CFD Analysis Considering Regional Topography and Measurement of Thermal Environment in Gassho-Style Houses in Shirakawa Village

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis reveals that the topographic features of the Shohgawa River Valley significantly influence the thermal environment within Gassho-style houses, a renowned Japanese vernacular architecture. The study demonstrates that these houses, particularly in Shirakawa Village, are not only adapted to local climate and culture but also optimized for passive thermal performance through their unique design. By integrating regional topography into CFD models, researchers identified how the valley's terrain affects temperature distribution and airflow within the houses, offering insights into their resilience against harsh winter conditions. This finding underscores the importance of considering geographical context in architectural studies, providing a deeper understanding of how traditional designs can be both culturally significant and environmentally efficient.

OGAWA, Y., DEGUCHI, K., KAWAKUBO, S., & OKAZE, T. (2019). CFD ANALYSIS CONSIDERING REGIONAL TOPOGRAPHY AND MEASUREMENT OF THERMAL ENVIRONMENT IN GASSHO-STYLE HOUSES IN SHIRAKAWA VILLAGE. Journal of Environmental Engineering (Transactions of AIJ), 84(763), 865–872. https://doi.org/10.3130/aije.84.865