Climate Adaptive Design Improvement Strategies of Traditional Dwellings in Southern Zhejiang for the Plum Rain Season Considering Comfort Conditions

Ruifeng Zheng,Hyun Jung,Yufeng Zheng,Lei Cong,Joon-Ho Choi

doi:10.3390/en13061428

Abstract

This study investigated the adaptations of traditional dwellings to the complex regional microclimate in southern Zhejiang, China. Typical traditional dwellings in a village in the foothills and a village on the mid-slopes of Zhejiang’s alpine region were selected to study traditional construction strategies for climate responsiveness and the comfort level of indoor environments during the very humid plum rain season in early summer. Fundamental analysis of the climate and architecture, a response analysis of the dwelling form, an occupants’ comfort satisfaction survey, and field measurements of indoor and outdoor thermal environmental parameters were performed. The traditional dwellings and their design strategies for various regional environmental factors were explored from the perspective of (1) regional climate-adaptive strategies, (2) the thermal, airflow, lighting, and acoustic qualities of the indoor environment, and (3) the occupants’ indoor environment satisfaction. The results indicated that traditional dwellings in southern Zhejiang incorporate strategies of various effectiveness in ensuring indoor comfort.

Highlights

(2) Subjective thermal acceptability: This study investigated the thermal comfort environment that is acceptable to 80% of the residents as specified in the ASHRAE and ISO 7730 standards; that is, an acceptable temperature range in which the peopleapplied dissatisfied with the environment (PPD) is less than or equal to 20%
Based on the “microclimate” geographical scale, this study investigated the indoor physical environment and associated resident comfort for dwellings in the complex stereoscopic climate of Danzhi and Heyang villages in southern Zhejiang Province in order to research their climate response strategies
This paper analyzed the effects of the climate adaptive architecture of residential buildings in terms of the indoor thermal, lighting, and acoustic environments using “right here and ” comfort surveys and measurements

Summary

Introduction

Through long-term trial and error, traditional dwellings have come to exhibit excellent abilities to integrate into the natural environment and adapt to unpredictable climates and challenging terrains. This passive architectural design strategy has become increasingly scarce [2,3]. Ancient dwellings possess “climate-adaptive” architectural forms [4] from long-term exploration and gradually accumulated architectural skills and techniques. These indoor environments are unique compared to urban residences as they apply passive technologies to directly affect the natural operation of the buildings. These passive, energy-saving technologies must be studied to preserve traditional architectural culture and to inform the development of modern green and energy-efficient residential buildings

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion