Energy Efficient Features of Vernacular Houses in Tropical Hilly Area of Indonesia

Abstract Energy efficient building is one of the alternative solutions to overcome rapidly increasing use energy consumption by sector. Traditional or vernacular houses rarely mechanical means create a comfortable living environment. Thus, electrical consumed traditional was relatively low. It believed that features can be found in houses. Thence, this study explores houses, with case hilly area tropics, Palu-Indonesia. Field studies were conducted. Six chosen purposively as samples based on orientation, form, roof wall construction, and type opening. HOBO H21 U12-012 utilised measure internal external air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, wind speed direction. The result indicates sample houses’ thermal condition slightly better than condition. Sample 1 modify temperature up 42.8 K during daytime. condition, contrast, showed poor performance. more transparent material proper shading needed succeed daylighting buildings’ interior. Several are follows: shallow plan elongated East – West, geometry, resistive materials, ceilings, side-hung jalousie windows an adequate size effective opening for ventilation lighting.