Long-Term Monitoring of Thermal Performance in Vernacular Buildings: A Case Study in Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal

Abstract

This study evaluates the winter thermal performance of a traditional granite masonry dwelling in Pinheiro Novo village, located within Portugal's Montesinho Natural Park (MNP). The research addresses critical gaps in understanding vernacular building performance under extreme cold conditions, where passive strategies often fall short of modern comfort expectations. Through a year-long environmental monitoring campaign, indoor and outdoor temperatures were recorded at 30-minute intervals across key functional spaces, including the kitchen, bedroom, and guestroom. Results reveal that the 80 cm granite walls provide moderate thermal stability, with the bedroom averaging 11.6°C (range: 7.7-19.8°C) in winter and 3.7°C warmer than unheated zone guestroom but still significantly below adaptive comfort thresholds. The wood-burning stove generated localised warmth (peaking at 23.1°C in the kitchen), but heat distribution was ineffective, with adjacent spaces remaining cold due to poor thermal transfer and envelope losses. The study highlights the limitations of traditional passive strategies in maintaining winter comfort, particularly in unheated rooms like the guestroom (7.9°C average). While bioclimatic features such as thermal mass and compact layouts offer some benefits, they are insufficient against prolonged cold. Future research should validate these interventions through monitored case studies and integrate empirical data with indigenous knowledge for culturally sensitive solutions. This work contributes to sustainable heritage preservation by advocating for a balanced approach that respects vernacular wisdom while addressing contemporary needs. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing retrofit strategies that are both energy efficient and culturally appropriate, ensuring the resilience of traditional architecture in a changing climate. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.