Traditional Vernacular Dwellings Research Articles

Hybrid Intelligent Model for Estimating the Cost of Huizhou Replica Traditional Vernacular Dwellings

Amidst the backdrop of rural revitalization and cultural renaissance, there is a surge in the construction demand for replica traditional vernacular dwellings. Traditional cost estimation methods struggle to meet the need for rapid and precise estimation due to the complexity inherent in their construction. To address this challenge, this study aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cost estimation by innovatively developing an Adaptive Self-Explanatory Convolutional Neural Network (ASCNN) model, tailored to meet the specific cost estimation needs of replica traditional vernacular dwellings in the Huizhou region. The ASCNN model employs a Random Forest model to filter key features, inputs these into the CNN for cost estimation, and utilizes Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to optimize parameters, thereby improving predictive accuracy. The decision-making process of the model is thoroughly interpreted through SHAP value analysis, ensuring credibility and transparency. During the construction of the ASCNN model, this study collected and analyzed bidding control price data from 98 replica traditional vernacular dwellings. The empirical results demonstrate that the ASCNN model exhibits outstanding predictive performance on the test set, with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 9828.06 yuan, a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 0.6%, and a Coefficient of Determination (R2) as high as 0.989, confirming the model’s high predictive accuracy and strong generalization capability. Through SHAP value analysis, this study further identifies key factors such as floor plan layout, roof area, and column material coefficient that are central to cost prediction. The ASCNN model proposed in this study not only significantly improves the accuracy of cost estimation for Huizhou replica traditional vernacular dwellings, but also enhances its transparency and credibility through model interpretation methods, providing a reliable basis for related investment decisions. The findings of this study also offer valuable references and insights for rapid and precise cost estimation of replica buildings in other regions worldwide.

Exploring a Sustainable Approach to Vernacular Dwelling Spaces with a Multiple Evidence Base Method: A Case Study of the Bai People’s Courtyard Houses in China

Both socio-cultural connotations and environmental adaptation are significant for the sustainable development of vernacular dwellings. Previous studies on the sustainable development of vernacular dwellings have mainly focused on either the interaction between physical form and socio-cultural logic or between physical form and environmental adaptation separately. Simultaneously, these studies have mainly discussed the physical condition of vernacular dwellings while ignoring the evolution of the space characteristics of vernacular dwellings. To further understand the sustainable development of vernacular dwelling spaces, this research adopted a “multiple evidence base” method to bring together the socio-cultural connotations of vernacular dwelling spaces and their adaptation to the natural environment. Space syntax theory and Ecotect software were deployed to analyze the socio-cultural logic and to simulate the light environment for environmental adaptation analysis. The Bai people’s courtyard houses in Gusheng village, Dali, Yunnan province were selected to conduct the fieldwork. The results reveal that ongoing social structures are prominent features for the socio-cultural connotations of the Bai people’s vernacular dwellings; the upper floor indoor lighting level has increased while the courtyard scale and the orientation of the dwellings remain unchanged in contemporary Bai people’s dwellings; there is a high synergistic relationship between the traditional living form and socio-culture as well as the natural environment in the traditional vernacular dwellings; the contemporary Bai people’s dwellings continue the living form and socio-culture while moderately adjusting the natural factors based on the modern way of life for sustainable development. This study hence extends the existing knowledge found in the literature and provides a more complete understanding of the sustainable approach to vernacular dwelling spaces.

Towards a Rural Revitalization Strategy for the Courtyard Layout of Vernacular Dwellings Based on Regional Adaptability and Outdoor Thermal Performance in the Gully Regions of the Loess Plateau, China

In the context of the Chinese rural revitalization strategy, the unique residential characteristics of local vernacular dwellings formed by profound historical and cultural accumulation, climate characteristics, and residential lifestyle have undergone profound change in the gully regions of the Loess Plateau. Accordingly, the contradictions of traditional vernacular dwelling protection, increasing living requirements, and ecological protection have intensified. In this paper, with the aim of optimizing courtyard layout for vernacular dwellings, the thermal performance and regional adaptability of different courtyard layouts were analyzed using Ladybug and Honeybee tools. According to the thermal simulation within the courtyard, the current optimal layout type was determined, and then, several ecological optimization designs were proposed for the further improvement of it. The results revealed that the improved vernacular dwelling model has better regional adaptability, which corresponds to the local living culture and living habits, saves land resources, and provides a better thermal comfort performance. This research not only has a positive function for the protection of local architectural culture, but also plays an essential role in improving residents’ living comfort and living standards. We hope that the research results are meaningful and can be used as a reference for future rural construction in the Loess Plateau.

Traditional Vernacular Buildings, Architectural Heritage and Sustainability

The article is focused on vernacular dwellings in different parts of Europe: southern Italy and Lithuania that have their own traditions. The authors note that the attitude towards traditional vernacular architecture has largely changed due to ongoing research in this domail. Nevertheless, despite persistent continuity of traditional architecture, vernacular architecture was affected by the rise and development of modernist ideology that neglected the realm of tradition. The authors discuss some tyoes of vernacular buildings and their relation to local landscape, especially focusing on the traditional vernacular dwelling of Kuršių nerija (coastal regionbordering with Curonian spit and the Baltic Sea. This region was originally an area of fishermen villages and though some of the settlements ceasedf to exist there are a number of vernacula houses that belong to architectural heritage. The issues of dwellings, authenticity, survival and protection as well as some ambiguous issues of sustainability of traditional dwellings arer discussed. The authors conclude by suggesting that multiple assesment perspective should be employed while dealign with vernacular buildings suggesting that buildings of this type can perform functions extending the tourist consumption.

Comparison of temperature and humidity among traditional underground and modern house in Gharyan, Libya

Modern buildings are associated with a lot of shortcomings, such as consumption of an excessive amount of non-renewable energy and resources, environmental pollution and depletion of natural landscapes, etc. Vernacular buildings can be argued to help in reducing environmental problems for local society. Libya, as a developing Arab country, has also faced several urbanization problems in recent years. However, the country has a remarkable span of vernacular architecture patterns. Vernacular architecture that the country owns may be a solution to combat such challenges. There are three types of traditional vernacular dwellings in three regions of the country as underground housing (the mountain region), compact dwelling (the desert), and the courtyard house (coastal region). Thus the aim of this study is to make a comparison between underground and modern housing in Gharyan, Libya, with regards to thermal performance and humidity. Thermal performance in both underground and above ground houses was measured with an instrument called a hygrometer. The result from the thermal measurement that was done in one month of the winter season (21/01/2019-18/02/2019) demonstrates that the underground house has an indoor mean temperature and humidity of 16.12°C and % 62.07 RH while the other house type has an indoor temperature and humidity of 12.70°C and % 70.13 RH. The underground house seems to have a relatively reasonable and stable indoor temperature compared to the modern house indoor. In addition, the underground house seems to be relatively less humid compared to the modern house for indoor environment in particular.

Research on Transition of Hakka Enclosed Dwellings using Integral Theory

The article makes an analysis of the transition of Hakka enclosed dwellings using Integral Theory and its core diagram AQAL (All Quadrants, All Levels). It summarizes the differences between the Hakka enclosed dwellings in North Guangdong (China) and the Middle South by comparing them separately in the four quadrants of the AQAL diagram: the interior personal experience and psychology, collective culture and meaning; the exterior function, anatomy, form and systems. Integral theory and AQAL diagram helps concern with integrating, or bringing into relationship, knowledge fragmented between specialisms, which may induce us to get more complete and sustainable tactics in traditional vernacular dwelling protection.

IS THE LOSS OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE REVERSIBLE? THE CASE OF LAHUN VILLAGE IN EGYPT

Abstract. In Fayoum, the largest oasis in the Egyptian western desert, the modern Lahun village was developed close by the ancient mud-brick Lahun Pyramid in the 19th Century. The architecture of Lahun village followed its ancestors’ architecture. Until 2003, a mix of mud and stone vernacular houses were dominant in the village. In 2010, 35% of the houses at Lahun main street, which leads to the pyramid site, were of mud brick/stone houses, the rest was replaced by high-rise concrete buildings. By 2019, little traces of the traditional vernacular dwellings survived a massive movement to concrete construction. In the last 15 years, the skyline of the village has completely transformed. Lahun’s loss of its vernacular architecture is not an exception, except in one case: Tunis village where a pottery school for locals, started 30 years ago, to change the future of Tunis, where traditional architectural techniques have taken an important place in contemporary constructions. What are the local needs when they decide to replace their traditional houses with concrete? What is the impact of the pyramid’s recent re-opening on the village? What should be learned from Tunis village? Could what remained from the aspects of the Lahun vernacular heritage be used to reverse the loss of the tangible architectural aspects? Is new architecture that is sympathetic to the traditional vernacular character of the village a solution?

Research on traditional vernacular dwellings in the Li Canal reach of the grand canal

ABSTRACT The Li Canal has a reach that extends from Huai’an to Yangzhou, lying between the Yangtze River and Huaihe River. Moreover, this region divides China geographically and climatically into north and south. It can also be considered as an intersection where cultures from the north and south meet and integrate. Running through the north and south of China, the Grand Canal has become an important channel of cultural integration. Vernacular buildings aren’t an exception, as they are simultaneously affected by architectural styles from the north and south. This paper exhaustively studies the characteristics of the vernacular dwellings in the Li Canal reach across Huai’an and Yangzhou, from the perspective of layout, structural style and construction approach. Influenced by architectural cultures of the north and south, dwellings at both these places possess features of the north and south, and have created their own unique architectural styles. This paper attributes climatic conditions, customs, and regional culture as the fundamental reasons for these styles. Meanwhile, the paper further proves this conclusion by comparing features of vernacular dwellings in Huai’an and Yangzhou based on geographical nuances.

Passive cooling techniques

Passive cooling techniques

Research on the architectural decoration of traditional Chinese vernacular dwellings

ABSTRACTThe Yangtze River and the Yellow River are located in the south and north of China respectively. They are considered the two sources of Chinese civilization. For thousands of years, the cultures of the two river basins have merged, thus forming the five thousand years of Chinese civilization. Despite this long integration, the two cultures have maintained their distinct personality. Vernacular dwellings are no exception. This paper researches the architectural decoration of traditional vernacular dwellings in these two basins. After field investigations, a total of 308 examples of traditional vernacular dwellings have been selected from the two regions. 186 examples are located in the Yangtze River basin and 122 examples in the Yellow River basin. The architectural decoration of these traditional vernacular dwellings is examined from the aspects of brick carvings, wood carvings, stone carvings, oil paintings and colour paintings. The focus of this study is the identification of decorative variances in the architectural decoration of these traditional vernacular dwellings due to regional influences. Attempts were made to ascertain the reasons for these differences, in terms of geography, climate, politics, technology and folk customs.

Indoor Humidity Environment in Huizhou Traditional Vernacular Dwellings of China in Summer

A three-month field measurement of temperature and humidity was carried out in order to analyze the indoor humidity environment in a Huizhou traditional vernacular dwelling compared with that in a modern dwelling during summer. The results showed that the average relative humidity in the traditional vernacular dwelling over 83% was slightly higher than the corresponding value around 75% in the modern dwelling. The humidity fluctuation appeared stable in wing-room due to the moisture buffering effect of the internal timber wood while the humidity variation was drastic in bedroom with well air-tightness due to frequent application of air-condition. The dependency of indoor humidity on the outdoor humidity was strong resulted from a great effect of natural ventilation in the traditional vernacular dwelling with a correlation coefficient of 0.8. Although humidity was high, the thermal comfort was acceptable with the comfortable time near 60% in the traditional vernacular dwelling during summer. It is supposed to apply synthetic hygroscopic materials on the basis of the timber wood with ventilation to moderate indoor humidity in modern architectures in Huizhou area.

One-year Field Study on Indoor Environment of Huizhou Traditional Vernacular Dwellings in China

To create a comfortable indoor environment is the main development direction of the current architecture based on energy conservation, which has aroused a great interest in passive design strategies of traditional vernacular dwellings. This study conducted a field measurement in a typical traditional vernacular dwelling in Huizhou to investigate the building performance. On the basis of the monitored indoor and outdoor environment parameters by auto-recorders, one-year evaluation is obtained in terms of four aspects, i.e. thermal environment, visual environment, acoustic environment and thermal comfort. Results show that the dwelling has a good indoor environment and thermal comfort in spring and autumn. The indoor thermal comfort is also good during summer due to good natural ventilation and sun shading. However, the indoor thermal comfort is not fully satisfactory during winter due to the poor air tightness, and the indoor relative humidity is relative high all the year round. The acoustic environment is found to comply with relevant standards for all the rooms. The daylight of living room and bedroom is mainly depending on the patio, which leads to insufficient visual environment as required for some time.

Study on the Vernacular Dwellings’ Characteristic and Preservation in Ancient Towns of West Sichuan Plain

On the basis of the field survey of ancient towns in West Sichuan Plain, this paper studied the traditional vernacular dwelling’ architecture characteristics, as houses pattern, structure, door and window etc. And according to the preservation status, it also suggests not only finding balance between the rebuilding and keeping the old face of the ancient buildings, but adding the culture features into the development of the ancient towns.

Research on Improvement of Thermal Insulation and Anti-Radiation Performances of Traditional Wooden Vernacular Dwellings of Tujia Minority in West Hunan

On the premise of protecting traditional styles of the dwellings, performances of thermal insulation and anti-radiation performances of traditional wooden dwellings of Tujia Minority in West Hunan and the interior thermal environment were improved through technological improvements in this paper. By improving wall construction technologies, thermal insulation boards and wooden planks were added to exterior walls of these dwellings. Furthermore, a two-layer air cavity formed and thus greatly improved thermal resistance of walls. Meanwhile, feasibility of improvement technologies proposed in this paper was validated by practical engineering tests and data detected before and after tests

Study on the Seismic Safety of the Qinghai Traditional Dwellings

Qinghai is a multi-ethnic region, mainly living in the eastern agricultural areas Han, Hui and Tu, mainly living in the southwest area of animal husbandry Tibetan and Mongol. In order to adapt to the cold, arid, windy and long sunshine time climate of Qinghai, people created a unique style of traditional vernacular dwelling, Zhuangke. This unique architectural form is mainly with wooden frame bearing, matching with brick walls or rammed earth walls. Such buildings are mostly villagers themselves built according to past experience; do not involve seismic design, resulting in a great security risk. Through the field investigation of ten natural villages, this article has a deep understanding of the seismic performance of Zhuangke. Based on survey data, this paper presents its structural safety and seismic performance problem.

The Culture and Hue in Design of Chinese Traditional Vernacular Dwellings

This paper explains the concept of folk culture in design of Chinese traditional vernacular dwellings, puts forward that we should properly deal with, use and develop traditional culture through analysis of the wide and specific application of humanistic culture and folk culture in design of Chinese traditional vernacular dwellings, and requires modern designers to have a certain cognition and understanding of the deep connotation of Chinese traditional culture.

Discussion of Strategies on Vernacular Dwellings Transformation, Utilization and Renovation

With the deepening of the process of urbanization, the survival of the traditional vernacular dwellings is becoming increasingly difficult.To be rebuild,to be retain for commemoration,to be renovate for a new life,the fortune of vernacular dwellings is unsure.Chinese architects are confused by this question.The issue tries to figure out the current situation and the prospect of vernacular dwellings protection and development,with the study of different patterns of vernacular dwellings transformation,utilization and renovation.

Study on Traditional Vernacular Dwelling in China's Water Towns

At Jiangnan area, the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the water towns in where people live with a cultured life super abounded with resources and products, the traditional vernacular dwelling has made a reputation by their unique characteristics. The paper studies on the dwelling in the water towns, and presents to readers the changes the dwelling have gone through from the Hemudu culture in the New Stone Age to today. Through the research and analysis on the type and components in the local dwelling, this author brings about the characteristics of the dwelling and comes up with ideas of dwelling protection in the water towns.

The thermal mechanism of warm in winter and cool in summer in China traditional vernacular dwellings

Yaodong is one representative of western China vernacular dwellings. Its indoor thermal environment is cool in summer and warm in winter. This study interprets the characteristic of warm in winter and cool in summer in such a dwelling by measuring the indoor, outdoor and wall’s temperatures in winter and summer. The human thermal comfort theory is used to evaluate thermal environment, and the periodic heat transfer mechanism is used to analyze the thermal transfer through the wall. The results show that the Yaodong thick wall effectively damping external temperature wave and keeping steady inner surface temperature are the chief causes of warm in winter and cool in summer in Yaodong, which lays a scientific basis for low energy building design.

INDIGENOUS RURAL HOUSING AND ITS INDOOR THERMAL PERFORMANCES BESIDE THE PADMA RIVER BANK AREAS

A unique geographic location, coupled with climate change impacts, has made Bangladesh one of the worst victims of natural disasters. 'Living with disasters' is a cruel reality for the people of Bangladesh, and rural housing is one of the major sectors which is badly affected almost every year. This study focuses on one of the primary problems of traditional vernacular dwellings beside the Padma riverbank areas, which is the overheating of indoor spaces due to changing demand of building materials as well as harsh, barren landscapes. This empirical research was conducted by doing surveys and analyses about the available building materials, housing characteristics, homestead layouts, space- use patterns, and environmental conditions on the northern side of the Padma riverbank areas, at Munshigonj, Dhaka. Again a quantitative method of analysis was carried out for assessing indoor thermal environments of a few randomly selected houses with the help of a pocket weather meter. The surveys reveal that these houses were vulnerable to recurrent natural hazards, and their indoor environment was relatively uncomfortable. But in terms of affordability and availability, they are clearly optimum and sustainable. It may be possible to suggest ways and means of improvement of the physical environment of rural housing in such a way as to improve their indoor thermal performance and reduce vulnerabilities. Key words: rural housing, vernacular dwelling, indoor environment, thermal comfort, natural hazards, riverbank areas, vulnerabilities.