Impact of Courtyard Microclimate on Building Thermal Performance Under Hot Weather Conditions: A Review

Xu Zhou (), Ernesto Antonini and Jacopo Gaspari ()
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Xu Zhou: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Ernesto Antonini: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Jacopo Gaspari: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-20

Abstract: The increasing frequency of extreme heat events poses significant challenges to buildings in terms of escalating thermal stress, while courtyards, as a traditional passive cooling strategy, demonstrate considerable potential in improving building thermal performance and in energy savings for cooling. Although existing studies have revealed the role of courtyards in enhancing their internal microclimate, an in-depth understanding of how design parameters regulate the microclimate and thereby affect the thermal performance of adjacent buildings remains limited, constraining their effective application in coping with extreme heat. This study conducts an exploration of relevant research aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of courtyard microclimate regulation, the quantitative methods employed, and effective design strategies in addressing high temperatures. The findings indicate that courtyards influence the building thermal performance through four mechanisms: solar radiation control, airflow organization, evaporative cooling, and thermal buffering. Their effectiveness depends on the optimized combination of geometry, material properties, and landscape configuration. Moreover, different quantitative methods exhibit notable differences in scale, accuracy, and applicability. Finally, based on the identified key factors and their interactions, this study proposes optimization pathways to bridge the gap between design expectations and practical outcomes, thereby providing both a theoretical framework and practical guidance for advancing the scientific application of courtyards in enhancing building thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Keywords: courtyard building; microclimate; thermal performance; energy consumption; passive cooling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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