Energy Simulation-Based Assessment of Traditional and Modern Wall Materials for Thermal Performance: A Case Study of a Traditional House in Jordan

Combining traditional stone walls with modern insulation layers significantly improves thermal performance and reduces energy demand and CO2 emissions, offering a sustainable solution for heritage buildings like those in Al Salt, Jordan. This study used energy simulation software (DesignBuilder) to compare the thermal behavior of traditional limestone walls, modern reinforced concrete and block-based walls, and insulated systems under local climatic conditions. While traditional stone walls show better thermal mass than uninsulated concrete but still fall short of contemporary efficiency standards, adding insulation layers to them achieves substantial energy savings while preserving architectural identity. The findings highlight the potential for upgrading heritage structures to meet modern performance requirements without compromising cultural value.

Shaqour, E. N., Alshafei, I. A., Abu Taqa, A., Senouci, A., & Hassan, A. M. S. (2025). Energy Simulation-Based Assessment of Traditional and Modern Wall Materials for Thermal Performance: A Case Study of a Traditional House in Jordan. Energies, 18(20), 5336. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205336