Advances in design and technology have also provided many means by which the shortcomings of contemporary houses may be overcome, and much improved new houses incorporating the design advantages of both traditional and contemporary houses may be created-such as creation of the experimental solar house.

Thermal mass may not be restricted in the exterior walls. Exterior walls may be insulated and lightweight and interior separating walls can be made with blocks or with concrete, which has a high thermal effusivity. The thermal mass can be located on the floor or on the roof. A thickness of 10cm of a massive material (concrete or brick) is quite suitable for providing coolness for the span of one day or for storing passive heat during a winter day.

In order to progress to the ultimate level the theory of the Cypriot solar house, the process of construction was commenced. The principle of design and construction of the solar

house is based on the theories and findings on passive solar architecture in Cyprus2, in and inevitable compromise with local house codes and town planning regulations.

The construction was decided to be a concrete frame and floors and roof (constructed as the typical Cypriot contemporary house, 250mm brick work and plaster on the interior and

exterior of the walls3. 70mm expanded polystyrene was used to cover the whole house, including walls concrete beams, columns and roof. In this way thermal bridges are excluded.

Winter indoor temperatures have also been successful4. Enough solar heat storage was collected and stored during daytime and released with the appropriate rate in order to maintain pleasant nightly temperature. The fireplace was used to top up the heat on occasions when winter evening temperatures dropped below the norms. In the winter of 2000 these occured only 8 times and the winter of 2001 these occured 10 times. The fireplace was lit on average three to four hours per night and the warmth was retained until well into the next morning.