JAILCD2025-021: Comparison of Winter Indoor Thermal Performance Between Courtyard Sunroom and Exterior Wall Insulation for Rural Dwellings in Cold Coastal Regions: A Case Study in Qingdao

Abstract

With the development of the rural economy, residents have become increasingly concerned about the indoor environment of their homes, leading to the emergence of various thermal retrofitting measures. This study examines the impact of courtyard sunroom and exterior wall insulation on indoor thermal performance during winter in cold coastal regions, using Qingdao as a case study. Data measurement techniques were employed to compare the indoor thermal performance of two retrofitting methods: courtyard sunroom and exterior wall insulation. The study results indicate that both methods help increase indoor temperatures. Courtyard sunroom outperform exterior wall insulation in enhancing indoor thermal performance and regulating humidity. Traditional adobe north walls also contribute to thermal regulation but are less effective than exterior insulation and courtyard sunroom. However, given the low cost, easy availability, and moisture absorption capacity of adobe, it could serve as a supplementary material in future building retrofits. This study compares the effects of various retrofit measures on the indoor environment and provides a foundation for optimizing and enhancing the thermal performance of rural dwellings.