Study on the Impact of Courtyard Proportions in Kunming’s Vernacular One-Seal Dwellings (Yikeyin) on Architectural Climatic Adaptability

Yaoning Yang, Xinping Wang, Shuqi Luo, Yongqiang Wang, Xun Wen, Na Ni, Ling Wang, Wei Jiang, Jixiang Cai, Genyu Xu, Junfeng Yin, Baojie He and Wei Xue ()
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Yaoning Yang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Xinping Wang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Shuqi Luo: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Yongqiang Wang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Xun Wen: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Na Ni: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Ling Wang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Wei Jiang: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
Jixiang Cai: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Genyu Xu: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Junfeng Yin: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Baojie He: Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
Wei Xue: Precision Blasting State Key Laboratory, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-44

Abstract: As climate challenges intensify, architectural design must reconcile energy efficiency with environmental adaptation. This study investigates how two skywell geometries in Kunming’s traditional One-Seal dwellings (Yikeyin) optimize seasonal thermal and ventilation performance. Combining field analysis and simulations, a comparative analysis of skywell depth-to-width ratios reveals that larger proportions enhance summer airflow but exacerbate winter heat loss, while smaller ratios stabilize winter conditions. Vertical thermal stratification highlights distinct microclimates across floors, with skywells exhibiting pronounced seasonal fluctuations. The findings affirm the climate-responsive intelligence embedded in vernacular architecture, demonstrating its relevance for contemporary sustainable design. By bridging traditional wisdom and modern green building practices, this work advances strategies for climate-resilient architecture and rural habitat enhancement, prioritizing both ecological balance and human comfort.

Keywords: natural ventilation; courtyard proportions; one-seal dwellings; Yikeyin; building thermal comfort; vernacular architecture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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