Papers by Keyword: Vernacular Architecture

Abstract: This study comparatively analyzed residential architecture in Santarém, Portugal, as a representative case for the broader inland Mediterranean context, evaluating vernacular, contemporary, and hybrid typologies in terms of thermal performance and cost-effectiveness. Traditional buildings, characteristic of Mediterranean climates, relied on high thermal mass and cross-ventilation for summer cooling but exhibited poor envelope insulation (average U≈1.4 W/m²K), leading to elevated winter heating needs (≈150 kWh/m²·year) and non-compliance with Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) standards. By contrast, contemporary NZEB-compliant solutions, optimized for Mediterranean conditions, employed high-performance insulation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (average U≈0.13 W/m²K; ~35 kWh/m²·year), offering enhanced comfort but requiring a significant initial investment (+75%) and long payback periods (~46 years). The hybrid approach, integrating Mediterranean vernacular strategies with targeted technological upgrades, presented the most effective compromise. It reduced energy consumption by ~50% (78 kWh/m²·year, net 39 kWh/m²·year with renewables), involved a moderate additional cost (~28%), and shortened the payback period to ~33 years. This typology demonstrates a feasible and regionally adaptable model for energy-efficient housing in Mediterranean settings, aligning climate-responsive design with current energy performance requirements.

Abstract: Traditionally stone architecture has been built in the Dhofar region in Southern Oman. However, modernization policies under the reign of Sultan Qaboos since the 1970s have led to the replacement of traditional building materials with industrial ones. As research on the manufacturing methods and usage of traditional materials is limited, many buildings are at risk of disappearing. This study aims to clarify the functions and properties of the three principal materials, khatri, nurah, and yeb', used as both joint and finishing materials in the coastal areas of Dhofar. According to interviews with local traditional masons, khatri is used as a joint and wall-finishing material, nurah as a wall-finishing material, and yeb' as a floor-finishing material. Particle-size tests revealed that the particles become finer in the order of: khatri, nurah, and yeb'. Furthermore, XRF and XRD reveal that nurah had a higher calcium content compared to khatri and yeb'. The combination of interviews and engineering experiments indicate that the manner in which local masons use these three materials is highly dependent on their physical properties. This can be reasonably explained based on the climate: Dhofar experiences more rainfall than Northern Oman during summers. These findings can aid in the improvement and continuous use of traditional building materials and contribute to a sustainability.

Abstract: Haj Raeis mansion was built 136 years ago in coastal city of Bushehr in south of Iran (near the equator). This construction provides a favorable weather inside it, by using natural wind and solar energy. Structures and materials in this building, were used as a suitable insulation and made the air fresh and cool with a low degree of humidity throughout year. They reached this favorable purpose with creative improvement the natural energies potentials with no depleting substances added to ecosystem. This paper, which is perquisited from the study of documents, precise architectural scrutiny of the Haj Raeis mansion, library research and field research in Boushehr and reveals wonderful facts about existing Green buildings more than 100 years ago in Iran. The purpose of this research is unveiling of Haj Raeis architecture`s thoughts and using these thoughts in current building and adapting and amalgamating these with modern architecture to achieve more energy efficient buildings in coastal cities.

Abstract: This study presents the lessons from the vernaculars Architecture of sukur kingdom with a focus on the use of building materials as a sustainable means for solving problems facing present-day architecture in issue of sustainability; in particular the critical housing situation in the developing countries. Through a case study of the ancient vernacular Architecture of sukur the result shows that stakeholders in the construction industry could reflect on how this building materials and the techniques in operation in their region by translating it in a modern way to address those striking design problems through solving them from the masters builders.

Abstract: Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs. This paper addresses the relation between Chinese vernacular architecture and locally sourced materials, which shows that the application of the vernacular materials is the primary component of the sustainable value of vernacular architecture. To assess the contribution of these materials for sustainability, a comparison with industrial materials at level of environmental indicators was established. This paper highlights the advantages of using local materials and techniques as a factor of local socio-economic development.

Abstract: Green building has become the trend of urban development in the twenty-first century as the threat of global warming is ever more challenging. The traditional Tulou in Fujian, China, characterized by its distinct building form and local culture is an outstanding representation of ecological building. From the perspective of ecological aesthetic, this research discusses the aesthetic factors of wind environment of Eryi Lou, the largest Tulou in Fujian. Starting from the GIS analysis on the overall environment, also assisted by MapInFo, this research further analyzes the external and internal wind environment of the Eryi Lou through site measurement of the buildings ventilation efficiency. Results showed that building form of Eryi Lou corresponded with topography and landform, as well as life wisdom of symbiosis with the environment and meets the requirements of ecological aesthetics criteria of both local characteristics and national character. The design of the major entrance with Feng Shui-oriented axis, as well as the design of courtyard in the quadrangle, circular corridors, and windows on the forth-storey are all intended for better cross-ventilation and heat dissipation. Such a design is a combination of aesthetics and human-based functional use, proving that Eryi Lou is an ecological building corresponding to the concept of ecological aesthetics, is an exemplar of symbiotic relationship between modern city development and environment.

Abstract: With the development of science and technology, rapid urbanization makes the survival of the human environment seriously polluted and destroyed. In the new century, with the issue that how to achieve the maximum saving ,to protect environment, to reduce pollution in the whole building life cycle and to make the harmonious between architecture and nature, Green building operating emerged. Vernacular architecture is an significant type of green building, this paper illustrates Seaweed House in Jiaodong of Shandong province and Oystershell Loculus in Quanzhou of Fujian province to perform a comparative study of cultural origins, building materials and ecological characteristics of the coastal green dwellings£¬in order to use the methods of vernacular architecture for reference to green building.

Abstract: Since the inscription of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in June 2007, a multitude of tourists have been attracted to the place. Monuments in Kaiping demon-strate rustic, idyllic beauty of naturalness and convey historical significance. Certain Western trav-ellers even regard the area as the last paradise among cultural heritage sites in China. How to pro-tect the monuments there, to guard them from structural damage or over-commercialisation as at other scenic spots within the country This is a sustained and difficult problem that needs to be tackled with by Kaiping municipal government, its heritage management as well as tourism de-partments. This article takes Paris Hotel, a building in Chikan Town of Kaiping, as an example to search for a sensible adaptive re-use scheme aiming to develop local economy while preserving cultural heritage at the same time.

Abstract: The vernacular architecture around the world, have considered many methods for creating better living conditions and welfare measures. Although it was difficult to work in harmony with cruel nature but wherever there is possibility of its use, the vernacular architecture takes advantage of nature. In Iran’s sustainable architecture there are much evidence of Persian architect’s genius and creativity in using nature to their advantage as: Wind catcher in hot and dry areas, Water storage scattered in many parts of Iran, The Yakhchal in depths of land for conservation and preservation of ice and their use in summer. Among them “Kat”, which is specialized in Dezfol and Shushtar of south-west of Iran, was made with certain conditions. In this paper, we studied on how to use “Kat” functional features in modern use in designing green Sidewalk. Based on these functions, a model for Sidewalk was created which will have a thermotical effect in Sidewalk. This model will keep the temperature over Sidewalk 4-5 degree less than other routes in summer.

Abstract: During late Qing and early Republican Periods, the Guangdong overseas Chinese people living in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Southeastern Asia came back to their hometown areas to invest and build homes for their families. Thousands of Lu mansions, dwellings for locals, were built during that period. There were three purposes for that construction boom, 1) to build a pleasant and home for their families remained home; 2) for the overseas Chinese themselves’ retirement, because they were not allowed to be naturalized as citizens in their adopted countries; 3) to build a place for their own pleasant retirement, as they believed “fallen leaves should return to their roonts”. Given these reasons, Lu mansions were constructed in a different way from local tradition vernacular architecture, in terms of floor plan, facade, techniques, decoration, and even the most sacred worshipping shrine as well. Taking the Lu mansions in Kaiping as case study, the authors attempt to analyze how the socio-cultural aspects affected local people’s living tradition through building village houses for their families.