Evaluation of Indoor Thermal Environment and Air Quality in Stone Cave Dwellings in Northern Shanxi, China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Traditional stone cave dwellings in northern Shanxi exhibit distinct differences from conventional cave dwellings in terms of form and material, characterized by their freestanding stone-built structures that possess unique value. In the context of rapid urbanization, these dwellings encounter issues related to decreasing quantities and a lack of comprehensive systematic research. This research utilizes a mixed objective–subjective methodology to assess the indoor environment of the stone cave dwellings in Dongwa Village, Shuozhou City. Thermal comfort is evaluated using the PMV-PPD and TSV models, whereas air quality is assessed through gray correlation analysis. Results indicate: (1) The thermal inertia of stone cave dwellings’ envelopes significantly surpasses that of brick structures. However, their exterior wall and roof thermal conductance coefficients exceed national standard limits, respectively, by 4 times and 1.7 times; (2) The PMV thermal neutral temperature (21.32 °C) was notably higher than the TSV thermal neutral temperature (10.96 °C), suggesting that residents have developed cold adaptation. The thermal preference temperature (12.75 °C) exceeded the TSV value, reflecting strong resident demand for improvements; (3) Winter pollutant exceedance rates were markedly higher than those in summer, with air quality classified as experiencing “heavy pollution” levels. Residents reported a high level of subjective satisfaction, suggesting the presence of a cognitive bias. This study aims to reveal environmental issues in traditional local stone cave dwellings under modern residential demands, providing references for sustainable improvements in rural building environments.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su172310563
Authors: Xujuan Dong, Yanchun Li
Institution: Taiyuan University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4416667125