Abstract :
This work develops air-conditioning-type building materials suitable for different climate regions. Results show that using traditional
building materials alone is unsuitable for any climate region, and that building materials of various thermal properties are needed to
satisfy the requirements specific to each location. Low solar absorptance and high emittance materials are appropriate for hot climates,
whereas high solar absorptance and low emittance materials are suitable for cold climates. Materials with variable solar absorptance and
emittance properties are applicable to regions characterized by cold winters and hot summers. In addition, cement that is reversibly thermochromic
at normal temperature and materials with variable transmittance properties can warm buildings in winter and prevent overheating
in summer, thereby satisfying the need to create a thermally comfortable building environment.
2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
