EVALUATION OF THE THERMAL BEHAVIOUR OF A SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE BUILT WITH RAW EARTH IN VAQUEROS, LA CALDERA

Abstract

This study evaluates the thermal behaviour of a single-family dwelling built with quincha in Vaqueros, Salta, through continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity over a full year. The analysis was based on the ASHRAE 55 standard for adaptive comfort. The results indicate marked seasonal performance: during spring and summer, the dwelling remained within the thermal comfort range more than 75% of the time, while in winter, less than 25% of the hours met these criteria, highlighting the need for complementary heating strategies. In addition, significant regulation of indoor humidity was observed by the quincha walls, maintaining indoor values consistently lower than outdoor values, especially during the summer. The study concludes that quincha is an effective construction system for the warmer seasons of the region and it requires improvements to optimise winter comfort. These results provide a valuable basis for future simulations and energy rehabilitation proposals adapted to north-western Argentina.