Bioclimatic architecture is hard to define, especially if seen not only from the structural point of view, but from its relation with the surroundings. It can even include exchanges of energy, water and wastes once the building is finished. These concepts have been known since ancient times and are found in the traditional island dwellings, which show a huge repertory of building solutions generated as a reply to an historical water scarcity. It is therefore an inspiration source for the application of new solutions that cannot be left behind.

The objective of the building is to protect the inhabitant from external weather inclemency. Nevertheless buildings have been transformed to a completely closed space, without any interactions with the surroundings. Instead of taking advantage of the climate and its resources, energy-consuming devices are used to create an artificial climate.

Bioclimatic buildings take into account the comfort of the inhabitant, taking maximum advantage of appropriate climate conditions, and reducing the energy consumption of the building. To meet these requirements, the following design criteria should be applied:

• Solar Gain Control

• External Gain Control

• Internal Gain Control

• Use of the Thermal Inertia

• Natural Ventilation

• Daylighting Techniques

These design aspects should be closely related to the use of active captation elements for the production of clean energy, as well as an overall policy of the building for the recycling, reuse and reduction of wastes. Moreover, the building interacts with its surroundings. Therefore the following aspects should be studied:

• Building Adaptability

• Location

• Materials

• Vegetation

• Engineering and Services