Back to the future; a climate adaptive rammed earth house design in Yunnan based on a data-driven approach

Abstract

Climate change, energy crisis, and housing shortage pose significant global challenges. In the rural context of Yunnan, a developing region in China, the extensive use of concrete-brick buildings raises sustainability concerns. This thesis aims to explore the potential of a climate-adaptive rammed earth building design based on a data-driven approach to enhance indoor comfort and reduce environment impact, particularly in social housing projects. The research will begin with an investigation of the local climate, earth vernacular, local context, and modern rammed earth technology. To compare the energy performance and environment impact between brick and rammed earth constructions, a room-scale shoebox will be modeled for dynamic thermal simulations and a life cycle assessment (LCA).The daylight will also be studied with simulation on the room-scale. Based on the findings, guidelines for rammed earth construction will be derived and synthesized. Subsequent to simulations, life cycle assessment, and data analysis, a climate-adaptive rammed earth house will be designed on a specific site, utilizing the established guidelines. The newly designed house will be simulated, discussed, and optimized, compared to a typical concrete-brick house. The outcomes of this research and design endeavor are expected to contribute as a sustainable housing prototype, not only in Yunnan but also as an inspiration for similar social and climatic regions.