Field Study of Passive Techniques and Adaptive Behaviour in the Traditional Courtyard Houses of Kabul

Abstract

This paper examined the passive techniques used in the traditional courtyard houses of Kabul using on-site measurements of their thermal environment during winter and summer. It was found that the high thermal mass structure was efficient in creating a stable indoor environment during both seasons. The adaptive behaviour of migrating horizontally to the northern and southern rooms during winter and summer was found to be effective. Moreover, the added insulation from the attached neighbour building and the thermal mass effect on the second layer rooms were found to play a major role in creating cool and stable indoor spaces in summer. The basements were among the coolest spaces during the summer months regardless of their opening conditions. However, a permanently closed basement was as cool as the minimum outdoor air temperature during the daytime. During the winter days, indoor thermal comfort varied based on solar orientation and the south facing rooms received direct solar radiation therefore provided longer comfort periods. The central courtyard was found to be a sheltered space during the winter and summer, which created a comfortable semi-outdoor space for specific periods during these months.