The habitability potential of a wooden geodesic dome

The Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 15575, launched in 2013 and revised in 2021, is an important regulatory framework that establishes specific guidelines for the performance of residential buildings in Brazil. Divided into six parts, it addresses aspects such as structural safety, habitability, and sustainability. This study focuses particularly on one aspect of habitability: thermal performance. The objective of this work is to propose an innovative preliminary design for social housing in the form of a wooden geodesic dome and to analyze the thermal performance of its envelope. This architectural model is especially relevant in the context of the Brazilian government's Minha Casa Minha Vida Program, which seeks to mitigate the current housing deficit estimated at around 6 million units. The choice of the geodesic dome is due to its promise of offering a compact and structurally efficient architectural solution, while allowing the use of low-impact materials such as wood. The proposed geodesic structure meets the thermal performance criteria outlined by ABNT NBR 15575:2021 and also highlights the creation of healthy and comfortable environments, necessary in social housing scenarios. Methodologically, the study adopts a case study approach, evaluating in detail the performance of the proposed structure. The study not only validates the viability of this model in the Brazilian housing scenario, but also suggests future directions for the implementation of sustainable, diversified and innovative housing solutions that respond to contemporary housing needs.