Abstract
In 2007 and 2009, research trips were taken, mainly in the Fujian province of China, to investigate the construction materials, methods, structures and floor plans of Hakka Tulou. Researchers lived in several Tulou, interviewed residents and experienced traditional Hakka lifestyle. Typically, Tulou are located in remote regions at relatively high elevations in climatic conditions characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and with high incidents of typhoons and earthquakes. The extent of damage and level of preservation were examined with respect to the age of many of these structures, the relatively harsh environment, and changing demographics in the region. The majority of occupants are now elderly. They maintain a traditional and efficient lifestyle utilizing minimum electricity, water, and energy. This study discusses the findings from these two field trips and assesses environmental load and sustainability within the context of current environmental standards using the Japanese Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency (CASBEE) from data collected at Cheng Qi Lou. The goal was: firstly to undertake a preliminary environmental assessment to determine sustainable elements of Hakka Tulou construction methods; secondly, to identify potential sustainable solutions to preserve existing structure; and finally, to identify appropriate sustainable solutions to repair and retrofit damaged and underutilized structures to modern living standards, while retaining traditional building techniques and lifestyle.
Highlights
There are over 20,000 Tulou in the bordering regions of Fujian, Jiangxi, and Guangdong provinces, with the greatest concentration in Fujian
The moderating effect observed in the second floor storage area, which is less influenced by other environmental factors, suggests that massive rammed earth walls moderate summer temperature and moisture levels
Recent rammed earth construction combines vernacular building techniques with modern sustainable construction practices. One example of this integration is the perimeter window zone used in conjunction with rammed earth for the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) at the Center for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales (Figures 5 and 6) [20]
Summary
There are over 20,000 Tulou in the bordering regions of Fujian, Jiangxi, and Guangdong provinces, with the greatest concentration in Fujian. The last Tulou was built over 40 years ago; new buildings in the region are predominantly brick or concrete construction. By recognizing the sustainable features of rammed earth, encouraging vernacular construction methods, and identifying appropriate technology to modernize these structures, many of the Tulou could be preserved and retrofitted. Evaluating Cheng Qi Lou from the perspective of current environmental standards provides useful information for the preservation of the heritage sites, but it helps determine the potential value in restoring or renovating existing structures. It is hoped that demonstrating the inherent sustainability of these structures, and the potential to retrofit existing buildings to current comfort standards, will lead to increased local occupancy and the utilization of more abandoned sites. Cheng Qi Lou has a comparatively high occupancy rate relative to other Tulou in the region, with 250 of the 400 rooms occupied.
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