Paper Titles
The Impact of Spatial Distribution of Public Leisure and Cultural Facilities on Perceived Accessibility: A Focus on Small and Medium-Sized Cities in South Korea
p.3
Toward Net-Zero Cities: Evaluating Architectural Spatial Logic through Pedestrian Trajectories and Therapeutic Walking Environments
p.11
Analysis of the LOD(Level of Detail) in Real and Virtual Urban Spaces
p.17
Inflation and Housing Affordability in Australia: The Role of Policy Uncertainty and Urbanization
p.25
Integrating Vernacular Wisdom and Contemporary Performance in Mediterranean Residential Architecture: Santarém, Portugal Case Study
p.33
Influence of Air Temperature, Illuminance and Correlated Color Temperature on Thermal Perception
p.55
Assessing Outdoor Microclimate through On-Site Data and Simulation: The Case Study of Sistelo, Portugal
p.63
Extraction of Influencing Factors for Healing Environments in Maternal and Child-Friendly Primary Hospitals Based on Environmental Psychological Analysis
p.69
Potential of Waste Fibers from Abaca & Pineapple Leaf to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Concrete Formulation – a Case in the Philippines
p.77

Integrating Vernacular Wisdom and Contemporary Performance in Mediterranean Residential Architecture: Santarém, Portugal Case Study

Article Preview

Abstract:

This study comparatively analyzed residential architecture in Santarém, Portugal, as a representative case for the broader inland Mediterranean context, evaluating vernacular, contemporary, and hybrid typologies in terms of thermal performance and cost-effectiveness. Traditional buildings, characteristic of Mediterranean climates, relied on high thermal mass and cross-ventilation for summer cooling but exhibited poor envelope insulation (average U≈1.4 W/m²K), leading to elevated winter heating needs (≈150 kWh/m²·year) and non-compliance with Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) standards. By contrast, contemporary NZEB-compliant solutions, optimized for Mediterranean conditions, employed high-performance insulation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (average U≈0.13 W/m²K; ~35 kWh/m²·year), offering enhanced comfort but requiring a significant initial investment (+75%) and long payback periods (~46 years). The hybrid approach, integrating Mediterranean vernacular strategies with targeted technological upgrades, presented the most effective compromise. It reduced energy consumption by ~50% (78 kWh/m²·year, net 39 kWh/m²·year with renewables), involved a moderate additional cost (~28%), and shortened the payback period to ~33 years. This typology demonstrates a feasible and regionally adaptable model for energy-efficient housing in Mediterranean settings, aligning climate-responsive design with current energy performance requirements.

You might also be interested in these eBooks
11th Int. Conf. on Architecture, Materials and Construction (ICAMC) & 6th Int. Conf. on Building Science, Technology and Sustainability (ICBSTS) View Preview

Info:

Periodical:

Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 173)

Pages:

33-54

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Ja4lGw

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

February 2026

Authors:

Nuno Dinis Cortiços*

Keywords:

Bioclimatic Design, Lifecycle Cost Analysis, NZEB, Santarém Region, Thermal Performance, Vernacular Architecture

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Request Permissions

Permissions PLS:

Request Permissions

Сopyright:

© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] A. Saifudeen, M. Mani, Adaptation of buildings to climate change: an overview, Front. Built Environ. 10 (2024).

DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2024.1327747

Google Scholar

[2] European Commission, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, (2025). https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en (accessed July 28, 2025).

DOI: 10.55092/rse20260001

Google Scholar

[3] EEA, Cooling buildings sustainably in Europe: exploring the links between climate change mitigation and adaptation, and their social impacts, European Environment Agency (2023). https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/cooling-buildings-sustainably-in-europe/cooling-buildings-sustainably-in-europe (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.1163/9789004322714_cclc_2022-0190-0659

Google Scholar

[4] J. Fernandes, C. Pimenta, R. Mateus, S.M. Silva, L. Bragança, Contribution of Portuguese Vernacular Building Strategies to Indoor Thermal Comfort and Occupants' Perception, Buildings 5 (2015) 1242–1264.

DOI: 10.3390/buildings5041242

Google Scholar

[5] Buildings and Cities, Climate Resilient Vernacular Architecture in Turkey, Buildings and Cities (2024). https://www.buildingsandcities.org/insights/commentaries/climate-resilient-vernacular-architecture.html (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-96-1116-4_1

Google Scholar

[6] J. Fernandes, R. Mateus, Energy efficiency principles in Portuguese vernacular architecture, 2012.

Google Scholar

[7] ISO, ISO 52016-1, 2017. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:52016:-1:ed-1:v1:en (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.31030/3340133

Google Scholar

[8] PHPP & DesignPH, International Passive House Association, (2021). https://passivehouse-international.org/index.php?page_id=188 (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[9] M. Mangeli, F. Aram, R. Abouei, Energy consumption and thermal comfort of rock-cut and modern buildings, Heliyon 10 (2024) e34217.

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34217

Google Scholar

[10] M.P. Sáez-Pérez, L.M. García Ruiz, F. Tajani, Assessment of the Thermal Properties of Buildings in Eastern Almería (Spain) during the Summer in a Mediterranean Climate, Sustainability 16 (2024) 746.

DOI: 10.3390/su16020746

Google Scholar

[11] C. Tribuiani, L. Tarabelli, S. Summa, C. Di Perna, Thermal Performance of a Massive Wall in the Mediterranean Climate: Experimental and Analytical Research, Applied Sciences 10 (2020) 4611.

DOI: 10.3390/app10134611

Google Scholar

[12] S. Mazzetto, Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Traditional and Modern Materials in Heritage Building Restoration: A Case Study from Ushaiger Village, Sustainability 17 (2025) 25.

DOI: 10.3390/su17010025

Google Scholar

[13] M. Borowski, C.M. Rathnayake, K. Zwolińska-Glądys, Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs): A Systematic Review of the Current Status of Single-Family Houses in the EU, Energies 18 (2025) 3215.

DOI: 10.3390/en18123215

Google Scholar

[14] A. Lozoya-Peral, C. Pérez-Carramiñana, A. Galiano-Garrigós, Á.B. González-Avilés, S. Emmitt, Exploring Energy Retrofitting Strategies and Their Effect on Comfort in a Vernacular Building in a Dry Mediterranean Climate, Buildings 13 (2023) 1381.

DOI: 10.3390/buildings13061381

Google Scholar

[15] C.-A. Domínguez-Torres, A. Domínguez-Delgado, Impact of radiative cooling on the energy performance of courtyards in Mediterranean climate, Build. Simul. 17 (2024) 1491–1513.

DOI: 10.1007/s12273-024-1153-2

Google Scholar

[16] A.G. Mohamed, Nermine, Life-cycle assessment of hybrid vernacular-modern technologies: a comparative study of the ecofordable house and conventional RC structures, Front. Built Environ. 11 (2025).

DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2025.1568067

Google Scholar

[17] S. Bodach, W. Lang, J. Hamhaber, Climate responsive building design strategies of vernacular architecture in Nepal, Energy and Buildings 81 (2014) 227–242.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.06.022

Google Scholar

[18] Z. (John) Zhai, J.M. Previtali, Ancient vernacular architecture: characteristics categorization and energy performance evaluation, Energy and Buildings 42 (2010) 357–365.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2009.10.002

Google Scholar

[19] A. Foruzanmehr, M. Vellinga, Vernacular architecture: questions of comfort and practicability, Building Research & Information 39 (2011) 274–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218. 2011.562368.

DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2011.562368

Google Scholar

[20] CYPE Ingenieros, S.A., Gerador de preços para construção civil. Portugal. CYPE Ingenieros, S.A., Gerador de preços para construção civil. Portugal. CYPE Ingenieros, S.A. (2025). https://www.geradordeprecos.info/ (accessed July 10, 2025).

DOI: 10.48021/978-65-270-5000-1

Google Scholar

[21] P. Oliver, Dwellings : the vernacular house world wide, London ; New York : Phaidon, 2003. http://archive.org/details/dwellingsvernacu0000oliv (accessed July 10, 2025).

Google Scholar

[22] J. Zong, W.S. Wan Mohamed, M.F. Zaky Jaafar, N. Ujang, Sustainable development of vernacular architecture: a systematic literature review, Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering 0 (2024) 1–17.

DOI: 10.1080/13467581.2024.2399685

Google Scholar

[23] Sindicato dos Arquitectos Portugueses, Arquitectura Popular ed.4, Ordem dos Arquitectos (2004). https://www.oasrn-oasrn.org/arquitectura-popular-4.html (accessed July 11, 2025).

Google Scholar

[24] I. Cañas, S. Martı́n, Recovery of Spanish vernacular construction as a model of bioclimatic architecture, Building and Environment 39 (2004) 1477–1495. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.buildenv.2004.04.007.

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2004.04.007

Google Scholar

[25] D. D'Agostino, B. Cuniberti, P. Bertoldi, Energy consumption and efficiency technology measures in European non-residential buildings, Energy and Buildings 153 (2017) 72–86.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.07.062

Google Scholar

[26] J. Kurnitski, A. Saari, T. Kalamees, M. Vuolle, J. Niemelä, T. Tark, Cost optimal and nearly zero (nZEB) energy performance calculations for residential buildings with REHVA definition for nZEB national implementation, Energy and Buildings 43 (2011) 3279–3288.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2011.08.033

Google Scholar

[27] IPMA, IPMA - Publicações, Publicações (2025). https://www.ipma.pt/pt/publicacoes/ (accessed July 14, 2025).

Google Scholar

[28] D.H.W. Li, L. Yang, J.C. Lam, Zero energy buildings and sustainable development implications – A review, Energy 54 (2013) 1–10.

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2013.01.070

Google Scholar

[29] A.J. Marszal, P. Heiselberg, J.S. Bourrelle, E. Musall, K. Voss, I. Sartori, A. Napolitano, Zero Energy Building – A review of definitions and calculation methodologies, Energy and Buildings 43 (2011) 971–979.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.12.022

Google Scholar

[30] P. Torcellini, M. Deru, B. Griffith, N. Long, S. Pless, R. Judkoff, D. Crawley, Lessons Learned from Field Evaluation of Six High-Performance Buildings: Preprint, in: 2004. https://research-hub.nrel.gov/en/publications/lessons-learned-from-field-evaluation-of-six-high-performance-bui (accessed July 10, 2025).

DOI: 10.2172/884978

Google Scholar

[31] N. Cardinale, G. Rospi, P. Stefanizzi, Energy and microclimatic performance of Mediterranean vernacular buildings: The Sassi district of Matera and the Trulli district of Alberobello, Building and Environment 59 (2013) 590–598.

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2012.10.006

Google Scholar

[32] J. Fernandes, M. Peixoto, R. Mateus, H. Gervásio, Life cycle analysis of environmental impacts of earthen materials in the Portuguese context: Rammed earth and compressed earth blocks, Journal of Cleaner Production 241 (2019) 118286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro. 2019.118286.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118286

Google Scholar

[33] N. Brelih, Journal Thermal and acoustic comfort requirements in European standard and national regulations, REHVA (2023). https://www.rehva.eu/rehva-journal/chapter/thermal- and-acoustic-comfort-requirements-in-european-standard-and-national-regulations (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.7250/rehvaconf.2015.009

Google Scholar

[34] B. Lévesque, M. Lavoie, J. Joly, Residential water heater temperature: 49 or 60 degrees Celsius?, Can J Infect Dis 15 (2004) 11–12.

DOI: 10.1155/2004/109051

Google Scholar

[35] ADENE, GUIA SCE – Avaliação de Requisitos (REH), 2020. https://www.sce.pt/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4.3-Guia-SCE-Avalia%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-Requisitos-REH_V1-1.pdf.

Google Scholar

[36] EN, EN 15316-1:2017 - Energy performance of buildings - Method for calculation of system energy requirements and system efficiencies - Part 1: General and Energy performance expression, Module M3-1, M3-4, M3-9, M8-1, M8-4, 2017. https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/ standards/cen/1cd60602-fb14-4604-a0c3-ce15975a2e1b/en-15316-1-2017 (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.3403/30345840

Google Scholar

[37] ISO, ISO 9459-4, 2013. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:9459:-4:ed-1:v1:en (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.31030/1941069

Google Scholar

[38] V. Mora-Ruiz, J. Soto-Paz, S. Attia, C. Mejía-Parada, Sustainable Earthen Construction: A Meta-Analytical Review of Environmental, Mechanical, and Thermal Performance, Buildings 15 (2025) 918.

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15060918

Google Scholar

[39] B. Givoni, Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design, Wiley, 1998. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Climate+Considerations+in+Building+and+Urban+Design-p-9780471291770 (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[40] D. Al-Shamkhee, A.B. Al-Aasam, A.H.A. Al-Waeli, G.Y. Abusaibaa, H. Moria, Passive cooling techniques for ventilation: an updated review, Renew. Energy Environ. Sustain. 7 (2022) 23.

DOI: 10.1051/rees/2022011

Google Scholar

[41] S. Attia, M. Hamdy, W. O'Brien, S. Carlucci, Assessing gaps and needs for integrating building performance optimization tools in net zero energy buildings design, Energy and Buildings 60 (2013) 110–124.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2013.01.016

Google Scholar

[42] A. Boeri, E. Antonini, J. Gaspari, D. Longo, Energy Design Strategies for Retrofitting, 2014. https://www.witpress.com/books/978-1-84564-998-2 (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[43] EPDB, Directive (EU) 2024/1275, 2024. http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1275/oj/eng (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[44] J.L. Parracha, J. Lima, M.T. Freire, M. Ferreira, P. Faria, Vernacular earthen buildings from Leiria, Portugal – Architectural survey towards their conservation and retrofitting, Journal of Building Engineering 35 (2021) 102115.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2020.102115

Google Scholar

[45] N. Tallah, A. Geuttouche, Characterization Study of the Earth Bricks Used in the Old Constructions of the Boussaâda Area, IIETA 48 (2024) 323–329.

DOI: 10.18280/acsm.480303

Google Scholar

[46] Designing Buildings, U-values, (2023). https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/U-values (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[47] ISO, ISO 6946, 2017. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:6946:ed-3:v2:en (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.31030/2518301

Google Scholar

[48] J. Yu, Y. Dong, T.-H. Wang, W.-S. Chang, J. Park, U-Values for Building Envelopes of Different Materials: A Review, Buildings 14 (2024) 2434. https://doi.org/10.3390/ buildings14082434.

DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082434

Google Scholar

[49] S.B. Sadineni, S. Madala, R.F. Boehm, Passive building energy savings: A review of building envelope components, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15 (2011) 3617–3631.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.014

Google Scholar

[50] S. Schroderus, V.-M. Lähteenmäki, A. Barbero-López, A. Haapala, F. Fedorik, Effect of climate change on hygrothermal performance of timber framed wall with different insulation materials, Building and Environment 269 (2025) 112438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv. 2024.112438.

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.112438

Google Scholar

[51] R. Mateus, L. Bragança, Sustainability assessment and rating of buildings: Developing the methodology SBToolPT–H, Building and Environment 46 (2011) 1962–1971.

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2011.04.023

Google Scholar

[52] ISO, ISO 10077-1, 2017. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:10077:-1:ed-3:v2:en (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.1002/bapi.200100170

Google Scholar

[53] A. Michael, M. Philokyprou, S. Thravalou, The role of adobes in the thermal performance of vernacular dwellings, (2016).

Google Scholar

[54] K. Fabbri, M. Pretelli, Heritage buildings and historic microclimate without HVAC technology: Malatestiana Library in Cesena, Italy, UNESCO Memory of the World, Energy and Buildings 76 (2014) 15–31.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.02.051

Google Scholar

[55] Building Stock Observatory, Energy use in buildings, (2015). https://energy.ec.europa.eu/ system/files/2016-11/energyuse_0.pdf#:~:text=,70%20kWh%2Fm2%20for%20Portugal.

Google Scholar

[56] F. Rodrigues, C. Cardeira, J. Calado, R. Melicio, Load Profile Analysis Tool for Electrical Appliances in Households, 2016.

DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2016.12.117

Google Scholar

[57] G. Lobaccaro, F. Frontini, Solar Energy in Urban Environment: How Urban Densification Affects Existing Buildings, Energy Procedia 48 (2014) 1559–1569. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.egypro.2014.02.176.

DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.02.176

Google Scholar

[58] Y. Tian, K. Chai, Building design and operation multi-objective optimization: Energy costs vs. Emissions, Energy and Buildings 329 (2025) 115225. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.enbuild.2024.115225.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.115225

Google Scholar

[59] Bauter, Products Catalog - Bauter Thermal Thin Layer Insulator, Bauter (2025). https://bauter.com/product-catalog/ (accessed July 11, 2025).

Google Scholar

[60] M. McCord, What exactly is a passive house – and could it be the future of sustainable housing?, World Economic Forum (2021). https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/01/ passive-housing-sustainable-emissions-reduction/ (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[61] ISO, ISO 52000-1, 2017. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:52000:-1:ed-1:v1:en (accessed July 9, 2025).

DOI: 10.3403/30282942

Google Scholar

[62] J. Resende, H. Corvacho, The nZEB Requirements for Residential Buildings: An Analysis of Thermal Comfort and Actual Energy Needs in Portuguese Climate, Sustainability 13 (2021) 8277.

DOI: 10.3390/su13158277

Google Scholar

[63] M. Marzouk, M. ElSharkawy, A. Mahmoud, Optimizing daylight utilization of flat skylights in heritage buildings, Journal of Advanced Research 37 (2022) 133–145.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.06.005

Google Scholar

[64] World Economic Forum, What exactly is a passive house – and could it be the future of sustainable housing?, World Economic Forum (2021). https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/01/passive-housing-sustainable-emissions-reduction/ (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[65] Passivhaus Institut, Passive House requirements, (2024). https://passiv.de/en/02_informations/02_passive-house-requirements/02_passive-house-requirements.htm (accessed July 9, 2025).

Google Scholar

[66] M. Bendouma, T. Colinart, P. Glouannec, H. Noël, Laboratory study on hygrothermal behavior of three external thermal insulation systems, Energy and Buildings 210 (2020) 109742.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109742

Google Scholar