Thermal analysis of the vernacular architecture in the Ziban, Algeria

Modern buildings in Algeria consume a huge amount of energy and deliver modest thermal comfort, due to their design which does not address the local climate conditions. In contrast, it is commonly recognized that vernacular architecture is climate-responsive and environmentally friendly architecture. This study aims to assess the thermal performance of vernacular architecture in the hot and dry climate of the Ziban region, Biskra. It was achieved by describing the main passive strategies in this architecture, later performing field hygrothermal measurements on two different houses in this region. The results revealed that the thermal effectiveness of these vernacular houses depends on the interaction of all their vernacular passive strategies from architectural to urban scale.