Thermal performance assessment of vernacular residential semi-open spaces in Mediterranean climate

Abstract

This paper investigates the overall thermal performance of vernacular buildings in Nicosia, Cyprus and highlights the role of semi-open spaces in improving the thermal comfort of the aforementioned structures. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it presents, in a comparative way, field measurements carried out in five traditional buildings, discussing at the same time the impact of authentic architectural features, as well as of contemporary interventions, on the bioclimatic function of the original building envelope, taking into account the daily use of the premises under investigation. The research outcomes highlight the positive contribution of semi-open spaces to the thermal comfort of vernacular buildings, especially during the cooling period (summer). Contemporary architectural interventions, such as the conversion of semi-open spaces into closed indoor spaces, as well as the behaviour of occupants, are also found to affect the thermal performance of the traditional building envelope.

The Environmental and Social Role of Semi-Open Spaces in Vernacular Architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean Area: The Case of Cyprus

“…Moreover, lower mean temperatures and greater thermal stability are offered by northern-oriented semiopen spaces during the cooling period. These research results are in line with other studies that link orientation with the thermal performance of semi-open spaces [10], [25]. At the same time, semi-open spaces of all orientations have shown a smaller diurnal temperature fluctuation compared to the external environment as they offer a more protected area compared to the environmental conditions.…”

“…The prevalence of the south as well as east and southeast orientations of the iliakos for better solar exploitation is in line with other previous research studies [25], [27]. The research has indicated that the mean temperature in semi-open spaces remained higher throughout the year, compared to the external environment hence these spaces offer better thermal conditions for the occupants during the heating period (winter).…”

“…Results showed a smaller fluctuation in the portico with a DoE equal to 8.0, compared to the iliakos with a DoE equal to 4.0. This is due to the greater depth and more protective character of the portico compared to the iliakos [25]. More specifically, the results indicate that the more enclosed the semi-open space is, the less exposed it becomes to outdoor climatic conditions exhibiting therefore, a thermal performance more similar to an indoor space.…”

Spaces in Spatial Science and Urban Applications—State of the Art Review

“…Covered streets are regarded in this category. Furthermore, semi-enclosed space [5,78] or semi-open space [79] are used to name the space that is not enclosed entirely and has some settings including human-made structures that moderate the effects of the outdoor conditions.…”

Evaluation of vernacular architecture of Uzundere District (architectural typology and physical form of building) in relation to ecological sustainable development

“…Local builders adapted or developed vernacular houses over time, as their needs changed (Ju, Omar, and Ko 2012). Vernacular houses have various spatial design and create more thermal comfort than modern houses; so, spatial design principles of these houses are still of high value to modern building design (Du, Bokel, and van den Dobbelsteen 2016;Enai et al 1993;Philokyprou et al 2017b). The bioclimatic comfort is the climate conditions in which human feels healthier and more dynamic (Ozyavuz, Aytin, and Ertin 2018).…”