IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i7p3066-d1624336.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Study on the Impact of Courtyard Proportions in Kunming’s Vernacular One-Seal Dwellings (Yikeyin) on Architectural Climatic Adaptability

Author

Listed:
  • Yaoning Yang

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Xinping Wang

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Shuqi Luo

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Yongqiang Wang

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Xun Wen

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Na Ni

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Ling Wang

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Wei Jiang

    (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Jixiang Cai

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Genyu Xu

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Junfeng Yin

    (College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Baojie He

    (Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Wei Xue

    (Precision Blasting State Key Laboratory, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China)

Abstract

As climate challenges intensify, architectural design must reconcile energy efficiency with environmental adaptation. This study investigates how two skywell geometries in Kunming’s traditional One-Seal dwellings (Yikeyin) optimize seasonal thermal and ventilation performance. Combining field analysis and simulations, a comparative analysis of skywell depth-to-width ratios reveals that larger proportions enhance summer airflow but exacerbate winter heat loss, while smaller ratios stabilize winter conditions. Vertical thermal stratification highlights distinct microclimates across floors, with skywells exhibiting pronounced seasonal fluctuations. The findings affirm the climate-responsive intelligence embedded in vernacular architecture, demonstrating its relevance for contemporary sustainable design. By bridging traditional wisdom and modern green building practices, this work advances strategies for climate-resilient architecture and rural habitat enhancement, prioritizing both ecological balance and human comfort.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaoning Yang & Xinping Wang & Shuqi Luo & Yongqiang Wang & Xun Wen & Na Ni & Ling Wang & Wei Jiang & Jixiang Cai & Genyu Xu & Junfeng Yin & Baojie He & Wei Xue, 2025. "Study on the Impact of Courtyard Proportions in Kunming’s Vernacular One-Seal Dwellings (Yikeyin) on Architectural Climatic Adaptability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-44, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3066-:d:1624336
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/7/3066/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/7/3066/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Omer, Abdeen Mustafa, 2008. "Renewable building energy systems and passive human comfort solutions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(6), pages 1562-1587, August.
    2. Cheng, Yuanda & Gao, Min & Jia, Jie & Sun, Yanyi & Fan, Yi & Yu, Min, 2019. "An optimal and comparison study on daylight and overall energy performance of double-glazed photovoltaics windows in cold region of China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 356-366.
    3. Qi Liu & Zaiyi Liao & Yongfa Wu & Dagmawi Mulugeta Degefu & Yiwei Zhang, 2019. "Cultural Sustainability and Vitality of Chinese Vernacular Architecture: A Pedigree for the Spatial Art of Traditional Villages in Jiangnan Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-27, December.
    4. Moosavi, Leila & Mahyuddin, Norhayati & Ab Ghafar, Norafida & Azzam Ismail, Muhammad, 2014. "Thermal performance of atria: An overview of natural ventilation effective designs," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 654-670.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Jomehzadeh, Fatemeh & Nejat, Payam & Calautit, John Kaiser & Yusof, Mohd Badruddin Mohd & Zaki, Sheikh Ahmad & Hughes, Ben Richard & Yazid, Muhammad Noor Afiq Witri Muhammad, 2017. "A review on windcatcher for passive cooling and natural ventilation in buildings, Part 1: Indoor air quality and thermal comfort assessment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 736-756.
    2. Feiran Chen & Mengran Mai & Xinyi Huang & Yinghan Li, 2024. "Enhancing the Sustainability of AI Technology in Architectural Design: Improving the Matching Accuracy of Chinese-Style Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-26, September.
    3. Janusz Marchwiński & Agnieszka Starzyk & Ołeksij Kopyłow & Karolina Kurtz-Orecka, 2023. "Impact of Atrium Glazing with and without BIPV on Energy Performance of the Low-Rise Building: A Central European Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-25, June.
    4. Qibo Liu & Xiao Han & Yuheng Yan & Juan Ren, 2023. "A Parametric Design Method for the Lighting Environment of a Library Building Based on Building Performance Evaluation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    5. Anna Laura Pisello & Gloria Pignatta & Veronica Lucia Castaldo & Franco Cotana, 2014. "Experimental Analysis of Natural Gravel Covering as Cool Roofing and Cool Pavement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(8), pages 1-17, July.
    6. Cheng-Yih Hong & Hsiu-Ching Chang, 2019. "Comparing the Impact of Wind Power and Solar Power Investment on Industrial Development: Application of Dynamic Energy Industry-related Models," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 9(6), pages 38-44.
    7. Deng, S. & Wang, R.Z. & Dai, Y.J., 2014. "How to evaluate performance of net zero energy building – A literature research," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 1-16.
    8. Fengyi Ji & Shangyi Zhou, 2021. "Dwelling Is a Key Idea in Traditional Residential Architecture’s Sustainability: A Case Study at Yangwan Village in Suzhou, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, June.
    9. Pingyi Han & Shenjian Hu & Rui Xu, 2024. "New Life in the Countryside: Conservation and Sustainability of Vernacular Architectural Facade Characteristics in the Jiangnan Region, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-21, April.
    10. Al Busaidi, Ahmed Said & Kazem, Hussein A & Al-Badi, Abdullah H & Farooq Khan, Mohammad, 2016. "A review of optimum sizing of hybrid PV–Wind renewable energy systems in oman," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 185-193.
    11. Ramos, Greici & Ghisi, Enedir, 2010. "Analysis of daylight calculated using the EnergyPlus programme," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(7), pages 1948-1958, September.
    12. Jiayi Shi & Tao Zhang & Hiroatsu Fukuda & Qun Zhang & Lujian Bai, 2022. "Socio-Environmental Responsive Strategy and Sustainable Development of Traditional Tianshui Dwellings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-27, July.
    13. Taleghani, Mohammad & Tenpierik, Martin & Kurvers, Stanley & van den Dobbelsteen, Andy, 2013. "A review into thermal comfort in buildings," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 201-215.
    14. Li, Honglian & Huang, Jin & Hu, Yao & Wang, Shangyu & Liu, Jing & Yang, Liu, 2021. "A new TMY generation method based on the entropy-based TOPSIS theory for different climatic zones in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    15. Manzano-Agugliaro, Francisco & Montoya, Francisco G. & Sabio-Ortega, Andrés & García-Cruz, Amós, 2015. "Review of bioclimatic architecture strategies for achieving thermal comfort," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 736-755.
    16. Kalavala Shivaprakash Srivishnu & Prasutha Rani Markapudi & Senthilarasu Sundaram & Lingamallu Giribabu, 2023. "Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells for Building Integrated Photovoltaics: Recent Advances," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-25, January.
    17. Norafida Ab Ghafar & Mohamed Gadi & Mastura Adam, 2019. "Evaluation of thermal and solar performance in atrium buildings using sequential simulation," Energy & Environment, , vol. 30(6), pages 969-990, September.
    18. Zhou, Hao & Yang, Hongxing & Peng, Jinqing, 2024. "Solar PV vacuum glazing (SVG) insulated building facades: Thermal and electrical performances," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 376(PB).
    19. Aminhossein Jahanbin & Giovanni Semprini, 2020. "Numerical Study on Indoor Environmental Quality in a Room Equipped with a Combined HRV and Radiator System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-22, December.
    20. Juaidi, Adel & AlFaris, Fadi & Montoya, Francisco G. & Manzano-Agugliaro, Francisco, 2016. "Energy benchmarking for shopping centers in Gulf Coast region," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 247-255.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3066-:d:1624336. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.