1.1.4. Openings' Design

In Azogues, the placement of building openings such as windows and doors disregards the local climatic conditions, specifically the dominant wind directions. The majority of dwellings in the area feature windows positioned on the primary facades, typically spanning from floor to ceiling and divided into multiple sections, which are complemented by balconies lacking corbels and bearing wrought iron or wooden balusters. As the local wind predominantly comes from the east, windows improve the natural ventilation, particularly in buildings oriented towards the windward side. Furthermore, a notable window-to-wall ratio is another feature of passive building design that can enhance the thermal performance of the structure. Figure 5a illustrates that the bedrooms and commercial spaces located towards the main street lack windows. It can be noted that the main entrance door of the dwelling has significant height in comparison to the other doors of the building and is located in the center of the main facade, which also helps to improve the natural ventilation conditions within the dwelling.

**Figure 5.** Internal images of the selected building for the study. (**a**) west facing gallery, (**b**) galleries facing the main street and north, (**c**) gallery facing the main street.
