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

Minghao Zhang, Zhezhe Fang, Qian Liu () and Fangyu Zhang
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Minghao Zhang: School of Architecture and Design, China University of Mining and Technology, Daxue Road No.1, Xuzhou 221116, China
Zhezhe Fang: School of Architecture and Design, China University of Mining and Technology, Daxue Road No.1, Xuzhou 221116, China
Qian Liu: School of Architecture and Design, China University of Mining and Technology, Daxue Road No.1, Xuzhou 221116, China
Fangyu Zhang: Nanjing Construction Design Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing 130011, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-22

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.

Keywords: hot summer and cold winter; energy-saving retrofit; optimization strategy; traditional residence; courtyard; Xuzhou (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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