Lumbrales Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Large chimney used to illuminate the interior of the house Use of solar radiation 2
105 Madrigal de las Altas Torres ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Front door protected by a small tiled roof Protection of entrance 4
106 Madrigal de la Vera C,aceres Extremadura Wooden boards protecting the facade Protection against rain 2
107 Mah,on Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
108 Malpartida de Corneja ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Housing put against the Noor to reduce the contact with the Building form 2
environment
109 Maranch,on Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha High sloped roof Protection against low temperatures 4
110 Marcehna Sevilla Andaluc,-a Wooden lattice in windows Protection against solar radiation 2
111 Masma Lugo Galicia Slate slab to protect the building Protection against rain 2
112 Mercadal Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
113 Mijares ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Frames of door and windows whitewashed to increase the Use of solar radiation 1
brightness
114 Mira Cuenca Castilla La Mancha Small roof protecting the front door against rain and solar radiation Protection of entrance 2
115 Molina de Arag,on Guadalajara Castilla La Mancha Poor and small openings imposed by the strong conditions Protection against low temperatures 4
116 Monle,on Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Stones in the roof slope to avoid the removal of tiles by the wind Protection against wind 4
117 Mont,anchez C,aceres Extremadura Facades protected by tiles Protection against rain 2
118 Montefr,-o Granada Andaluc,-a House with a courtyard closed by high walls Protection against solar radiation 4
119 Morgoviejo Le,on Castilla y Le,on Corridors and sunny places Use of solar radiation 1
120 Mozaga Lanzarote Islas Canarias Small openings for ventilation upon the front door Protection against solar radiation 4
121 Muñorredondo Santander Cantabria Balcony oriented to the south Use of solar radiation 2
122 Nafr,-a de Ucero Soria Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by wooden boards Protection against rain 3
123 Navacepeda ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Courtyard and portal oriented to the south Use of solar radiation 1
124 Navasequilla ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Front courtyard oriented to the south Use of solar radiation 3
125 Navianos de Valverde Zamora Castilla y Le,on Small roof protecting the front door Protection of entrance 1
126 N,-jar Almer,-a Andaluc,-a Vertical clearstory in the Nat roof to permit the illumination and Protection against solar radiation 2
ventilation avoiding direct solar rays
127 N,-jar Almer,-a Andaluc,-a Sticks in the window avoiding the entry of direct solar rays Protection against solar radiation 2
128 N,-jar Almer,-a Andaluc,-a Rush matting in the window Protection against solar radiation 2
129 Nogar Le,on Castilla y Le,on Corridor protected by wooden boards Protection against low temperatures 3
130 Oharriz de Lecaroz Navarra Navarra Small openings in the wooden shutters to permit the illumination Use of solar radiation 4
131 Orio Vizcaya Pa,-s Vasco Balcony protected by a large wing Protection against rain 4

1481
132 Ortigosa de Pestaño Segovia Castilla y Le,on Small roof protecting the front door Protection of entrance 3
Table 1 (continued)

1482
Case Localization Province Autonomic Community Bioclimatic strategy Classi?cation Documental
reference
133 Osma-Mioma Basabe ,
Alava Pa,-s Vasco Large slopes of the roof protecting the front door Protection of entrance 4
134 Osuna Sevilla Andaluc,-a Wooden lattice in windows Protection against solar radiation 2
135 Osuna Sevilla Andaluc,-a Wooden lattice in windows Protection against solar radiation 2
136 Osuna Sevilla Andaluc,-a Wooden lattice in windows Protection against solar radiation 2
137 Padr,on La Coruña Galicia Front door protected by a small tiled roof Protection of entrance 4
138 Palma de Mallorca Mallorca Islas Baleares Wooden shutters to avoid the humid wind Protection against wind 2
139 Pamanes Cantabria Cantabria Glazed gallery Use of solar radiation 4
140 Pastores Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Front door with lateral walls Protection against wind 1
141 Paterna Valencia Comunidad Valenciana The interior temperature of the cave-dwelling is soft all the year High thermal mass 4
142 Peñausende Zamora Castilla y Le,on Small portal protecting the front door Protection of entrance 1

I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

143 Pereruela Zamora Castilla y Le,on Front door tucked in the wall Protection against wind 1
144 Petra Mallorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
145 Petra Mallorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
146 Piedrahita ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
147 Soto Palencia Castilla y Le,on Small roof above the front door Protection of entrance 3
148 Pobladura del Valle Zamora Castilla y Le,on Small roof above the front door Protection of entrance 1
149 P,ortugos Granada Andaluc,-a Stage of houses to permit the pass of sunlight Use of solar radiation 4
150 P,ortugos Granada Andaluc,-a Prolongation of the cornice for the protection of the opening Protection against solar radiation 4
151 Poyatos Cuenca Castilla La Mancha Small roof above the front door Protection of entrance 2
152 Poyatos Cuenca Castilla La Mancha Small roof above the front door Protection of entrance 2
153 Puebla de Benifasar Castell,on Comunidad Valenciana Balconies protected by the elongation of the roof Protection against rain 4
154 Puebla de Caramiñal La Coruña Galicia Party wall protected by plane shells Protection against rain 4
155 Puebla de San Miguel Valencia Comunidad Valenciana Wooden window with a small opening for the lighting Use of solar radiation 4
156 Puentedeume La Coruña Galicia Protection of the joint between the roof and the wall with stone Protection against rain 4
slabs
157 Puentemaceira La Coruña Galicia Joint of two buildings specially constructed to avoid humidity Protection against rain 2
158 Puerto Andraitx Mallorca Islas Baleares Shutters to avoid the saline and humid winds Protection against wind 2
159 Puerto de Santa Mar,-a C,adiz Andaluc,-a Moulding placed on to the height of the framework protected by Protection against rain 4
inclined planes
160 Quecedo Burgos Castilla y Le,on Gallery with lateral walls Protection against wind 1
161 Rada Santander Cantabria Balcony protected against the rain Protection against rain 2
162 Reinosa Cantabria Cantabria Windowed balcony completely closed Protection against low temperatures 4
163 Rivadavia Orense Galicia Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
164 Ribadelago Zamora Castilla y Le,on Corridor protected by wooden boards Protection against low temperatures 3
165 Romanillos de Medinaceli Soria Castilla y Le,on Housing put against the Noor to reduce the contact with the Building form 1
environment
166 San Crist,obal Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
167 San Justo de las Cabanillas Le,on Castilla y Le,on Sunny places and corridors closed with wooden boards Protection against low temperatures 1
168 Sanl,ucar de Barrameda C,adiz Andaluc,-a Eave protecting the openings of the last Noor Protection against solar radiation 4
169 San Luis Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
170 San Luis Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
171 San Nicol,as del Puerto Sevilla Andaluc,-a Small opening upon the front door protected by the elongation of Protection against solar radiation 4
the eave
172 Santa Cruz de la Palma La Palma Islas Canarias Lattice in the openings to ?lter the light Protection against solar radiation 4
173 Santa Mar,-a de la Vega Zamora Castilla y Le,on Corridors in the superior part of the housing as solar collectors Use of solar radiation 1
174 Santelices Burgos Castilla y Le,on Balcony closed with lateral walls Protection against wind 1
175 Santiago de Compostela La Coruña Galicia Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
176 San Mart,-n del Castañar Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Facade protected by clay Noor tiles Protection against rain 4
177 Santib,añez de Ayll,on Soria Castilla y Le,on Housing in the superior part of the building using the heat gives Exploitation of natural resources 3
o4 the livestock stayed in the ground Noor
178 Santib,añez de la Sierra Salamanca Castilla y Le,on North and party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 1
179 Santib,añez de la Sierra Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
180 Setcases L,erida Cataluña Small eave of slate under the roof Protection against rain 4
181 Sineu Mallorca Islas Baleares Openings protected by Italian blinds Protection against solar radiation 4
182 Soncillo Burgos Castilla y Le,on Windowed balcony as solar collectors Use of solar radiation 3
183 S’Uestr,a-Torret Menorca Islas Baleares System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
184 Tarifa C,adiz Andaluc,-a Balcony protected by a small roof of slate Protection against solar radiation 4
185 Tineo Asturias Asturias Gallery protected by the slope of the roof Protection against rain 4
186 Trabazos Zamora Castilla y Le,on Galleries protected by wooden boards Protection against low temperatures 3
187 Tuy Pontevedra Galicia Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4

I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

188 ,
Valencia D’Aneu L,erida Cataluña Balcony protected by the elongation of the roof Protection against rain 4
189 Valentins Tarragona Cataluña System to collect the rain Exploitation of natural resources 2
190 Valverde de la Vera C,aceres Extremadura Balcony oriented to the south Use of solar radiation 2
191 Valverd,-n Le,on Castilla y Le,on Front wall protected by stone slabs Protection against rain 3
192 Vecinos Salamanca Castilla y Le,on Large chimney used to illuminate the interior of the house Use of solar radiation 2
193 Vejer de la Frontera C,adiz Andaluc,-a Cubic housing with small openings and with the walls of white Protection against solar radiation 2
color
194 Vejer de la Frontera C,adiz Andaluc,-a Protection of balconies by Nat eaves with corbels of slate Protection against solar radiation 4
195 Vicedo Lugo Galicia Stones in the roof slope to avoid the removal of tiles by the wind Protection against wind 2
196 Villagarc,-a de Arosa Pontevedra Galicia Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
197 Villal,on de Campos Valladolid Castilla y Le,on Large chimney used to illuminate the interior of the house Exploitation of natural resources 2
198 Villal,on de Campos Valladolid Castilla y Le,on A tile protecting the poppet of a wooden beam Protection against rain 4
199 Villamoros de Mansilla Le,on Castilla y Le,on Corridors closed by plastic sheets on winter Protection against low temperatures 1
200 Villanueva de la Peña Santander Cantabria Portal joint to the housing Protection against rain 2
201 Villanueva de la Vera C,aceres Extremadura Facade protected by wooden boards Protection against rain 2
202 Villanueva de la Vera C,aceres Extremadura Facade protected by wooden boards Protection against rain 2
203 Villar del Buey Zamora Castilla y Le,on Housing opened to interior yards Protection against low temperatures 1
204 Villaornate Le,on Castilla y Le,on Small roof above the front door Protection of entrance 1
205 Villatoro ,
Avila Castilla y Le,on Party wall protected by tiles Protection against rain 4
206 Villoldo Palencia Castilla y Le,on Small openings to avoid the relation with the environment Protection against low temperatures 1
207 Vinaroz Castell,on Comunidad Valenciana Small windows and walls of white color Protection against solar radiation 2
208 Vinaroz Castell,on Comunidad Valenciana Small windows and walls of white color Protection against solar radiation 2
209 Vstabella del Maestrazgo Castell,on Comunidad Valenciana Facades protected against rain by deep eaves Protection against rain 4
210 Zamora Zamora Castilla y Le,on Front doors protected by lateral walls Protection of entrance 1
211 Zarzalejo Madrid Madrid Entrance space protected by grapevines Protection against solar radiation 4
212 Zubieta Navarra Navarra Small roof protecting a large balcony Protection against rain 4

(1) Ponga Mayo and Rodr,-guez [1].

(2) Flores [2].
(3) Benito [3].
(4) Feduchi [4].

1483
1484 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

The humidity is one of the major problems of construction
materials, this type of protection can increase the life cycle
of the building (cases 2, 6, 10, 14, 16, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29,
32, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 53, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 70,
71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 83, 84, 85, 87, 94, 95, 97, 103,
106, 111, 117, 122, 131, 146, 153, 154, 156, 157, 159, 161,
163, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 185, 187, 188, 191, 196, 198,
200, 201, 202, 205, 209, 212).
(7) Protection against wind: The aim of this strategy is
to avoid the penetration of winds inside the building and in
this way to reduce the energy used to obtain the comfort
temperature in the interior (cases 38, 66, 88, 91, 116, 138,
140, 143, 158, 160, 174, 195).
(8) Protection against cold temperatures: This strategy
tries to reduce the impact of the exterior cold temperatures
into the interior environment (cases 18, 19, 20, 30, 33, 34,
35, 37, 45, 46, 50, 64, 86, 102, 109, 115, 129, 162, 164,
167, 186, 199, 203, 206).
(9) Town planning (form and situation): This strategy
has an inNuence over the solar energy received and the dom-
inant winds lashing the buildings (cases 13, 56).
(10) Protection of the entrance: This strategy is typical
of the temperate climate because it provides shadow in the
hot summers and protect the front door against the rain and
wind in the cold winters (cases 11, 12, 27, 51, 52, 54, 82,
96, 105, 114, 125, 132, 133, 137, 142, 147, 148, 151, 152,
204, 210).
The list of the vernacular buildings with some bioclimatic
strategy appear in Table 1. Forty-?ve bibliographic refer-
ences have been studied [1–45] and the four selected ones
are shown in Table 1. This selection has been made from the
graphic information found in each reference. Only the four
documents selected have particular cases of popular houses
with reference to the dominant climate of the surroundings
and with the localization of the housing. The methodology
is based in case studies so the information required is the
photography and the localization of the particular housing.
The complete list of the bibliographic documents is shown
in the section of references, at the end of the paper.
The objective of the study is to set the bases of bioclimatic
construction by learning from the traditional construction.
For this purpose it is proposed a detailed study of the graphic
information found in the references to reach some valuable
conclusions.
The geographic distribution of the cases studied is shown
in Table 1 and the Figs. 1 and 2. Divided into Autonomic
Comunities (political divisions of Spain), the 212 cases stud-
ied are located: 72 in Castilla y Leon, 26 in Andalucia,
16 in Balearic Islands, 10 in Cantabria, 10 in Comunidad
Valenciana, 11 in Cataluña, 15 in Galicia, six in Navarra,
10 in Extremadura, three in Asturias, two in Comunidad de
Madrid, 12 in Castilla La Mancha, nine in Canarian Islands,
?ve in Aragon and ?ve in Pais Vasco (Figs. 2 and 3).
In the analysis of the cases studied the information used is
available to the public. In this way, any architect or engineer
will use this information for the designing of a bioclimatic
building. The maps used are:
• map of Europe with the divisions in di4erent countries
(Fig. 1) (http://www.bib.uab.es/cartotec/c2/200 0.htm)
[48];
• map of Spain with the divisions in Autonomic Comunities
(Fig. 2) (http://www.bib.uab.es/cartotec/c2/200 0.htm)
[48];
• map of solar radiation in Spain (Fig. 5) (http://www.acae.
es/acae2/m/may130603/may130603.html) [47];

Cases distributed in Autonomic Comunities

(Ma) (PV) (As)

(Ar) (C)
(Cn) 11 2 5 3
5
(CV) 9
10
72 (CL)
(N) 6

(M)12
(Ca) 10
15 26 (A)
10 16
(G) (E) (B)

Castilla y León (CL) Andalucía (A) Islas Baleares (B) Extremadura (E)

Galicia (G) Cantabria (Ca) Castilla La Mancha (M) Navarra (N)

C. Valenciana (CV) Canarias (Cn) Aragón (Ar) Cataluña (C)

C. Madrid (Ma) Pais Vasco (PV) Asturias (As)

Fig. 3. Graphic showing the distribution of the cases studied in the di4erent Autonomic Communities.
 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495
Types of bioclimatic strategies
(PE)
(PT)
21
24
(PW) 12
(B)
5 Built form (B)
2 18
(T)
71
(PR)
Fig. 4. Graphic showing the di4erent types of bioclimatic strategies found.
• map of the minimum average temperatures in Spain
(Fig. 6) (NTE Cubiertas, 1988 [46]);
• map of intensity of rainfall (Fig. 7) (NTE Cubiertas,
1988 [46]);
• map of average rainfall in Spain (Fig. 8) (Hechos y Cifras
del Sector Agroalimentario y del Medio Rural Español,
Ministerio de Agricultura Pesca y Alimentaci,on, 2001:
http://www.mapya.es/info/pags/datos/pdf/01.pdf) [49];
• map of climatic classi?cation by Sol,e Sabar,-s (Fig. 9)
(Flores, C., 1974, [2]).
The bioclimatic strategies found in the references have been
divided into the 10 di4erent types showed above (Table 1).
The 212 cases studied are classi?ed in the next way: four
belong to the high thermal mass, 17 belong to the use of
natural resources, 38 belong to the protection against solar
radiation, 18 belong to the use of solar radiation, 71 belong
to the protection against rainfall, two belong to the town
planning, ?ve belong to the building form, 12 belong to the
protection against wind, 24 belong to the protection against
cold temperature and 21 are strategies for protecting the
entrance (Fig. 4).
In Fig. 5, the location of strategies for the protection
against solar radiation and for the use of solar radiation
are shown in a map of average solar radiation received in
Spain.
This ?gure proves that the bioclimatic strategies related
to solar radiation found in vernacular architecture are accu-
rate. The systems to protect the building against the solar
radiation are placed in southern areas of Spain, where the
solar radiation received is high. Nevertheless, the systems
to collect the solar radiation are placed in northern areas of
Spain, where the solar radiation and the number of hours of
sunlight are low.
In the next ?gure the relation between minimum temper-
atures and the strategies to protect the building against cold
temperatures are shown (Fig. 6).
1485
High thermal mass (H)
Use of natural resources (U)
Protection against solar
(H) radiation (PS)
(U)
Use of solar radiation (US)
4
17 (PS)
Protection against rain (PR)
38
Town Planning (T)
Protection against wind (PW)
(US)
Protection against cold
temperatures (PT)
Protection of the entrance (PE)
It is found again that popular architecture by means of the
trial and error methodology has reached the way to respond
to the dominant climate conditions. Fig. 6 explains that
the localization of the strategies to reduce the impact of the
cold temperatures on the building is in the areas where the
average minimum temperature is lower.
There are three types of strategies with this objective, and
these are:
(1) Protection against cold temperatures (shutters
that avoid the penetration of cold air in the interior of
the housing, high slope in the roof). Examples of this
strategy are found in the provinces of Huesca, Lerida,
Palencia, Burgos, Zamora, Guadalajara, Cantabria and
Leon.
(2) Built form, the buildings with a compact form have a
better behavior in cold climates. Examples of this strategy
are found in the next provinces: Avila, Salamanca, Madrid
y Soria.
(3) Use of natural resources, the incorporation of the nat-
ural heating system “gloria” help to achieve the comfort
temperature in cold climates.
Examples of this strategy are found in the next provinces:
Palencia, Valladolid, Leon and Zamora. In Soria is located
the only strategy found making use of animals’ heating.
Immediately, the analysis of the strategies to protect the
building against rainfall is explained.
In Fig. 7, the situation of the points where strategies
against rain were found and its comparison in a map of in-
tensity of rainfall are shown.
These strategies from vernacular architecture are lo-
calized in the middle north part of Spain. In this map
it can be observed that the strategies do not correspond
with the areas where the intensity of rain is greater, so
we can resolve that the purpose of this type of strat-
egy is not the protection against torrential rainfall but
the protection against abundant average rainfall. In Fig.
7 appears the localization of the strategies for the pro-
1486 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

Fig. 5. Map of average solar radiation in Spain, showing the points where strategies for the protection against solar radiation or for the use of solar
radiation are placed.

Fig. 6. Map of average minimum temperature of Spain showing the points where strategies for the protection against cold temperatures are found.

tection against rain, it can be seen that these are placed
in zones X and Y (not torrential and medium rain,
respectively).
That is the reason for Fig. 8, where there is a com-
parison between the localization of these strategies and
the average rainfall in Spain. Seventy one points are
found and the localization is the next: 24 in Castilla y
Leon, ?ve in Navarra, six in Cantabria, three in Pais
Vasco, twelve in Galicia, three in Asturias, six in Ex-
tremadura, four in Cataluña, one in Arag,on, three in An-
dalucia, one in Islas Baleares and three in Comunidad
Valenciana.
 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495 1487

Fig. 7. Map of intensity of rain showing the points where strategies for the protection against rain are found.

Fig. 8. Map of annual average precipitation showing the points where strategies for the protection against rain or for the use of rain water are found.
1488 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495
Fig. 9. Map of climatic classi?cation by Sol,e Sabar,-s showing the points where strategies for the protection of the entrance are found.
In this ?gure also it is showed the localization of the strate-
gies whose aim is to collect the rainfall to its reutilization
inside the building.
It can be noticed that popular construction has been able
to respond to the problems of excessive or lack of rain. So
we can see that in regions where the rain is plentiful man
has designed systems to protect the facades and balconies
by means of eaves or materials for the covering, and also
has created intermediate spaces protected against rain. In the
other side, in regions where the problem is the lack of water
man has designed devices for the collection of rain water,
that is the case of Balearic Islands.
Continuing with the study of bioclimatic strategies
used in vernacular construction, the next analysis is re-
lated to the strategy of protection of the entrance. In
Fig. 9, the cases of protection of the entrance are situated
in a map of climatic classi?cation. The map used be-
longs to the author Sol,e Sabar,-s and it is the map used by
Flores (Flores, 1974) [2].
The protection of the entrance has di4erent purposes: it
protect the front door against rain, snow and cold winds
in the cold season but also it protects the entrance against
the direct solar rays in the hot season. In Fig. 9, it can be
observed that the cases employing this strategy are located
mainly in areas of continental climate. This type of climate
is characterized for the Nuctuation of temperatures due to
the distance from the sea, with hot summers and cold win-
ters. So once again vernacular construction has answer to
the exterior climate conditions, creating a design strategy to
solve di4erent problems.
4. Results
The next results are got:
• For the new constructions the localization of the build-
ing is an important condition. The incorporation of bio-
climatic design strategies as an advantage in the energy
saving and the interior comfort depends on the localiza-
tion of the new building:
• In the north part of Spain (Oceanic climate) the strate-
gies of “Use of solar radiation” (windows and balconies
oriented to the south) as well as strategies of “Protection
against rain” (great eaves protecting the faScade and the
balconies, verandas) must be used according to the ver-
nacular architecture.
• In the interior area of Spain (Continental climate), due to
the Nuctuation in temperatures along the year, strategies
against cold temperatures in winter as well as against
solar radiation in summer must be employed. By using
the cases of vernacular architecture as a model, in this
area of continental climate the new building should be
 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495 1489

designed with:
– high thermal mass to use its damper e4ect,
– protection of the entrance,
– strategies against cold temperatures in winter: com-
pact built form, appropriate thickness of insulation,
– use of solar radiation in the northern interior part
and protection against solar radiation in the southern
interior part of Spain.
• In the mountainous areas the main problem is the very
cold temperature in winter. The more recommended
strategies are the compact form of the building and the
use of shutters avoiding the in?ltration of cold winds.
• In the Mediterranean costs (Mediterranean climate) the
main problem is the hot and dry summer. The strategies
should be employed are the protection against solar radi-
ation (systems of shading and small openings) as well as
strategies for the saving of water consumption or for the
collecting of rainfall.
On the other hand, in the existing popular buildings the
bioclimatic criterion must be employed in the determina- Fig. 10. Cave-dwelling housing in Aguilar de Campos (Valladolid) [1].
tion of buildings to be maintained or rehabilitated. Spain is
a country full of this type of constructions. Nevertheless,
nowadays a lot of popular constructions are disappearing (3) Exploitation of natural resources:
due to the lack of care. If the bioclimatic strategies used in • Case 49: Housing in Casasola de Rueda (Le,on) (see
vernacular constructions are valuated as singular elements, Fig. 13). The strategy employed in this construction is the
then we will get a criterion in the resolution of the conserva- use of natural resources. The chimney of the “gloria” is a
tion of this type of buildings for not to loose these remains distinguished element and it must be maintained as a sin-
of History. gular and bioclimatic component of the Castilian popular
Some of the 212 cases studied can be considered capable architecture.
of being saved either for the importance of the whole build- • Case 169: Popular house in San Luis (Menorca) (see
ing or for the employ of a singular design strategy worthy of Fig. 14). The bioclimatic element is the system to collect
being maintained. Next some particular cases are suggested the rain water. This system is formed by a gutter arriving
to be protected, divided into the bioclimatic design strategy from the roof and a cistern joint to the building where the
employed: water is stored. Besides the saving on water consump-
(1) High thermal mass: tion this systems can provide evaporative cooling e4ect in
summer. This housing is worthy of maintaining because
• Case 3: Cave-dwelling housing in Aguilar de Campos
of the scarcity and singularity of the bioclimatic strategy.
(Valladolid) (see Fig. 10). This type of construction
should be maintained due to its scarcity and peculiarity. (4) Protection against rain:
Nevertheless, the problem of the humidity must be con-
trolled for the maintaining of the performance. The high • Case 61: Popular housing in El Roncal (Navarra) (see
interior relative humidity is a typical pathology of the Fig. 15). This example is representative of the popular
subterranean buildings. architecture from this area of Spain. The strategy em-
• Case 31: Subterranean housing in Benimamet (Valencia) ployed is the prolongation of the eaves for the protection
(see Fig. 11). In addition to the advantages related to the of the facade against the rain. This element is right inte-
reduction of the thermal wave, this group of houses show grated into the whole of the building.
some aesthetic characteristics meritorious of saving. • Case 83: Popular housing in La Alberca (Salamanca) (see
Fig. 16). In this case, the strategy used is the protection
(2) Use of solar radiation: of the facade against rain by means of wooden boards.
• Case 23: Popular housing in Barcenillas (Santander) (see This element is the more remarkable part of the building.
Fig. 12). This housing stands out because of the balconies
(5) Protection against solar radiation:
oriented to the south. The orientation is a strategy of pas-
sive solar use. In addition the aesthetics of the balconies • Case 92: Popular housing in Lanzarote (Canarian Islands)
are worthy to be preserved. (see Fig. 17). This building due to its cubic form, white
1490 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

Fig. 11. Subterranean housing in Benimamet (Valencia) [2].

Fig. 12. Popular housing in Barcenillas (Cantabria) [2].

 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495
Fig. 13. Housing in Casasola de Rueda (Le,on). [1].
color, and prevalence of wall on openings, contrast with
the environment in a positive way. This characteristics of
the building are designed to ?ght the high solar radiation
received in the island.
• Case 126: Flat roof of a popular housing in N,-jar
(Almer,-a) (see Fig. 18). The photography show a vertical
Fig. 14. Popular house in San Luis (Menorca) [2].
1491
clearstory placed in the Nat roof of a building. The
aim of this element is the protection against solar ra-
diation. This vertical clearstory provides light and ven-
tilation to the interior of the building but not allows
the penetration of the direct solar rays. This element is
worthy of conservation because of its singularity and
aesthetics.
• Case 134: Popular house in Osuna (Sevilla) (see
Fig. 19). In this buildings, there are wooden lattice in
the windows as elements to avoid the solar radiation.
These elements are employed also in non-popular build-
ings as in La Alhambra in Granada. Besides the lattice
the building has the walls whitewashed and bars in the
windows; this is an example of the typical Andalusian
building.
(6) Protection against cold temperatures:
• Case 95: Popular housing in Les (L,erida) (see Fig. 20).
The strategy employed in this housing has the aim of
protecting the building against snow and rain. The distin-
guished element of the building is a terraced front wall.
(7) Built form:
• Case 165: Popular buildings in Romanillos de Medinaceli
(Soria) (see Fig. 21). This region of Spain is characteristic
for its cold and strong winters. The strategy employed is
the building form. The buildings shown have elongated
gables and their height is small. In this way, the heat of the
interior is accumulated in the living parts of the building.
The contact with the exterior is reduced.
(8) Protection against wind:
• Case 174: Housing in Santelices (Burgos) (see Fig. 22).
The strategy used has the aim of protection against wind.
The balcony is closed laterally by windbreak walls. The
whole building due to this strategy and its aesthetics must
be considered to be saved.
1492 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

Fig. 15. Popular housing in El Roncal (Navarra) [2].

• The strategies for the protection against the solar radiation

are located in the southern middle part of Spain where the
solar radiation received is very high, while the strategies
for the use of solar radiation appear in the northern middle
part of Spain where the solar radiation is lower.
• The strategies for the protection against cold temperatures
agree with the regions of Spain where the temperatures
are minimum. Therefore, it can be con?rmed that popular
architecture by basing its designs in the necessity, ?nd
logical results.
• The strategies for the protection against rain are located
mainly in areas where the averages of precipitations are
high although it can be found some points where this rule
is not at all valid. This points, however, are located in
areas where the precipitations are torrential (Castell,on,
Valencia, Barcelona and Mallorca) so in these cases the
strategies employed has the aim of the protection against
heavy precipitations and not against abundant rain. On the
other hand, there is a particular zone in Spain (Balearic
Islands) where the popular architecture has developed a
typical strategy for the collection of rain water from the
Fig. 16. Popular housing in La Alberca (Salamanca) [1]. roof storing it in a rain tank near the housing.
• In spite of these logical solutions, there are some strategies
appearing commonly in vernacular architecture that are
5. Conclusions not referenced by the classic authors. Those are:
◦ Andalusian “patios” whose function is to accumulate
In summary, there are the following signi?cant points: fresh air.
• The bioclimatic strategies used in popular constructions ◦ Light color of the faScade as a mechanism for the pro-
answer correctly to the conditions imposed by the climate, tection against solar radiation. The light colors reNect
as shown in the maps. the solar rays so the solar heating is reduced. Most
I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495 1493

Fig. 17. Popular housing in Lanzarote (Canarian Islands) [2].

Fig. 18. Flat roof of a popular housing in N,-jar (Almer,-a) [2].

1494 I. Cañas, S. Mart'(n / Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477 – 1495

Fig. 19. Popular house in Osuna (Sevilla) [2].

Fig. 22. Housing in Santelices (Burgos) [1].

◦ Use of vegetation for the shading of the housing.

◦ Orientation of the building for the collection of higher
Fig. 20. Popular housing in Les (L,erida). [2] amount of solar radiation in winter than in summer.
Another conclusion of this study is the lack of information
about the relation between climate and popular architecture.
Although vernacular architecture can be considered as the
origin of bioclimatic construction there is an absence of
information about it.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their appreciation to the

Ministry of Science and Technology of Spain within the
Project of Investigation PB8-0720 “Aproximaci,on a una
metodolog,-a de reutilizaci,on de construcciones rurales” for
Fig. 21. Popular buildings in Romanillos de Medinaceli (Soria) [1]. their ?nancial support.

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