Abstract:
Vernacular architecture represents an important source of climate-responsive design knowledge developed through centuries of adaptation to local environmental conditions (Rapoport, 1969). Traditional buildings incorporate passive environmental strategies such as thermal mass, natural ventilation, solar orientation, and locally sourced construction materials to achieve indoor thermal comfort with minimal reliance on mechanical systems (Rudofsky, 1964; Fathy, 1986). These design principles are particularly relevant in Mediterranean climates, where seasonal variations require both cooling and heating solutions (Olgyay, 2015). This research investigates the thermal performance and energy efficiency of a vernacular dwelling located in Tirana, Albania, known as the Libohova Villa within the historic Toptani Saray complex. The study combines architectural documentation with building performance simulation using DesignBuilder and the EnergyPlus simulation engine. Climate data for Tirana were obtained using Meteonorm weather files. Two representative rooms with different orientations were analyzed to evaluate the influence of solar exposure, ventilation strategies, and building envelope characteristics on indoor thermal conditions. Several ventilation and retrofit scenarios were simulated to assess potential improvements in energy performance. The results demonstrate that natural ventilation strategies significantly reduce indoor temperatures during summer periods, while envelope optimization interventions reduce heating demand during winter. The most effective retrofit scenario achieved reductions of approximately 74% in heating demand and 28–29% in cooling demand compared to the base case scenario. The study highlights the potential of integrating vernacular architectural knowledge with modern building performance simulation tools to enhance energy efficiency while preserving historic architecture.
