A Dynamic, clay double wall system for indoor cooling

Abstract

Truly, sustainable development promises environmental, social, economic, yet personal meaningfulness, beyond increasing financial wealth. The usage of clay in construction is proven sustainable in all three aspects since its usage from the very beginning of human civilization. However, the chauvinism toward clay as a nonmodern material is detrimental, and therefore novel innovations of clay, are required to fasten with modern architecture for a whole new perspective. The usage of clay for primary, heavy walling is common in hot arid climates, yet fewer studies incorporate clay for interiors and double walling in the tropics. This gap was addressed by developing a Dynamic, Clay Double Walling (DCDW) solution for heat reduction with easy maintenance and favorable aesthetics. The cooling effect of these structures can be attributed to the resistance of heat flux to the building due to the porosity of the structure, heat absorption, and thus decline of thermal conductivity. The research thus investigates improvements in internal porosity and air permeability of clay, for improved mechanical and chemical properties, and thermal stability upon firing. Patterns and characteristics for best indoor air temperature reduction were identified on the material mix, mix composition, firing configurations, thermal conductivity, shrinkage, panel thickness, etc. The practicality and application potentials of the invention were tested on-site, potential improvements were tested virtually (with building simulations) for their effectiveness, and in completion, the long-term sustainability, and profitability of the DCDW system were investigated by identifying the LCC. The innovation suggests an energy-efficient, low-cost, low maintenance and lightweight, sustainable, double walling solution for high-end to low-end, yet new construction to retrofitting for tropical interiors.