Spatial Translation and Material Coupling: A Synergistic Methodology for Driving the Sustainable Regeneration of Vernacular Architecture

Under rural revitalization and low-carbon development, the sustainable transformation of vernacular architecture has become an important research focus. Taking the Linpan as the research object, this study proposes an integrated design methodology that combines typological translation with ecological material logic for contemporary architectural design. The methodology decodes the Linpan spatial prototype—characterized by the “house–forest–field–water” structure—by abstracting key spatial relationships and translating them into contemporary architectural formal strategies, while incorporating locally grounded ecological materials to coordinate environmental performance and cultural continuity. The proposed approach is validated through the Daoming Zhuli project in Chengdu, where typological translation generates courtyard-centered layouts, semi-open transitional spaces, and bamboo-based envelope systems adapted to a humid subtropical climate. A scenario-based material comparison indicates that the use of local materials can significantly reduce embodied carbon emissions while reinforcing regional identity. In addition, comparative analyses of other vernacular settlements, including Huizhou ancient villages, Fujian Tulou, and Ait Benhaddou, are conducted to examine the methodological transferability across different climatic, spatial, and cultural contexts. This study contributes a design-oriented framework linking spatial typology and material selection, providing guidance for the sustainable renewal of Linpan and references for the contemporary adaptation of vernacular architecture in international contexts.