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In a genuinely bioclimatic house, one that is designed to satisfy its inhabitants comfort needs exploiting the environmental conditions around it, particular attention is paid to issues such as heating and humidity, as well as adequate air quality.  However, neither the concept nor its application are new; the majority of traditional buildings have been built following bioclimatic principles. It comes down to applying common sense to architecture, that is, taking into account factors such as orientation and ventilation so as to be able to talk about a bioclimatic dwelling. Fortunately, ecological criteria are growing by the day and being incorporated in buildings. Furthermore, thanks to technological advances, nowadays homes like these are equipped to use solar energy, distribute it to all of the rooms and store it to meet the needs of its inhabitants.  Self-sufficient air conditioning

Technically it is possible to make a bioclimatic house self-sufficient in terms of energy. Solar radiation is collected and transformed on the roof. The temperature is generally controlled by natural convection, a system which makes it possible to transport hot air from one side of the house to the other. A solar heating system uses the heat from the sun to obtain hot water and heating. It is also possible to use the heat from the sun to provide the house with air conditioning using absorption machines. Another fundamental element of a building capable of exploiting nature is the garden vegetation. It is important to choose plants which do not need fertilizers or special care and establish a self-sufficient watering system which uses rainwater collected in small tanks. Balconies, porches, gardens, patios and greenhouses... are all important. However, the patio is one of the essential elements to a bioclimatic strategy and not somewhere only to be enjoyed during the summer. It is also used during the winter months when it may be open or closed depending on the temperature outside. It is amazing to see how by studying the climatic conditions of our environment we can have self-sufficiently air conditioned houses, sometimes without having to install any kind of additional equipment or make any changes. Experts in these houses believe that with bioclimatic houses adapted to the surrounding area, in half of Spanish cities it would not be necessary to have heating and only a handful of homes would need air conditioning. For the same price

A bioclimatic home can be kept cool in summer and retain the heat in winter. It need not be more expensive or be limited to a dwelling occupied by just one family. At least that is what the experts say, as well as maintaining that they consume between 50% and 80% of the energy required by a normal building. In commercial terms, it is increasingly feasible to build more environmentally-friendly housing. The secret of sustainable architecture is simple; it is about recapturing traditional architectural values and making the most of technological advances. The cost of this type of building varies depending on the location, characteristics and size, just as with conventional housing. However, all things being equal, if we compare a normal house with a bioclimatic one, in principle, it need not cost more, it could be a maximum of 12% more expensive due to the use of better insulation materials. In any case, this additional cost will be worth it in the end due to the energy saving. This saving, according to the architects, would enable you to recoup the extra building costs in around three years. Find below some of the characteristics that a building must comply with in order to be considered bioclimatic: - Its location must respond to the climate and morphology of the land as well as the vegetation.

- The building process must respect the environment.

- The use of space must address functional and energy saving considerations and maximise the use of passive resources (large windows, orientation, insulation...) which allow us to control the inside temperature.

- It must not use toxic materials such as PVC.

- It must optimise water consumption.

- It must use the available renewable energy sources.

- It must reuse and/or treat waste. Ecohousing or ecological housing has all the elements to achieve a greater harmony between man and nature: orientation, technology, design and architectural materials to insulate the inside from low temperatures and noise. Furthermore, some town councils offer financial aid for the construction or purchase of this type of housing.   Energy certification of buildings