Vernacular Dwellings Research Articles

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.

Catholic Churches and Dwelling Temples: An Isomorphic Study of Construction Techniques on Early Catholic Churches and Vernacular Dwellings in East Fujian, China (1840-1900) – A Secondary Publication

This paper attempts to examine the typologies of early Catholic churches in East Fujian Province, China, and analyze how they were internally relevant to local vernacular buildings. Focusing on the connection of architectural typology, this paper investigates the origination of the internal relevance, the Chinese path of Catholic church typological development, and the patterns of building techniques for Catholic churches in China. The conclusion indicates that both the early Catholic churches in East Fujian Province and local vernacular buildings were based on traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and therefore were isomorphic in their building forms. In the meantime, those early churches which hybridized traditional Chinese and Western architectural elements were typologically different from those “Chinese style” churches built in the Sinicization period of Christianity. This study contributes to enhancing the broadness and depth of the understandings of early Catholic churches in China.

Estado actual y transformaciones de la arquitectura de la vivienda tradicional likan antai

This article presents the current state, in architectural and construction terms, of the likanantai traditional housing of ten villages around the Salar de Atacama and the Loa River, in the region of Antofagasta, Chile. The main architecture transformations will be analyzed in depth, looking at the villages of Ayquina, Caspana and Toconce as specific cases of study.Here we will evidence the transitions from ancestral architecture and construction practices –based in the exclusive use of natural materials available in the immediate environment, especially the stone–, to the gradual use of industrialized constructive elements, which has led to the diversification of the architecture of the Andean vernacular dwelling, nevertheless, with still subsisting patterns rooted in the way of inhabiting likan antai.

The Thermal Performance of Chinese Vernacular Skywell Dwellings

The aim of this research was to investigate the thermal performance of Chinese vernacular skywell dwellings. This was done by the analysis of on-site measurements of the environmental performance and computer simulation of solar conditions of eight vernacular skywell dwellings in three villages in southeastern China—Xidi, Zhifeng, and Yuyuan. Through the discussion of several heat inputs and outputs, it can be concluded that evaporative cooling had a substantial influence on the temperature in the skywells of dwellings in Xidi and Zhifeng villages. In addition to the buffering of temperature by thermal mass, evaporative cooling was found to further reduce the fluctuation in temperature inside the skywell and is likely to have been the main reason that the mean dry bulb temperatures inside the skywells in these villages were lower than the mean external dry bulb temperatures. Moreover, the construction materials of Chinese vernacular dwellings (skywell wall, floor material, wooden column, and panels) are likely to be hygroscopic.

A comparative case study of volcanic-rock vernacular dwelling and modern dwelling in terms of thermal performance and climate responsive design strategies in Hainan Island

ABSTRACT The volcanic-rock dwellings are a special kind of traditional vernacular architecture with high value of research, which located in the north of the Hainan Island in China. In order to clarify the thermal mechanism differences between volcanic-rock dwellings and modern dwellings in Haikou, the main factors affecting the thermal comfort of dwellings are analyzed through investigations of indoor thermal environment in the Yangshan lava area of Haikou. The results show that the volcanic-rock dwelling can achieve 10 h (from 23:30 to 9:30 the next day) with air temperature under 28.7°C in a comfortable thermal indoor environment without air-conditioning cooling equipment, while the rooms on the ground floor of modern dwelling can achieve 1 h around sunrise, and the room on the top floor is completely outside the thermal comfort zone. Temperature difference between exterior and interior of volcanic-rock wall and wooden window can reach a maximum of 6.7°C and 2.8°C respectively, which shows that the envelope of volcanic-rock dwelling has a good thermal insulation performance. It is necessary to inherit the space prototypes and climate-adaptive strategies of traditional residential buildings when designing a new building, which play a significant role on providing a comfortable indoor thermal environment.

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.

Resilience of vernacular and modernising dwellings in three climatic zones to climate change

Climate change impacts buildings in multiple ways, including extreme weather events and thermal stresses. Rural India comprising 65% of the population is characterised by vernacular dwellings evolved over time to passively regulate and maintain comfortable indoors. Increasing modernization in rural habitations (transitions) evident from the ingress of modern materials and electro-mechanical appliances undermines the ability of building envelopes to passively regulate and maintain comfortable indoors. While such trends are deemed good for the economy, their underlying implications in terms of climate change have not been adequately examined. The current study evaluates the climate-resilience of vernacular dwellings and those undergoing transitions in response to three climate-change scenarios, viz, A1B (rapid economic growth fuelled by balanced use of energy sources), A2 (regionally sensitive economic development) and B1 (structured economic growth and adoption of clean and resource efficient technologies). The study examines dwellings characteristic to three rural settlements representing three major climate zones in India and involves both real-time monitoring and simulation-based investigation. The study is novel in investigating the impact of climate change on indoor thermal comfort in rural dwellings, adopting vernacular and modern materials. The study revealed higher resilience of vernacular dwellings in response to climate change.

A typological, environmental and socio-cultural study of semi-open spaces in the Eastern Mediterranean vernacular architecture: The case of Cyprus

Semi-open spaces – largely incorporated in vernacular dwellings in Cyprus during the 19th and 20th centuries – formed diachronically significant socio-cultural, functional and environmental features of the vernacular architecture of the area. The climate of the Eastern Mediterranean region, i.e., hot summers and mild winters, encouraged the use of open weather protected spaces, thus leading to the widespread incorporation of such spaces in the vernacular architecture of the region. This paper focuses on the interconnections between architectural forms and human comfort, convenience or pleasure in relation to the semi-open spaces found in the vernacular architecture of Cyprus – an island in the Eastern Mediterranean region. For the purpose of this research, characteristic traditional settlements found in the coastal, lowland and mountainous areas – which represent three different climatic regions and topographies of the island – were selected for an in-depth investigation. The findings confirm a high frequency of semi-open spaces, as well as the existence of a remarkable richness of typologies. Although semi-open spaces constitute a fundamental part of the structure of these vernacular dwellings in all climatic regions examined, they dominate in the lowland regions due to the particularly hot climate, as well as the specific activities of the inhabitants of these areas. The prevailing architectural forms and constructions of these spaces in each climatic region under investigation was found to be closely adapted to the local resources, terrain and climate, while also being related to the social, household and agricultural needs of the inhabitants, thus underlining their sustainable and locus-specific conception. Research findings can contribute towards critically re-thinking semi-open spaces and their inherent value in rehabilitation projects, as well as in contemporary residential architecture.

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.

Comparative analysis of user comfort and thermal performance of six types of vernacular dwellings as the first step towards climate resilient, sustainable and bioclimatic architecture in western sub-Saharan Africa

The purpose of this study is to assess thermal comfort conditions in vernacular dwellings in western sub-Saharan Africa. The paper identifies six vernacular and low-tech building typologies specific for selected countries. Comparative analysis of user comfort and thermal performance of case studies, representative for each typology was carried out, as the first step towards climate resilient, sustainable and bioclimatic architecture in the region of the investigation. The measurements of temperature, relative humidity, indoor air quality and daylighting as well as the user satisfaction survey were performed in February 2019 and repeated in August 2019. It was determined that during the hot and dry season, the indoor temperatures of 26–30 °C were achieved in traditional dwellings (Typologies I-IV) and accepted by 60–70% of inhabitants, while in ‘modern houses’ (Typology VL2 and VI) the level of user thermal comfort was significantly lower (only 20% felt comfortable). During the colder wet season 90% of users felt comfortable in vernacular dwellings and only 50% in ‘modern houses’. High levels of CO2 concentrations were detected in dwellings with tight envelopes (1800–1900 ppm) due to the lack of adequate ventilation. In pursue of solution various air exchange rates were examined to check how they comply with the user thermal comfort perception. It was found that the optimal ventilation should provide the air exchange rate of 0.5 VR/h which allows to fulfil minimal demands of ISO and ASHRAE standards. The study established the baselines for sustainable, bioclimatic, affordable housing model for western sub-Saharan Africa.

Understanding the Challenges of Determining Thermal Comfort in Vernacular Dwellings: A Meta-Analysis

Understanding the Challenges of Determining Thermal Comfort in Vernacular Dwellings: A Meta-Analysis

Indoor Thermal Performance in Vernacular Dwellings in Alentejo, Portugal

Indoor Thermal Performance in Vernacular Dwellings in Alentejo, Portugal

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.

Applications of Green Architecture in Vernacular Dwelling Architecture-A Case Study from Jordan

Applications of green architecture in vernacular dwelling architecture-a case study from jordan - Although the application

STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HMONG MINORITY'S VERNACULAR DWELLINGS AT HUAYUAN COUNTY IN XIANGXI AREA (CHINA)

Abstract. Hmong vernacular dwellings are an indispensable and essential branch of traditional Chinese architecture, which bears the profound history of the integration of minority culture and Han culture for thousands of years. As a typical representative of the Hmong settlement in China, the Hmong Village in Huayuan County, western Hunan Province, has the distinct characteristics of respecting nature and making good use of terrain in the construction of vernacular dwellings, which embodies the unique regional, historical, cultural and national character. Firstly, the article analyzes the influence of terrain, landform, climatic environment, historical culture, and social structure on the layout, shape, and materials of the rural homes of the Hmong people in Huayuan County. Secondly, by analyzing the elements of the courtyard space, the layout characteristics of the courtyard, and the organization mode of the courtyard group, the overall spatial characteristics of the residential courtyard are analyzed. At the same time, from the perspective of a single residential house, to sort out the characteristics of its type as well as the floor plan, building structure, material colour, and detailed decoration. Finally, it emphasizes that the Hmong vernacular dwellings in Huayuan County, embody the distinctive cultural connotation of the Hmong nationality, and show the unique aesthetic and romantic sentiment of the Hmong vernacular architecture to the world.

SIMULATION-BASED ANALYSIS OF EARTHEN HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE AS RESPONSIVE REFUGEE SHELTERS (CASE STUDY: DOMES OF NORTHERN SYRIA)

Abstract. Syria has been struggling through a continuous conflict for more than nine years so far. This conflict has had a disastrous consequence, for not only Syria urban areas but also its world heritage and historical sites. Moreover, the ongoing conflict resulted in the displacement of over 13 million people that is more than half the population; including more than 6.1 million internally displaced. This long-term encampment is a growing aspect of a growing refugee crisis. The Syrian refugees have to face another crisis in the camps due to a significant shortage of resources and support. One solution was using earthen buildings that have been a traditional architectural style in Syria for 11 thousand years. As a part of the cultural heritage, it depends on community participation and achieves environmental and economic efficiency in addition to preserving memory and identity of the place. This paper discusses the creation of sustainable shelters through the revival of heritage vernacular earthen architecture in northern Syria. A comparative analysis was conducted between the humanitarian agencies shelters (HAS) and different historical vernacular dwellings (HDS) from the same region with an arid steppe climate (hot summer and a short cold winter); they were modelled in numerical thermal simulations framework as a means to assess the shelters’ building energy demand and indoor comfort quality. The comparison resulted in the superiority of the heritage dwelling. The paper is concluded with passive approach optimization to the different historical earthen domes with consideration of the historical characteristics and background.

PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION OF VERNACULAR ADOBE HERITAGE LOCATED IN SEISMIC-PRONE REGIONS

Abstract. In general, relevant actions to retrofit heritage should be considered before the occurrence of earthquakes. This proactive approach is preferred, rather than a reactive approach in an emergency situation, following the earthquake. These preventive actions are known as disaster mitigation, risk mitigation, disaster risk management, seismic upgrading and preventive conservation. In the case of vernacular heritage, poor workmanship, lack of financial support, vast number of buildings, and the use of weak material lead to the need to conduct efforts to develop preventive conservation methods with relevant criteria. All these actions were directed to protecting vernacular heritage from multiple potential damages that could threaten this architecture in the future. In recent years, records of casualty and losses due to earthquakes reveal that seismic events can be one of the most destructive potential damages for building, especially if constructed with a weak material, such as adobe. There is little literature concerning preventive conservation of vernacular adobe buildings, which are at risk from earthquakes. Vernacular architecture needs more consideration due to the high number of vernacular dwellings worldwide but especially due to the inhabitants’ safety. Failure to recall the effects of destructive earthquakes with a large recurrent period of seismic actions, but also economic reasons lead to the neglect of these important preventive solutions. The main objective of this paper is to emphasize that a comprehensive conservation procedure related to prevention of casualties and damage of vernacular adobe heritage located in seismic-prone regions, should consider relevant principles and criteria for the conservation of cultural heritage. In the field of preventive conservation of adobe vernacular heritage located in seismic-prone regions, there is some confusion concerning the relation between the conservation process and the seismic protection process; the importance and need of conservation principles in seismic protection procedures; and also the role of the architect and of the engineer in these processes. These matters will be discussed in the current paper.

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?

VERNACULAR REHABILITATION AND REBUILDING FOR POST-CONFLICT MIGRATION AND RESETTLING

Abstract. Internal and external migration from vernacular settlements is not a new phenomenon. However, the scale and scope increased when forced migration is becoming exacerbated due to both armed conflicts and climate change. Political tensions are one of the most common threats to vernacular dwellings in conflict areas. Not only do destruction and vandalism cause harm to vernacular architecture, but people living in vernacular buildings are often forced to leave their homes in order to seek safety. On the other hand, vernacular architecture can help refugee crises in hosting countries. Billions of dollars are invested in establishing temporary refugee camps, yet we know for a fact they are rarely temporary. People stay in such camps for decades, commonly Cons located on the outskirts of cities, where vernacular settlements also tend to be. Investments in rebuilding, restoring and reusing vernacular settlements can be a win-win situation. The time and cost of the rehabilitation process might also not be suitable to many camps, or camp-like, contexts. Also, encounters some regulations for listed vernacular heritage sites that cannot be used as dwellings and must be kept as open museums. In this study, a proposal for reusing and rehabilitating vernacular settlements will be discussed together with reflections on challenges and obstacles. The case study chosen for this research is in the Middle East, where the majority of refugees settled after the Arab Spring. This paper demonstrates a methodology in which algorithmic modelling is applied to refugee settlement site planning.

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.