A study of the social acceptability of a proposal to improve the thermal comfort of a traditional dwelling

Abstract Traditional dwellings in the wooded hills and mountains in the vicinity of Mexico City are wooden cabins with very little thermal insulation. A modest change in the internal roof construction was trialed in order to improve thermal comfort. Modelling showed a modest improvement in thermal comfort could be expected. The experimental cabin was used as a show house and community members were invited to stay overnight and subsequently surveyed to obtain their appreciation of the experience. Community surveys to find out attitudes to environmental issues were also carried out and the potential acceptance of the improved cabin design.