Vernacular construction technologies are based on centuries of practical wisdom, refined through countless trials and errors. This process eliminates all irrelevant aspects, creating highly efficient and simple systems that are intrinsically adapted to the local climate and resources. These methods demonstrate how to conserve heat with minimal energy, offering valuable insights for modern buildings, promoting energy efficiency, and environmental harmony. In this article, we have already covered traditional passive cooling techniques, such as Persian wind towers and Arab mashrabiya. Now, we turn our focus to strategies applicable to cold climates, exploring effective solutions for heat retention and space heating.
In cold climates, passive construction approaches differ significantly from those used in hot regions. Instead of prioritizing abundant ventilation and cooling mechanisms, strategies are adopted that favor thermal energy retention, such as the use of high thermal mass materials, the creation of a greenhouse effect, and minimizing heat loss. Thermal inertia, for example, is especially recommended in places with large temperature variations, as materials like stone or concrete absorb heat during the day and release it gradually at night, stabilizing the internal temperature. Greenhouses act as natural solar collectors, capturing and storing solar energy in enclosed spaces, which can be used to passively heat adjacent areas, in addition to providing ideal conditions for plant growth and thermal comfort in harsh climates. Subterranean constructions utilize the thermal stability of the ground to ensure comfort both in summer and winter. When combined with passive solar design, these solutions significantly reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, promoting more sustainable and energy-efficient architecture.
A prime example that comes to mind is the igloo: dome-shaped shelters traditionally built by the Inuit people using compacted snow blocks. Despite being made of frozen water, the air trapped in the snow acts as a barrier to heat loss, allowing the internal temperature to remain well above freezing, even in extremely cold outdoor environments. Built in a catenary shape, similar to a paraboloid, igloos optimize structural integrity by distributing the snow load as compressive forces, reducing the risk of collapse. The snow blocks, initially cut into four-sided shapes, are reshaped to improve interlocking, resembling Inca architectural techniques, and over time, they compress and shorten due to the natural sliding of the snow.
