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.