Page 52 - JCAU-5-2

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

dimensions contributes to minimizing heat loss during unity between humans and nature on the design and
the winter months. Moreover, the practice of not opening construction of traditional dwellings in the Miao region
windows on the North, East, and West sides of the dwellings of western Hunan. The study demonstrates that these
facilitates insulation against external climatic influences. dwellings effectively respond to the specific climatic
The presence of upper storage spaces further aids in characteristics of the region by incorporating appropriate
reducing temperature fluctuations within the lower living dwelling forms, materials, and structural elements.
areas and provides a mildly heated environment during the Moreover, the study identifies and analyzes the existing
winter. The wide eaves serve multiple purposes, including challenges associated with Miao traditional dwellings
efficient rainwater drainage, protection against wood in the western Hunan region and provides targeted
deterioration, and attenuation of excess heat absorption recommendations for addressing these issues. The targeted
by the exterior walls. Additionally, during winter, the recommendations are as follows:
wide eaves provide shade for the residents. Despite these i. In order to enhance the thermal performance of
commendable design features, it is important to note that the exterior walls in traditional Miao dwellings, we
the indoor photothermal environment of traditional Miao suggest implementing an intervention by adding a
dwellings in the western Hunan region still presents certain composite wall on the inside of the existing exterior
limitations and shortcomings, which require attention and wall. This intervention involves incorporating a layer
improvement. of 40 mm thick polyurethane foam and 10 mm cedar
i. Due to the absence of active heat insulation equipment boards. By adopting this approach, we aim to improve
and measures, the Miao people have traditionally the overall thermal insulation properties of the wall
prioritized summer heat insulation over winter heat without compromising the traditional folk style while
insulation in the design and construction of their also providing opportunities for modern interior
dwellings. This choice may be attributed to the cultural decoration.
practice of addressing the winter cold by adding layers ii. Considering the economic constraints and regional
of clothing. Consequently, the indoor photothermal attributes of the Miao area, the windows installed
environment of Miao traditional dwellings faces a in residential houses exhibit inadequate sealing
significant challenge regarding winter heat insulation. properties due to the suboptimal design of their
Addressing this issue becomes an urgent imperative window frames and sills. To address this issue, we
that necessitates prompt improvement measures. propose the adoption of 5 mm low-emissivity (low-
ii. Furthermore, the inadequate indoor light in Miao e) glass for the windows. This intervention aims to
traditional dwellings can be attributed to the design enhance the thermal performance of the windows
limitation of having only two small windows on the and promote improved interior light conditions. By
south side. This design consideration encompasses implementing this measure, we can ensure that the
the requirements for summer ventilation, summer aesthetic integrity of traditional dwellings remains
heat insulation, and winter insulation, as well as the intact while simultaneously enhancing their overall
constraints imposed by construction techniques. thermal efficiency.
Consequently, the indoor light within the dwellings is
significantly insufficient, with satisfactory illumination 6. Conclusion
only observed in the vicinity of the doors and windows This study employed a combination of field survey data and
on the south side, while the North side experiences a two simulation software programs, namely Designbuilder
severe lack of natural light. and Ecotect, to investigate the performance of Miao
This study employs a comprehensive approach, traditional dwellings in the western Hunan region with
combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, to respect to the indoor photothermal environment. Our
investigate the adaptive response of traditional dwellings findings revealed that these dwellings demonstrate favorable
to the local natural environment in the Miao region of responses to the local climate characteristics, exhibiting
western Hunan. It encompasses a thorough examination commendable adaptability in terms of architectural form,
and analysis of the layout, form, materials, and structure building structure, and building materials. The outcomes
of traditional dwellings in this region. Specifically affirm the alignment of these dwellings with the prevailing
focusing on Zhushan Village, the study examines the trajectory of sustainable development in contemporary
indoor photothermal environment characteristics of these society, underscoring their efficacy in meeting the demands
traditional dwellings. The findings highlight the profound of environmentally conscious practices. The outcomes are
influence of the philosophical concept of harmony and elaborated as follows:

Volume 5 Issue 2 (2023) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.403