Evaluation of a sustainable Greek vernacular settlement and its landscape: Architectural typology and building physics

Sernikaki is a Greek vernacular settlement that can be imagined as a living organism is the outcome of centuries of optimization of material use, construction techniques and climate considerations. Being mountainous and isolated, this small vernacular settlement has preserved old types of dwellings longer than other areas in Phokida, in mainland Greece, and it can, thus, provide rich material for the understanding of architectural continuity and evolution. In this study, various types of adobe dwellings are surveyed and their response to climate, in terms of site and building design, is evaluated. In addition, the techniques of creating microclimatic conditions by incorporating the existing environmental parameters into the design are considered. Bioclimatic design employs appropriate technologies and design principles based on a thoughtful approach to climate and environment. It is concerned with the layout of the buildings (orientation in relation to sun and wind, aspect ratio), the spacing (site planning), the air movement, the openings (size–position, protection), and the building envelope (walls: construction materials-thickness, roof construction detailing). This paper evaluates specific vernacular dwelling types and their response to climate, 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.