Climate Adaptability Analysis of Traditional Dwellings in Mountain Terraced Areas: A Case Study of ‘Mushroom Houses’ in the Hani Terraces of Yunnan, China

Abstract

This study examines the climate adaptability of traditional Hani ‘Mushroom Houses’ located in the rice terrace region of Honghe Hani Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China. By analyzing 30 years of meteorological data, the study identifies the local climatic characteristics of high temperatures, high humidity, and significant diurnal temperature variations. The thermal comfort voting method was used to establish a quantitative relationship between the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index and residents’ subjective thermal perceptions, thereby assessing seasonal variations in thermal comfort. Field measurements of indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, and wind speed were conducted in May and December 2023 to evaluate thermal interactions between rooms. This study demonstrated: (1) the critical roles of building orientation (e.g., northwest-facing design), functional layout (e.g., multi-story zoning), and structural forms (e.g., thick walls, thatched roofs) in regulating temperature and humidity. (2) Confirmed that Hani ‘Mushroom Houses’ stabilize indoor environments through passive strategies, including material selection (wood, rammed earth), natural ventilation (cross-draft design), and spatial organization (climate-buffering storage layers). (3) Provided empirical evidence for optimizing traditional dwellings (e.g., enhanced insulation, ventilation improvements) and advancing sustainable practices in similar climatic regions.