Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Investigating the effect of the central courtyard structure on the natural ventilation of traditional houses in Yazd (Case Study: Lariha and Golshan houses)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Omid Rahaei 1
Milad Omidi 2
Amir Hossein Shirdel 2

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Candidate in Architectur, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.441169.2126
Abstract
The central courtyard is known as a fundamental element in the traditional houses of the hot and dry climate of Iran, which plays an effective role in the favorable ventilation of its adjacent spaces. This article seeks to examine the physical dimensions of the central courtyard and find a suitable ratio for it. Therefore, this research, which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative, has been simulated and modeled using the experimental-testable method, the houses of Lariha and Golshan in Yazd in the environment of Design Builder software, and thus the level of influence of depth and height on the amount of natural ventilation. It has been evaluated by calculating the circulation pattern and wind speed in the central yard of these houses. The results of the research have shown that changes in the depth and height of the courtyard, assuming that its length and width are constant, are highly effective in the air circulation pattern of the central courtyard and subsequently natural ventilation. In the sample courtyards, after increasing the height by 2 meters, there is a direct relationship between the height of the courtyard and the wind speed. In total, after analyzing the air flow, the appropriate height of the central courtyard for the optimal performance of natural ventilation is 9 meters in the Golshan house and 11 meters in the Lariha house.

Keywords

Natural ventilation
central courtyard
Lariha House
Golshan House
traditional house
Design Builder
Subjects
Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 22 July 2026

  • Receive Date 02 February 2024
  • Revise Date 23 June 2024
  • Accept Date 31 July 2024

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