Integrating Traditional Mechanisms in the Escalà HDU at the Solar Decathlon Europe 21/22 (Valencia, Spain / Wuppertal, Germany)

Throughout the 20th century, architects turned to vernacular architecture to mitigate the impact of industrialization and preserve traditional cultures. Its adaptability and environmental integration offer valuable insights for addressing contemporary challenges, especially climate change. The building sector, a major energy consumer and CO₂ emitter, can benefit from integrating traditional architectural principles with modern innovations to promote sustainability. This study investigates the application of these principles through the Escalà project by the Azalea UPV team, which participated in the Solar Decathlon Europe 21/22. The project integrates traditional Valencian architectural mechanisms, such as the escalà, to improve energy performance and adapt to local climatic conditions. Using locally sourced materials, passive cooling and heating systems, and renewable energy, the project showcases how vernacular solutions can be adapted to modern building needs. The Escalà project's success, including winning first prize in innovation and two third-place prizes, highlights the importance of incorporating vernacular systems into contemporary architecture to achieve more sustainable and efficient models. Furthermore, the project’s public exhibitions in Valencia and at the Solar Decathlon promoted the reinterpretation of traditional systems and emphasized their international relevance, particularly by demonstrating compliance with Passivhaus standards. This research underscores the value of combining traditional knowledge with contemporary innovations to create sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions for the future.