Evaluation of a proposal to improve the thermal characteristics of a vulnerable dwelling in Ushuaia, Patagonia Argentina, using indigenous natural materials

Abstract

This paper describes the study of a house in the city of Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina, built in a vulnerable social context. Given the climatic characteristics of the a rea, propane gas is 99.5% subsidised. Annual energy consumption is 712.4 kWh/m2 to heat a 43.6 m2 house. The study's main objective is to evaluate a proposal to improve the thermal resistance of the envelope. For this purpose, thermal conductivity tests were carried out on four samples with different clay and wood chip dosages and, subsequently, the thermal transmittance of the envelope was modified by applying the tested material. Finally, a series of energy simulations were developed to quantify heating demand reduction, obtaining a saving of 28% by applying the tested material. Clay,