@article{(Open Science Index):https://publications.waset.org/pdf/10001991,
	  title     = {An Environmentally Friendly Approach towards the Conservation of Vernacular Architecture},
	  author    = {M. Philokyprou and  A. Michael},
	  country	= {},
	  institution	= {},
	  abstract     = {Contemporary theories of sustainability, concerning
the natural and built environment, have recently introduced an
environmental attitude towards the architectural design that, in turn,
affects the practice of conservation and reuse of the existing building
stock. This paper presents an environmentally friendly approach
towards the conservation of vernacular architecture and it is based on
the results of a research program which involved the investigation of
sustainable design elements of traditional buildings in Cyprus. The
research in question showed that Cypriot vernacular architecture gave
more emphasis on cooling rather than heating strategies. Another
notable finding of the investigation was the great importance given to
courtyards as they enhance considerably, and in various ways, the
microclimatic conditions of the immediate environment with
favorable results throughout the year. Moreover, it was shown that
the reduction in temperature fluctuation observed in the closed and
semi-open spaces, compared to the respective temperature fluctuation
of the external environment -due to the thermal inertia of the building
envelope- helps towards the achievement of more comfortable living
conditions within traditional dwellings. This paper concludes with a
proposal of a sustainable approach towards the conservation of the
existing environment and the introduction of new environmental
criteria for the conservation of traditional buildings, beyond the
aesthetic, morphological and structural ones that are generally
applied.},
	    journal   = {International Journal of Architectural and Environmental Engineering},
	  volume    = {9},
	  number    = {8},
	  year      = {2015},
	  pages     = {1030 - 1039},
	  ee        = {https://publications.waset.org/pdf/10001991},
	  url   	= {https://publications.waset.org/vol/104},
	  bibsource = {https://publications.waset.org/},
	  issn  	= {eISSN: 1307-6892},
	  publisher = {World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology},
	  index 	= {Open Science Index 104, 2015},
	}