The present paper aims to investigate, in a systematic way, and by using both experimental and theoretical tools, the potential of night ventilation techniques when applied to full scale buildings, under different structure, design, ventilation, and climatic characteristics. Also, to investigate the impact and the limitations of night ventilation techniques regarding the thermal behavior of various types of buildings. Real scale measurements in three buildings operating under free-floating and air conditioning conditions have been performed.

Hampshire County Council has a deservedly high reputation for imaginative, low energy educational buildings. In 1995, County Architect Sir Colin Stansfield-Smith worked his magic for Portsmouth University. Has the mixed mode solution for the Portland Building done the trick?

The BRE has tested different methods for heating low energy houses. Did a warm air system with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery beat the more conventional wet radiators and electric panels?