A Bioclimatic Study of La Casa Luis

Barragn, Mexico City, Mexico

Richard Hyde, BSc, DipArch,
PhD, AIA, RIBA

Anir Upadhyay, PhD MSc

BArch

Faculty of Architecture, Design and

Planning, The University of Sydney,
Australia
Email-richard.hyde58@gmail.com

Faculty of Architecture, Design and

Planning, The University of Sydney,
Australia

Alejandro Trevio MDesSc

Department of Urban Development,
Land and Housing. Ministry of
Agrarian, Territorial and Urban
Development, Mexico

ABSTRACT

The Casa - Estudio Luis Barragn, Mexico City, Mexico is a celebrated architectural work. The
building and its site are inscribed to the World Heritage List in 2004. The building is renowned of its
innovative architectural features; however, little research can be found on its thermal performance.
Notable the building is constructed mainly of high capacitive materials, large walled garden, a number
of courtyards, which provides thermal strategies appropriate to the cool high altitude climate. As yet
little data has been collected on the thermal performance of this house. The paper makes an original
contribution in this respect and argues that the often, ignored bioclimatic aspects of the building
underpin the pragmatic and poetic aspects of the form of the building.
INTRODUCTION

The chronology of La Casa de Luis Barragn starts in 1939 with the acquisition of a vast piece of
land located on Daniel Garzas neighbourhood in Mexico City. Luis Barragn lived in this house for
four decades; in 1980 he received the Pritzker Architecture Prize and a few years later (in 1988), he
passed away. After his death the properties in Francisco Ramirez 12th and 14th were acquired by FATLB (Fundacin de Arquitectura Tapata Luis Barragn) and the government of Jalisco State, in which
Luis Barragn was born. In 2004 both the house and the studio were included in UNESCOs World
Heritage List as it remains as the only private residence in Latin America with such distinction. It has
now under gone adaptive reuse and is a museum (Mexico State Party 2004, Figueroa, A.1989, Zanco,
2001). Surprisingly, little work has been carried out on the environmental performance of this house
hence the first part of paper examines the bioclimatic strategies that are appropriate to Mexico City in
which the building is located are examined.
METHODOLOGY

The study uses a Post Occupancy Evaluation technique called closing the loop to understand thermal
behaviour of building fabric together with satisfaction expressed by the occupants of the building (Roaf
2004, Hyde 2006). Information from the design and operation phase is used. The study explores three
interlocking techniques (Hyde 2006). First, Indicative - observation and photographic recording. This
involves a walk through and uses observation and photographic evidence of passive and low energy
building attributes. These are compared to desirable attributes for the climate as advocated by Mahoney
Tables. (Koenigsberger, 1973). Second, Investigative- using objective measures, such as temperature
and humidity data are recorded using Hobo Sensors (http://www.onsetcomp.com/) and subjective
information are gathered using a satisfaction questionnaire (Vischer, 2002).
Richard Hyde is Honorary Professor of Architectural Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and is
Editor in Chief of Architectural Science Review. Anir Upadhyay is a research fellow at the University of New South Wales, Alejandro
Trevio, is an architect with the Mexican, Government.

Figure 1: Psychometric chart, Mexico City

Figure 2: Bioclimatic chart for Mexico City

Third, Diagnostic- uses of both indicative and investigate techniques over time through a longitudinal
study (Hyde 2006). Due to limited resources only a pilot study investigating the indicative and
investigative techniques was carried out. The study took place in the summer over a two-month period
examining the living room and study guest bedroom when the temperatures were at there highest.
FINDINGS
Climate analysis

Mexico City is located at an elevation of 2250 m, and at latitude 19N and longitude 99W. The
annual average temperature is 16C. The lowest temperature can reach to -2C during the coldest
mornings of winter in January and February. The maximum temperature in the late spring and summer
(May to June) can reach up to 32 C.
The climate in Mexico city can be divided in two main seasons, rainy season occurs during summer
and it is mostly between June and the start of October. Dry season takes place from November to May
with very little or no precipitation through the entire period. Dry season can also be divided in a cold
period from November to February and Warm period from March to May. These effects are created by a
dry polar air steam, which travels from the north in the cold period, and by a tropical air stream in the
warm period. The estimated annual rainfall for the Valley of Mexico is 820 millimetres, which is
distributed during the summer months. This climate is classified as a Cool Climate (Koenigsberger
1973, Szokolay 1982).
The Bioclimatic Chart (Olgya, 1963) illustrates that the temperatures are below the comfort zone for
most of the year (Figure 1). The main strategies are passive and/or mechanical heating during the winter
period and the use of thermal mass and or ventilation for summer.
Further analysis and closer scrutiny of the Psychometric chart, Mexico City shows that strategies for
providing comfort are the use of thermal mass with out the need for ventilation. This is a minimum
requirement, however it is a sufficient minimum requirement. Hence, in the study it was not necessary to
carry out ventilation measurements (Figure 3).
Closer scrutiny of the Psychometric chart, Mexico City shows that strategies for providing comfort
are the use of thermal mass with out the need for ventilation. This is a minimum requirement, however
it is a sufficient minimum requirement (Figure 3). Further guidelines for passive design are found in the
Mahoney Tables (Koenigsberger 1973, Givoni 1992).

Figure 3: Left: Street faade showing the massing and entrance. Right: Site plan showing the house
oreintated east and west. Barragan created a Park which became garden areas
Table 1: Recommended Building Attributes for Mexico City (based on Mahoney Tables)
Micro climate
Layout- orientated north and
south with the long axis
east west
Spacing- compact form and
layout for housing

Form
Air movement- double banked rooms
temporary provisions for air movement
Openings- large openings 40-60% and
openings in internal walls
External features- good drainage

Fabric
Walls- heavy external and internal
walls
Roofs- heavy over 8 hours time-lag or
light weight and well insulated
Protection of openings- exclusion of
direct sunlight.

Mahoney Analysis

Microclimate: The bioclimatic strategies of the building align in the main with the
recommendations from Mahoney Tables as shown in Table 1 with the exception of the orientation. The
building has its long axis north south. The implication is that the building looses the opportunity for
passive heating in winter. However, as shown in Figure 3 the building is a row house configuration
compact configuration, which has adjacent buildings to the north (polar facing) and south. The
microclimate to the east and west moderates the solar access to the facade. The garden to west contains
mature trees and vegetation and the street to the west controls solar access to the east.

Figure 4. Left. North-south section. Figure 5: Right. East-west section

Form: The form of the building is shown in Figure 4. The volumetric relationship shows a central
staircase which provides ventilation vertically though the building and to an opening in the roof forming
the terrace. The north faade (Equator facing) consists of a 300mm wall constructed of double brick
veneer and is adjacent to the studio. The south faade consists of a 200mm wall single block with
brushed plaster rendering in both faces and is adjacent to the storage room, restroom and machine room
on ground level and mezzanine above. The eastern faade facing the street, consist of a large double
brick veneer wall with only four openings, which account for only 9% of the faade area. The largest
window provides natural illumination to the library. However, it does not provide visual connection with
the exterior and it cannot be opened for natural ventilation. The remaining windows belong to the Guest
Area and to the private offices in the studio.

Figure 6. Left. View to the Library. Right. View to the Living Area
The opposite situation occurs with the western faade facing the garden; in which seven large
windows are placed along every room with that orientation.
The form of the building is consistent with the Manhoney recommendations. As shown in Figure 4
and 5, the building is comprises and number of self contained volumetric spaces. The living room and
Library is an example. It comprises double-banked rooms, that is two rooms placed side by side, with
seasonal (temporary) provisions for air movement. Large openings are found in the internal walls of
living area and studio as shown in Figure 6. The ventilation opportunities provide single side ventilation
to the westerly garden space. When we visited the house in summer these windows in the bedroom were
open to provide ventilation. The Living and Library space and appeared not to need ventilation through
the faade; it provides stack and wind driven ventilation though the stairway of the building.
Table 2. The construction elements, which enclose the living and library space
Orientation

Building element

North

300mm wall - double brick veneer

South

200mm wall single block with brushed plaster

rendering in both faces

East

West
Roof
Floor

300mm wall - double brick veneer and rough plaster

rendering in both faces.
Single layered semi- transparent fenestration (not
operable)
100mm partition wall drywall faces anchored to an
aluminium structure with no insulation layer.
Operable fenestration
Light weight timber joists and floor boards
Concrete slab on ground, no insulation.

Adjacent area
Studio building (lobby)
Storage room, restroom and
machine room on ground
level and mezzanine above
Francisco Ramirez Street

Living room
Bedrooms
N/A

Fabric: Table 2 shows that the external and internal walls are heavy. Roofs are also heavy over 8
hours time lag. Protection of openings is provided with exclusion of direct sunlight. Hence the building
is consistent with Mahoney requirements. The conclusion we reached is that building is potentially not a
weak building in terms of its bioclimatic strategies. With the exception of orientation it meets all of the
Mahoney criteria and given the urban location, conformity with the planning grid is severe constraint
prohibiting conformity to good orientation principles.
Monitoring of Library and Living Room

The Library and Living Rooms comprise an open space which interconnects between the east and
west faades. The placement of Hobo Sensors is shown in Figure 7. Data from Hobo 3 is used to show
the temperature range in that space (Figure 4). It is located on a separating partition wall.

Figure 7. Location of study areas and sensor locations. Left Living room and Library. Right. Guest
Bedroom
Barragns library and living space is the second largest space of the house, it was conceived as an
area for leisure reading and relaxing, nonetheless it was also used to receive and interact with his guests.
Both the living room and the library are located within the same physical space. It consists of an almost
rectangular area with a floor-to- ceiling height of 5.3 m.
The entire space stretches from the eastern wall through the garden facade, thus it keeps an east
west orientation in which the eastern and middle portion contains the library area, and the western
portion allocates the living room. The physical element, which divides the room, consists of a 2.5m
height wall; this solution creates an effective visual barrier while it allows illumination, sound and
thermal connection between both areas.
30

80
70

25

60

50

20

40
15

30
20

10

10

0
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21
2/06/2013

3/06/2013
Temp, C Outdoor

4/06/2013

5/06/2013

Temp, C HOBO 3 - LIBRARY

6/06/2013
RH, % Outdoor

7/06/2013

8/06/2013

RH, % HOBO 3 - LIBRARY

Figure 8. Temperature and humidity data for the hottest period for the Library and compared
against outdoor temperatures. Note the large variation of outdoor temperature and humidity and almost
stable internal temperature readings and low humidity in the room. This is attributed to lack of
ventilation and an effective building envelope and microclimatic control.

The Figure 8 demonstrates a stable temperature range in this space in the first week of June. The
temperature peaked between 2100 and midnight and minimum temperature was recorded around 0900
and midday. As seen in Figure 8, the external temperature readings indicate significant variance in both
temperature and humidity. However, the internal variance is much less and the temperatures sit with in
the comfort range for this climate. This is attributed to the effect of thermal mass and lack of air
movement in the building. The logic behind this inference is that without significant air changes between
the internal and external environment, the internal environment is unlikely to reflect that of the external
environment. It is often generalised that the passive buildings cannot control humidity; however, in this
case a significant impact is seen which is interesting.

Figure 9. Left. Easterly Faades. Right. Window configuration for the Guest Bedroom
Table 3. Summary Of Surface Temperature Patterns Guest Room

Maximum
Schedule
16:00 and 21:00

Minimum
Variation
5 Hours

Schedule
9:00 and 11:00

Temperatures
Variation
25.574 - 26.50
0.926
Broad difference between highest samples but
very similar temperature range

Variation
2 Hours

Temperatures
Variation
23.208 to 24.291
1.083
Similar behaviour to air temperature recordings
and minimum variation as well

30
25
20
15
10
5
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21
2/06/2013

3/06/2013

4/06/2013

Outdoor Temp, C

5/06/2013

6/06/2013

7/06/2013

8/06/2013

HOBO 6 - BEDROOM EASTERN Temp, C

Figure 10: Weekly temperature variation at outdoor and in the Guest Bedroom (HOBO 6)
Guest Bedroom

The Guest Room is located in the southeast corner of the mezzanine level of the house (refer Figure
7). This room was chosen at it the most exposed. The eastern wall or street faade wall consists of a
double brick veneer and plaster rendering in both interior and exterior sides. It also has an operable
window equipped with a shading screen in the interior on the east and south elevations, which can
provide cross ventilation (see Figure 9). From the furniture layout shown in Figure 7 this would give
ventilation across the bed to enhance comfort at night. Further more the construction is similar to that
found in the living room and library. This construction system provides a form of capacitive insulation,
which reduces ingress of thermal energy from the eastern wall and also from the roof. Two sensors were

installed in this room as shown in Figure 7. Table 3 shows the surface temperature of the external wall,
which are at or below the air temperature indicating that the envelope is not introducing a large amount
of radiant energy into the room.
The Figure 10 clearly demonstrates dampening of internal temperature, whereas external temperature
fluctuation is in the range of approximately 10 degrees C, (15-25C). Moreover, there was 6-7 hours time
lag observed between external and internal peak temperature. The use of a double brick veneer in the
exterior walls provides a higher thermal mass in the building fabric. This form of construction retains
heat during daytime and releases at night time when to the environment. The cavity also plays a role in
proving thermal separation between inside and out. A key question is whether thermal comfort will be
maintained at night if the exterior temperature is above 30 degrees C. From the Bioclimatic Chart mean
temperatures are in Figure 1 the mean maximum for the Mexico City climate is 26-27 degrees C and sits
with in the summer comfort zone. The aim of passive buildings is at best to achieve internal
temperatures equivalent to external ambient conditions and to avoid conditions where the internal
temperatures are above ambient. In addition, reduction in range of temperatures as is the case here also
adds to thermal comfort since a source of discomfort is high ranges in temperature fluctuations (Hyde
2000). The building meets this criteria.
The internals temperatures can be attribute to the thermal mass in the bedroom; the temperature
was dampened while the external temperature fluctuates in a range of 10 degrees C and concludes that
it remains in the thermal comfort zone. It is important to note that potential conditions for fabric heat
storage exist in this building. For thermal mass to operate effectively in cooling mode night ventilation is
needed (Hyde 2000). The disposition of rooms shown in Figure 7 indicates the availability of cross
ventilation and thus satisfies these conditions.
This behaviour allows the room to remain without a temperature differences greater than 3 degrees.
Although some people could conceive 27.5C as hot and uncomfortable, information from a weather
station nearby showed that outside temperatures remained at 27 to 28C between 20:00 and midnight
during the period of the study (National Meteorologic Service, Tacubaya ESIME weather station), thus
the hottest room temperatures consist of a short time period in which indoor and outdoor temperatures
balance and is followed by a 13 hour cooling period from 20:00 9:00 in the morning.
Since the main use of this space is dormitory. The occupancy period will most likely take place
between 20:00 and 9:00 as well. The analysis of an adaptive comfort model for this location and time
show that comfort conditions can be met within a temperature range of 21C to 26.5 and relative
humidity between 70% and 20% respectively. In this case Barragans guest room provides temperatures
between 23.119 and 27.136C and relative humidity between 20.1% and 48.9%, particularly
appropriate during sleeping hours
CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion the Indicative Study demonstrated that this is a strong passive building consisting of
most of the building attributes and bioclimatic strategies recommended for this climate. The orientation
the building and its relationship with the microclimate and window openings are less than optimal
however this is compensated for by other strategies such as the use of thermal mass and shading. In the
summer period, examined in this study, the capacity of the envelope to facilitate air movement appears
limited as the area for openings are less than optimum as compared to those recommended by the
Mahoney Tables. This may potentially effects on the comfort of occupants.
However the Investigative Study using monitoring in the summer period does not supported these
observations. Internal temperature in the study areas of the house sit within the comfort conditions for
0
0
summer that is temperature, 20-27 C. Humidity is less than 60% with temperature less than 25 C is falls
within an acceptable range. Interestingly, it appears the effects of thermal mass compensate for the other
suboptimum passive features
Little work has been done on the environmental quality of this building, this is the first such study
and will assist with on going methods for conservation and add to the significance of the building as a

World Heritage Listed building. The observations in the Indicative Study support the view that this is a
potentially a strong passive low energy building for its time in history. However it is hard to use modern
standards for evaluating historic buildings. In this case a high mass building strategy is used which is
consistent with historical examples of its time and forming s strong pragmatic design foundation. This is
a fascinating building where a mixture of traditional and modern architectural ideas are found, where the
poetics of architecture are complemented with a pragmatic approaches to thermal design to provide
comfort to occupants. The adaptive reuse of the building as a Museum brings a new challenge for
maintains the cultural heritage of the past with the current social needs. This study is a start to ensure
that the environmental conditions with in the building are maintained as originally designed so the future
generations can experience the environment the building creates as it was originally intended.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to acknowledge the input of the referees. We have provided more photographs and
figures and detail regarding the materials, floor layouts, cross ventilation capability, window types and
qualitatively as well as quantitatively analysis. However this is a pilot study and more work is ongoing.
This included detailed analysis on MRT and wind velocity indoors and outdoor will be analysed, as well
as thermo physical properties of the building envelope. We were only able to measure the physical
measurements appeared to have been performed only for short duration and in future we will be using
various simulation tools for various seasons for better results. The referees in suggest this is weak
passive house however we have relooked at the data and have a more positive view of the potential of
this building. We support the referees view that only thermal mass as passive solution was adopted
which is used unconsciously since centuries in the world and no original solution was used perhaps
because the date of construction and the lack of knowledge on passive area. We have selected hot days
to analyse so that the results can be more convincing. The referees interest in Guest Bedroom has been
analyses in more detail to address the comments on the temperature effects. The content concerning the
philosophical development on cultural sustainability has been omitted as suggested hover the paper will
be reworked from this point of view for a Special Edition of Architectural Science Review forth coming
in 2015. We would like to thank the referees for their comments it has helped make this a stronger paper.
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