The Thermal Performance of Chinese Vernacular Skywell Dwellings

Chinese vernacular skywell dwellings, particularly those in Xidi and Zhifeng villages, demonstrate superior thermal performance due to evaporative cooling, which significantly reduces indoor temperature fluctuations. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of passive cooling in traditional architecture, revealing that hygroscopic construction materials further enhance comfort by buffering temperatures. The study analyzed on-site measurements and solar simulations from eight dwellings across three villages—Xidi, Zhifeng, and Yuyuan—revealing that evaporative cooling was the primary factor lowering mean dry bulb temperatures inside skywells below external levels. This insight underscores the adaptive design of these UNESCO-listed sites, blending material science with environmental responsiveness.

Yao, G., Han, D., Zhang, L., & Duan, Z. (2021). The Thermal Performance of Chinese Vernacular Skywell Dwellings. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2021(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6666701