Developing a Context-Based Framework for Sustainable Design in Cold and Arid Climates: From Traditional Architecture to Modern Technologies

Achieving sustainable architecture in cold and arid climates is challenging due to extreme temperature fluctuations, water scarcity, and high energy demands. This study integrates traditional Iranian architectural strategies with modern environmental technologies to enhance building performance. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and EnergyPlus simulations, key passive design elements—windcatchers, thermal-mass walls, courtyards, and subterranean structures—are analyzed for their impact on thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Results show that vernacular solutions can reduce heating and cooling energy demand by 40–57% while maintaining indoor temperatures between 16–24°C year-round. Windcatchers improve air circulation by 40–55%, lowering indoor temperatures by up to 5°C without mechanical cooling. Thick walls enhance thermal inertia, reducing fluctuations by 30–50%. These findings highlight the potential of integrating indigenous techniques into contemporary sustainable frameworks, offering a scalable approach for climate-adaptive, energy-efficient buildings in cold and arid regions.

在寒冷干旱地区推进可持续建筑建设面临诸多挑战，究其缘由，该区域存在极端温度波动、水资源匮乏以及能源需求高昂等问题。本研究将伊朗传统建筑营造策略与现代环境技术相融合，旨在优化建筑整体性能。研究借助计算流体动力学（Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD）与EnergyPlus模拟工具，对捕风器、蓄热墙体、庭院及地下结构等核心被动式设计要素展开分析，探究其对室内热舒适与能源利用效率的影响。结果显示，本土传统营建方案可将采暖与制冷的能源需求降低40%至57%，同时可使室内全年温度稳定维持在16℃至24℃区间。其中，捕风器可使空气流通效率提升40%至55%，无需机械制冷即可将室内温度最高降低5℃；厚实墙体可增强热惰性，使室内温度波动幅度降低30%至50%。上述研究成果凸显了将本土传统技术融入当代可持续建筑框架的应用潜力，为寒冷干旱地区的气候适配型高效节能建筑提供了可规模化推广的实践路径。