The architectural integration of active solar systems. Building applications in the Eastern Mediterranean region

This paper investigates the different possibilities of architectural integration of active solar systems on the shell of existing buildings in traditional settlements and in existing urban centres, in Greece and on the island of Cyprus. Insolation conditions in both countries make this integration very advantageous, in terms of energy conservation, environmental protection and financial benefits. In the contemporary urban centres, building façades, under certain conditions, and especially flat roofs could easily be exploited for energy conservation applications. Furthermore, both countries have considerable building stock in traditional settlements. In these settlements, during the summer period significant increase in population is observed as a result of their intense tourism activity, which in turn results in a drastic increase in domestic hot water and power demands.