A Novel Vernacular–Modern Hybrid Building Design for Sustainable Thermal and Environmental Performance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

2 Department of Engineering Technology, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA, United States

Abstract

The construction sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, particularly in regions with extreme climatic conditions. Traditional Iranian architecture offers valuable passive design strategies, yet its structural limitations restrict widespread use in contemporary practice. This study develops and evaluates a hybrid building model that integrates vernacular bioclimatic principles with modern structural systems to enhance thermal performance, energy efficiency, and cultural compatibility in semi-arid climates. Four building typologies—a traditional adobe building with thatch coating, a traditional adobe building without coating, a modern reinforced-concrete building, and a proposed hybrid model—were analyzed using dynamic energy simulations in DesignBuilder and structural modeling in ETABS and SAFE. Results show that the traditional thatch-coated building achieved the lowest cooling load, the most stable comfort temperatures, and the lowest maximum daily operating temperatures, due to its high thermal mass and natural insulation. The modern building exhibited the poorest thermal performance, driven by low-mass walls and high heat transfer. The hybrid building demonstrated a balanced profile: its thermal performance closely matched that of traditional structures while ensuring structural resilience and compliance with modern seismic standards. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid construction as a scalable, environmentally responsive solution that merges indigenous architectural wisdom with contemporary engineering needs. The proposed framework can guide future sustainable housing strategies in Iran and other regions with similar climatic and cultural contexts.

Keywords

References

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Contributions of Science and Technology for Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 2
February 2026
Pages 38-50

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 08 January 2026
  • First Publish Date: 08 January 2026
  • Publish Date: 31 May 2026

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