Vernacular architecture of Iran’s hot regions; elements and strategies for a comfortable living environment

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss 11 strategies and 11 sets of tools to provide a knowledge background on how native people of Iran have come up with innovative solutions to create a sustainable and comfortable living environment within the confinement of their homes, in harsh environment of Iran’s hot-arid and hot-humid regions.

Design/methodology/approach

These strategies include density, building orientation, introversion, design for four seasons, using local materials, using the ground’s thermal capacity, natural wind induced ventilation, using walls’ thickness and porosity, Panãm (insulation), using special native additive elements and integration of water and plants into the building. Discussed tools include water, courtyard, Showãdãn, Bahãr-khãb, roof, korsi room, ratio and Pãyãb, Sardãb and Howz-khãneh, Shanãshil, Bãdgir and Eivãn.

Findings

In conclusion, interrelations between these strategies and tools are illustrated in order to provide a collection of guidelines and inspirations for those involved in the building industry in Iran and Middle East to come up with innovative solutions for creating a sustainable and comfortable living environment in this region’s climates.

Originality/value

This paper provides a collection of guidelines and inspirations for those involved in the building industry in Iran and Middle East to come up with innovative solutions for creating a sustainable and comfortable living environment in this region’s climates.