Practices and sustainable principles of the rural constructions in Molise Region (Italy)

ABSTRACT: Rural landscape of Molise is defined by three natural materials: stone, wood and clay. Thick load-bearing walls capture light, sun and heat. Rural constructions are built according to a local tradition always respectful of natural environment, kept through time and space. Everything is made of poor materials, but, nevertheless, it is a system where environment and human presence are kept in balance. In a simple and natural way, landscape represents a “super-system” in which equilibrium is obtained by simple solutions, concerning as rural houses as landscape preservation. The study of small rural buildings and their environmental impact represents a preliminary step to a sustainable recovering. It gives us the chance to investigate bioclimatic principles which were the bases of cultural and traditional values.