An adaptable urban house designed for the southern Brazilian climate

The climate in southern Brazil is characterised by mild winters and hot-humid summers which requires the design to be adaptable to the often conflicting summer and winter requirements. In the residential sector, air conditioning consumption is still low, but it has been growing significantly along with an increase in peoples purchasing power, which emphasizes the importance of encouraging a change in construction practices (MME, 2001). The aim of the research is to design a residence that combines traditional and contemporary techniques and technologies, along with a smart design, providing acceptable summer and winter thermal comfort. This was pursued by considering the advantages found in some precedents, such as, passive heating and cooling strategies that respond to the climate; and by controlling the relationships between buildings and outdoor spaces to ensure a response to the different seasons.