Impact of Airflow on Moderating Thermal Conditions in Vernacular Houses; Case Study: Bandar-e Lengeh Houses in Hot and Humid Climate of Iran

As an example of extreme hot humid climate, the southern marginal rim of Iran is a perfect candidate for studying climatic patterns. Attention to climatic components in housing design process within this area is therefore essential. Benefitting from the airflow and avoiding heat and radiation are among the most effective approaches towards moderating heat conditions in hot and humid areas. Vernacular houses are principally built to adapt to the climatic needs. Bandar-e Lengeh in southern rim of Iran has vernacular houses with unique patterns to make use of the airflow. With the aid of the Design Builder software application, this article examines heat conditions in such houses in accordance with local wind patterns and airflow in the climatic structure of the houses. It also tries to investigate the extent to wich such airflow effective can be effective in moderating indoor heat conditions of the climatic conditions in Bandar-e Lengeh houses. The article has a practical purpose, which is being followed through application of graphical and simulation packages using Design Builder software version 4.2.0.045 and the ASHRAE55 thermal comfort model. The climate statistics data are prepared by Meteorem 7 software, using weather data from Meteorological Organization of Iran. Conformance of the obtained simulation results show that local wind-flow currents in Bandar-e Lengeh combined with unique climatic patterns of the local houses can help moderation of indoor thermal conditions and provide the best ambient status, regarding air currents temperature and relative humidity in certain hours of the day.