Chapter 03

Climate responsive architecture of the XX & XXI century

Harbin, China

Modern Yaodongs

Over 1,000 environmentally sustainable dwellings have been built in the Yaodong cave area of the Loess Plateau in China using traditional energy saving methods and vernacular housing design. The low-cost houses are built through self-help construction and the use of innovative solar energy systems and natural ventilation methods help to reduce energy consumption to a minimum.
The new housing design is based on the traditional design but increases the one-storey yaodong to two-stories and includes a sunspace at the front and earth-sheltered roofs, which serve to increase the indoor daylight levels, as well as improving natural ventilation and humidity. The new design has been developed in cooperation with the residents and continues to enable traditional lifestyle practices. The houses have roof planting and thermal mass protection. Although the houses are low-cost they are sufficiently modern to be attractive to the local people.
Innovative solar energy systems and natural ventilation methods have been successfully introduced whilst still retaining the traditional arched yaodong front which has cultural significance. Local people are involved throughout the design and construction process and the Yan’an local government has been supportive.

Why is it innovative?