Environmental  impact  of  traditional  building  techniques

Renewable  Natural  Resources

Background and Purpose

　Traditional architecture has shaped living environments adapted to culture and climate conditions using limited materials specific to each era and region. Furthermore, in recent years where CO2 reduction has become a shared societal challenge, the importance of life-cycle CO2 assessment is recognized as one approach toward this goal. By integrating insights gained from traditional methods alongside modern construction techniques and materials, the aim is to advance more rational and sustainable architecture.

Results

　This study quantitatively evaluated characteristic construction techniques found in traditional architecture from the perspectives of thermal performance, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The subjects ranged widely, including two-house structures, thermal buffer spaces such as engawa verandas and attics, living hedges, charred cedar boards, tile roofs, and thatched roofs. Simulation analysis revealed that thermal buffer spaces like engawa and attics effectively stabilize the internal thermal environment. Furthermore, traditional elements like hedges, charred cedar boards, smoke saunas, and thatched roofs were shown to suppress CO₂ emissions throughout the building's entire lifecycle compared to modern construction methods and contribute to carbon sequestration. These results confirm that traditional building techniques rooted in local regions and climates provide clues for reducing environmental impact in contemporary sustainable architecture.