In the search for sustainable architecture, there is growing interest in the relationship between nature and design. In this vital new book, the term ,bioclimatic,, relating to the dynamic between climate and living organisms, is applied by the authors in focusing on countries where housing requires cooling for a significant part of the year. In this context, Bioclimatic Housing covers creative, vernacular architecture to present both the theory and practice of innovative, low-energy architecture. The book interweaves the themes of social progress, technological fixes and industry transformation within a discussion of global and country trends, climate types, solutions and technologies. Prepared under the auspices of a 5-year International Energy Agency (IEA) project, and with case studies from Iran, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka and Italy, this is a truly international and authoritative work, providing an essential primer for building designers, builders, developers and advanced students in architecture and engineering.

Foreword * Preface * Overview * Part I: Redefining Bioclimatic Housing * Definitions, Concepts and Principles * Trends, Promotion and Performance * Part II: Location, Climate Types and Building Response * The Mediterranean: A Cool Temperate Climate * Adelaide: A Warm Continental Climate * Tehran: A Hot Arid Climate * Tokyo: A Warm Temperate Climate * Brisbane: A Subtropical Climate * Kuala Lumpur: A Hot Humid Climate * Part III: Principles, Elements and Technologies * Design, Elements and Strategies * Green Technologies, Performance and Integration * Index