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The use and study of Opaque Ventilated Façades (OVF) has considerably expanded in recent years as an efficient envelope option when hoping to reduce cooling thermal loads for buildings. This is due to the solar protection provided by the outer layer and the ventilation from the air cavity. However, the actual situation in the air cavity of OVF buildings is usually very different from the theoretical studies, which do not consider the fixing systems of the outer layer regularly arranged inside the air cavity. This information is crucial to understand and validate predictions of the efficient behaviour of the system. Therefore, the objective of this work is to classify and analyse the performance of the air chamber in OVF existing buildings in Barcelona in accordance with current building regulations. Methodology Twenty-one buildings were surveyed and classified and the air movement and temperature inside the cavity was measured in ten buildings. Conclusions The findings show that although the Technical Building Code of Spain regulates the air cavity ventilation according opening minimums per linear meter, air inlet and outlet openings have the greatest influence on air cavity ventilation, even more so than open joint surface of the outer

User behavior is one of the main factors of uncertainty in the thermal performance of a dwelling. This study contributes to identifying variables that would influence the user behavior and, in turn, how these affect the thermal performance of houses located in the city of Mendoza. For this, a thermal audit of a representative dwelling was made in summer and winter, while also recording occupancy and occupant actions. It was concluded that, in summer, correct management of the envelope through night cooling favors reaching indoor comfort in 89% of the recorded data. In winter, the correct use of direct solar gain favors reaching comfort in 60% of the recorded data. Finally, alternatives for building improvements are evaluated for the most unfavorable season.