Thermal Comfort in Emergency Architectures

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. 1. Introduction

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   In recent years, there has been an increase in conflicts, natural disasters, and migrant crises, necessitating the rapid deployment of temporary housing solutions. These shelters, while crucial for immediate relief, often provide poor indoor hygrothermal conditions, potentially causing health issues during prolonged occupancy. In this context, it is essential to investigating and improving their thermal environments. This book collects and presents the results of a series of experimental and numerical activities carried out by the authors to improve the livability of temporary housing solutions. The comprehensive workflow represents a guide for researchers and practitioners addressing the same issues in this field. The book is structured as follows. First, architectural characteristics and requirements of temporary housing solutions are briefly summarized and presented with a particular focus on the impact of these features on the thermal environment. Then, a scientific literature review of studies addressing thermal comfort in temporary housing is provided. Finally, the authors’ experimental and numerical activities are collected and presented. The findings are discussed and compared to other temporary solutions, offering a broader perspective on addressing the challenges of thermal comfort in emergency architectures.

3. 2. Design and Requirements

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   Temporary housing serves as a critical bridge between immediate shelter and permanent housing, helping affected individuals regain stability and normalcy. This chapter focuses on defining and understanding temporary housing solutions (THS) in terms of minimum requirements and characteristics, providing a valuable reference for engineers and architects when developing THS. First, definitions of emergency shelters, temporary shelters, and THS are provided along with the essential criteria for developing adequate THS according to international standards, i.e., affordability, habitability, cultural acceptability, and accessibility. Then, the technical characteristics of THS are discussed, considering their possible contribution to thermal comfort, including minimum dimensions, shapes, orientation, construction systems, and envelope material characteristics. The importance of using locally sourced, sustainable materials is also discussed, as well as the need for improved thermal insulation and fire-resistant flooring to ensure comfort and safety. The chapter concludes by stressing the ongoing need for research and development to enhance the thermal performance of THS, especially in extreme climates.

4. 3. Indoor Environment in Emergency Architectures

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   Temporary housing serves as a critical bridge between immediate shelter and permanent housing, helping affected individuals regain stability and normalcy. This chapter examines the hygrothermal environment and thermal comfort in temporary emergency shelters, especially when subject to extreme weather conditions often faced in post-disaster scenarios. The chapter also addresses passive strategies, including shading devices, cool roofs, green infrastructure, and natural ventilation, evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing discomfort and enhancing energy efficiency. The role of renewable energy systems is finally analyzed, being considered an alternative solution to active heating and cooling systems. These insights provide a basis for the improvement of the design and deployment of emergency construction systems to effectively meet the user needs of displaced populations in terms of indoor comfort.

5. 4. The HOMEDONE Experience: Indoor Environmental Monitoring

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   Temporary shelters, though designed for short-term use with lightweight materials, are often occupied for extended periods, especially in low-income regions. Despite their provisional nature, ensuring adequate thermal comfort in such structures over time is essential, but limited research exists on this topic. This chapter addresses this gap by presenting the results of an experimental campaign aimed at characterizing and evaluating the hygrothermal indoor environment of the HOMEDONE construction system, i.e., a modular, lightweight shelter constructed from 3D-reinforced EPS panels. Following a preliminary assessment of the in situ thermal transmittance of the panel and the airtightness of a modular experimental unit, the indoor hygrothermal climate was monitored through spring and summer. Findings indicated that low thermal transmittance of the panels and strong airtightness enhance the thermal performance of the system. Still, with closed openings, the indoor temperature and humidity can reach unacceptably high levels during warmer seasons due to the low thermal and moisture buffering capacities of the building elements. Long-term occupancy in hot climates remains challenging for HOMEDONE units, underscoring the need for improvement intervention to mitigate overheating and ensure thermal comfort.

6. 5. The HOMEDONE Experience: Assessment and Mitigation of Moisture-Related Issues

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   This chapter investigates moisture-related risks in lightweight emergency buildings, focusing on the HOMEDONE modular construction system. Starting from experimental observations of surface condensation under real operating conditions, a detailed hygrothermal assessment was performed through numerical simulations. Simulations were extended across multiple climatic contexts and included the evaluation of surface condensation, mold growth risk, and the influence of material properties such as temperature-dependent thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the potential of passive mitigation strategies based on moisture-buffering (MB) internal layers—namely, cementitious render and gypsum plasterboard—was assessed. Results confirmed that both surface condensation and mold growth may represent critical issues in lightweight shelters, even in warm climates, and that appropriate MB layers can effectively reduce or eliminate these risks, with the choice of material depending on climate severity.

7. 6. The HOMEDONE Experience: Envelope Optimization for Thermal Comfort

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the thermal behavior of the HOMEDONE lightweight emergency housing system, with particular attention to overheating risk in hot climates. The study combines experimental data, dynamic thermal simulations, and passive strategy modeling to assess and improve indoor thermal comfort without relying on mechanical systems. Several passive measures are investigated—cool materials, shading, natural ventilation, and internal thermal inertia—both individually and in combination, across three representative climates. Results show that natural ventilation and cool envelope strategies are the most effective, but their performance strongly depends on climate and aging conditions. A cost-effectiveness analysis further informs the selection of optimal solutions for emergency deployment. The study highlights the importance of passive design integration to ensure livability and resilience in temporary shelters.

8. 7. Conclusions

   Gianluca Maracchini, Marco D’Orazio

   Abstract

   This concluding chapter synthesizes the key findings of the book, summarizing the significance of thermal comfort and indoor hygrothermal conditions in emergency and temporary housing. The main insights derived from experimental monitoring and numerical simulations are discussed, highlighting the most effective passive cooling and moisture management strategies. Natural ventilation, reflective materials, and moisture-buffering layers emerged as critical solutions, balancing performance, cost-effectiveness, and operational feasibility. The chapter emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches and calls for further research on adaptable guidelines and occupant-focused strategies in emergency architectural practices.