Simulation and Analysis of Factors Influencing Climate Adaptability and Strategic Application in Traditional Courtyard Residences in Hot-Summer and Cold-Winter Regions: A Case Study of Xuzhou, China

Abstract

Residential buildings consume significant amounts of energy worldwide. Traditional courtyard houses have substantial energy-saving potential due to their low energy consumption and high climate adaptability, which has heightened interest in their climate-responsive design. In recent years, extensive research on traditional houses has been conducted in China, indicating significant variations in energy performances among traditional courtyards within hot-summer and cold-winter climate zones. Therefore, this study, based on research conducted on traditional courtyard houses in the Xuzhou area and utilizing Ecotect and Phoenics ecotechnology software for simulation analysis, comparatively examines the factors influencing energy consumption to assess the energy-saving potential of these houses in hot-summer and cold-winter climate zones. Research has indicated that when traditional Xuzhou courtyard houses meet certain criteria—including an orientation of 20° east of south for the main building, width-to-depth ratio of 2:1, roof slope of 35°, courtyard width-to-depth ratio of 1.7:1, use of branch pick windows, building height of 4.5 m, and a specific window-to-wall ratio—they achieve optimal climate adaptability. This study proposes dimensions for traditional residential buildings suited to the Xuzhou climate and explores their practical application, providing targeted optimization and retrofitting suggestions to support sustainable architectural and ecological development.