Margarita ASSIMAKOPOULOU / Eleanna PETRAKI / Anastasia TSOLAKI
(Department of Environmental Physics, National and K apodistrian University of Athens,Greece)
Abstract: It is well known that the Greek populations, such as those of Mesopotamia and Egypt, have strongly influenced the culture of construction, giving priority to the construction of buildings in close relationship with the environment.
With deep knowledge of the climate, the ancient civilizations of the different areas of the Mediterranean were able to create buildings, using the techniques of the environmental control, with an architectural style and urban form in full synergy with the environment.
The first inhabitants of the Valley of Goreme in Cappadocia exploited forms sculpted by the wind, turning the natural complexity in a lived space interpreted in order to defend and isolate themselves.
In Greece, the inhabitants found inspiration in architecture and urban landscape shaping forms in harmony with the environment and taking advantage of the climate zone.
Advantage of the climate zone.
At Santorini each house meets the prevalent wind direction of the urban fabric, which in turn has a cooling effect inside the narrow streets. Every house is oriented according to the prevailing sea winds.
This paper introduces the bioclimatic features of the local cave houses based on the energy saving concept.
Through the study of these buildings we will be able to understand and restore the old techniques still existing in this bioclimatic ‘area, creating a technical guide, which contains some bioclimatic methods of preservation.
This guide could be the basis for a future restoration that will not erase the traces of this climate planning forms.
The ‘goal’ is to use this guide as a manual able to present consistent, effective techniques and solutions for the construction, as in the past, of buildings or of entire neighborhoods, creating a real “weather machine”.
The sustainable vernacular Architecture of Santorini is a splendid example of a skilfully built space adapted to the particular landscape.
Keywords: Cave, Underground dwellings, Earth integrated, Microclimate