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This study investigates indoor thermal conditions in traditional Chinese shophouses (CSHs) in Malacca, Malaysia, using field measurements and focuses on the cooling effects of courtyards. The results indicate that the indoor air temperature in the living rooms of CSHs was approximately 5-6°C lower than the outdoor temperature during the day primarily due to structural cooling effects with night ventilation, whereas the indoor air temperature at night was similar to the outdoor temperature. If the thermal adaptations of the occupants were considered, then the thermal conditions in the living rooms were acceptable for most of the day. The results indicate that the front courtyards functioned as a cooling source for the surrounding spaces in the CSHs.

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate thermal comfort levels in traditional Malay houses based on a field measurement, with an interest to apply its traditional passive cooling techniques to modern houses in Malaysia. The results reveal that indoor air temperatures are 1-2°C higher than the corresponding outdoor air temperatures throughout the day except for a few morning hours around 9 a.m. Air movement obtained by open windows or ceiling fan is required to lower the SET* and improve thermal comfort. Solar heat control and a cool microclimate might be two fundamental traditional cooling techniques for these lightweight houses.

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