Vernacular Architecture of South Asia: Exploring Passive Design Strategies of Traditional Houses in Warm Humid Climate of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Vernacular architecture affects traditional house design decisions for different climatic zones. In this study, among South Asian countries, the vernacular practice of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be observed separately. As they share almost the same climatic conditions, rural parts of these countries build mud houses as their main living domain. In this study, construction techniques, passive design strategies, thermal comfort, etc of mud houses of both countries have been explored. Different methodologies such as site surveys, literature studies, software simulations, etc. have been applied to perceive and improve passive design strategies. Villages from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are chosen to examine rural mud houses. The study of these houses provides insight for designing an energy-efficient rural house having thermally comfortable conditions, as well as leaving behind a very low environmental footprint. The existing realities of the mud house are investigated and a few reforms have been suggested to enhance passive energies and comfort of the occupants.