Effects of window position on natural cross ventilation in vernacular architecture of mazandaran (case study: SARI)

Abstract

Among the most effective architectures is vernacular architecture of Mazandaran whose incorporation in nature is so delicate that appears to be an essential part of it. Paying more attention to vernacular architecture and promoting it can be helpful in reducing energy consumption. Increasing use of fossil fuels in heating and cooling systems of buildings that come with excessive costs can result from inattention to vernacular architecture principles. However taking them into consideration can be an effective solution for reducing energy consumption. This research aimed to study the effects of window position on natural cross ventilation in Vernacular architecture of Mazandaran applying Descriptive - analytical approach. For this reason, a number of vernacular buildings, located in Sari, were studied regarding numbers and sizes of bilateral opening and its function in ventilation. Variables in this research were tested using SPSS and Regression correlation coefficient; additionally, all 3 formulas suggested in the results were evaluated to achieve an optimal model. In this study, for a desirable ventilator, for every percent added to the room area, the windows showed a 0.87 percent increase in size, and for every additional story, the optimal ventilation grew 30 percent. On the other hand, in high-rise apartments, the protrusion contribution in ventilation system was highlighted. This research study aims to clarify the principles of proper ventilation in vernacular architecture which have long been forgotten.

Keywords: natural ventilation; window; vernacular architecture; temperate and wet climate.