A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements

Abstract

This study describe the microclimates, its effects on building design, and how it depends on the specific climate of a place. The aim of this study is to examine the microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in the Cypriot settlement through different basic elements of bioclimatic design for human comfort. The study focuses on selected buildings in Famagusta and Lefkosa district of North Cyprus, to understand the effect of microclimate design approaches on the vernacular and contemporary edifices. In line with climate characteristics; site planning, building form and orientation, vegetation, indoor ventilation, and building material was considered in this study. The research techniques applied, includes related frameworks, on-site observation, and interview with building dwellers. The findings suggested that the vernacular buildings and its environment are more sustainable when matched to contemporary buildings. Moreover, the study inference suggests that contemporary buildings should incorporate vernacular buildings responsive design approaches to maximise human comfort. The implication of the study serves as a guide for further investigation on designing microclimate responsive buildings.

Building Envelope and the Outdoor Microclimate Variable of Vernacular Houses: Analysis on the Environmental Elements in Tropical Coastal and Mountain Areas of Indonesia

“…Vernacular houses are believed to create thermal comfort for their inhabitants, and this needs to be analyzed to be a standard for architectural design. Other studies have discussed the relationship between microclimate and environmental elements with building environment [60][61][62][63][64][65].…”

Effects of Climate Responsive Strategies and Adaptive Behavior of Occupants on Thermal Comfort in Indoor Environments of Vernacular Architecture: A Review of Necessities and Goals

“…As summarized in Figure 5, research goals focus mainly on analysis of the effects of strategies on indoor thermal quality. Nearly 66% of research objectives goals of research into climate responsive strategies, and 51% of the objectives of the entire body of research we reviewed, pertain to this goal (Alev et al, 2014;Bodach et al, 2014;Canas & Martin, 2004;Cantin et al, 2010;Desogus et al, 2016;Dili et al, 2010b;Dincyurek et al, 2003;Fernandes et al, 2015;Foruzanmehr & Vellinga, 2011;Gou et al, 2015;Huang et al, 2016;Iyendo et al, 2016;Keshtkaran, 2011;Keskin & Erbay, 2016;Khalili & Amindeldar, 2014;Kubota & Toe, 2015;Mohammadi et al, 2018;Molanaei & Soleimani, 2016;Motealleh et al, 2018;Nguyen et al, 2011;Oikonomou & Bougiatioti, 2011;Oree & Anatah, 2017;Ozay, 2005;Philokyprou et al, 2017;Philokyprou et al, 2018;Pozas & González, 2016;Priya et al, 2012;Rubio-Bellido et al, 2018;Saljoughinejad & Rashidi Sharifabad, 2015;Samani et al, 2016;Shaeri et al, 2018;Shao et al, 2017;Shastry et al, 2016;Singh et al, 2009;Singh et al, 2011;Soleymanpour et al, 2015;…”

Housing for Now and the Future: A Systematic Review of Climate-Adaptive Measures

“…As early as in the fourth century BC, architects and builders were already considering the importance of designing buildings to conform to a particular climate. For instance, the windows of a house were often oriented towards the sun's path to capture heat and light, whereas walls with exterior stucco rendering were built to block sunlight and keep an area cool [28]. Over the past several thousand years, building techniques have been developed with a view to making houses more resilient to extreme environmental conditions.…”