Resumen
The techniques applied in this paper were planned to minimise the additional energy and capital costs required for achieving occupant thermal comfort in Chilean residential buildings. Extensive analytical work is reviewed here to assess the influence of building design and operable envelope controls on auxiliary space-conditioning energy. Results of dynamic thermal simulations indicate that indoor comfort temperatures can be achieved all year long at low extra capital and without recourse to traditional space-heating and cooling. The methods applied for this analysis outline guiding principles for designing naturally conditioned dwellings across the country's main inhabited region.