Page 45 - JCAU-5-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Indoor photothermal environment in Miao dwellings

enhanced adaptability to local climatic conditions (Zhang and ventilation, exemplifying a typical mountainous village
et al., 2019; Pardo, 2023). layout in the original Miao region of western Hunan. The
traditional houses in Zhushan Village typically comprise a
2.2. Research area main house, an attached house, and a courtyard. The total

The Miao ethnic group in western Hunan primarily construction area spans approximately 90–150 sq m, while
inhabits mountainous areas ranging from 500 to 1200 m. the courtyard occupies an area of approximately 30–70
The region is characterized by unfavorable and intricate sq m. Surrounding the courtyard is a low wall featuring
climatic conditions, influenced significantly by altitude, a gatehouse at the front and a sunbathing pad within the
leading to notable temperature variations. It falls within courtyard. The sunbathing pad serves as a dedicated space
the humid central subtropical monsoon climate category, for sun exposure and outdoor activities.
characterized by hot and rainy summers and cold and wet
winters. The average annual temperature stands at 15.9℃, 2.3. Research content
with only 10.5 days per year experiencing temperatures 2.3.1. Field research
equal to or exceeding 35℃. The average sunshine A thorough and extensive field survey was conducted
difference is 8.3℃, and the annual rainfall amounts to by our research team over a period of nine days,
1308.1 mm. During the summer, the natural environment spanning from January 10, 2022, to January 18, 2022, in
and the rational design of traditional dwellings facilitate Zhushan Village, Phoenix County, in the Tujia and Miao
cooling and dehumidification through natural ventilation Autonomous Prefectures of Hunan Province. The survey
techniques. Conversely, in winter, the mountainous regions encompassed meticulous measurements using tools such
become cold and damp, necessitating heating measures as tape measures and laser rangefinders, enabling us to
to counter the chilly and moist indoor environment. gather precise data pertaining to the village. In addition,
The present study focuses on Zhushan village (Figure 1), computer-aided design (CAD) drawings were generated to
which has been included in the fifth batch of the “Chinese accurately depict the architectural features of the dwellings
Traditional Villages List” and selected as the sample site for in Zhushan Village. Furthermore, the collected data were
field monitoring and simulation investigations. systematically organized to categorize and classify the
Located in Machong Township, Phoenix County, fundamental types of dwellings prevalent in Zhushan
Xiangxi, Zhushan Village (Figure 2) exhibits specific Village.
geographical attributes. The village is situated on a south-
facing mountain with an average elevation of approximately 2.3.2. Measurement settings
620 m and an average slope of around 30°. Notably, it lacks Past studies have shown that the neutral temperature
public buildings but benefits from favorable natural light in summer ranges from 18.4 to 29.8℃, with the lowest

Figure 1. Study area. Source: Maps and photos by the authors

Volume 5 Issue 2 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.403