JAUE2017-020: Improving Indoor Comfort of Folk House in Tibet Farming Area by Solar House

Abstract

Agricultural area of Tibet is located in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, where average elevation is over 3500 meters
and temperature is lower than other areas of the same latitude. So, this area has some unique climate features, cold 
in winter, cool in summer, wide daily range of temperature, low annual precipitation, low humidity, strong solar 
radiation, thin air, low oxygen content and large sand in some areas. Heating is required in the whole day of winter, 
as well as the night of summer. In order to fit the unique climatic conditions, traditional folk houses are often built 
in small shape with thick walls and small windows. These methods really improve indoor comfort, but it is still 
difficult to reach the comfort requirements of standard values. According to the typical problems in existing 
traditional folk houses in Tibet and the analysis of the traditional architectural patterns and life style, this paper 
proposes some design strategies of using passive solar house to improve indoor temperature, humidity and oxygen 
supply in the aspect of the location, size, materials and furniture about the solar house.