University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Lena Steger
(2018):
The Transferability of Superadobe Earth Domes from a Subtropical to a Tropical Climate
A case study of superadobe projects in tropical countries taking meteorological data into consideration for the assessment of the effects of a tropical climate.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Meteorologie (BOKU-Met),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 96.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- “Superadobe earth domes” is a recent architectural development that offers a low cost and low carbon housing solution. The building method was mainly applied in subtropical climates, however, this technique is more and more introduced into tropical regions. Little is known of the performance of earth domes in a tropical climate and this thesis seeks to address this lack of insights by investigating existing buildings in the tropics. In the scope of this work qualitative data has been collected by interviewing superadobe earth dome residents and architects in this climate zone. As a result, this thesis reveals construction details and empirical values of the case studies in the tropics. An in-depth analysis allows to determine the effects of high precipitation rates and air humidity as well as the experienced thermal comfort inside these dwellings. By assessing the effects of the climate on this building method this thesis intends to provide all necessary information that is needed to accelerate and simplify the decision-making process of future superadobe earth dome building projects in the tropics. All dome case studies have been experiencing problems with waterproofing the façade and several consider applying an extra roof structure in retrospect. The presented findings, however, confirm that the passive cooling characteristics of these buildings create a comfortable indoor climate despite the small diurnal temperature fluctuations. The main conclusion that can be drawn is that due to the high precipitation rates in tropical climate zones “superadobe earth domes” are only suitable to a limited extend.
- Beurteilende(r): Formayer Herbert
- 1.Mitwirkender: Smutny Roman