A Relative Study of Microclimate Responsive Design Approaches to Buildings in Cypriot Settlements

Home , Microclimate

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • 69-81 A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements

Timothy O. IYENDO1, Ebunoluwa Y. AKINGBASO2, Halil Z. ALİBABA3, Mesut B. ÖZDENİZ4 1 [email protected] • Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Turkey 2 [email protected] • Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Turkey 3 [email protected] • Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Turkey 4 [email protected] • Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, European University of Lefke, Lefke, North Cyprus, Turkey

Received: October 2014 • Final Acceptance: January 2016

Abstract This study describe the microclimates, its effects on building design, and how it depends on the specific climate of a place. The aim of this study is to examine the microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in the Cypriot settlement through different basic elements of bioclimatic design for human comfort. The study focuses on selected buildings in Famagusta and Lefkosa district of North Cyprus, to understand the effect of microclimate design approaches on the vernacular and contemporary edifices. In line with climate characteristics; site planning, building form and orientation, vegetation, indoor ventilation, and building material was considered in this study. The research techniques applied, includes related frameworks, on-site observation, and interview with building dwellers. The findings suggested that the vernacular buildings and its environment are more sustainable when matched to contemporary buildings. Moreover, the study inference suggests that contemporary buildings should incorporate vernacular buildings responsive design approaches to maximise human comfort. The implication of the study serves as a guide for further investigation on designing microclimate responsive buildings. Keywords Microclimate, Bioclimatic design, Vernacular housing, Cypriot settlements, doi: 10.5505/itujfa.2016.51423 10.5505/itujfa.2016.51423 doi: Human comfort. 70

1. Introduction effects. In support of this, one study Designing buildings to conform to has shown that in most ancient Ro- the local climate is not a new concept as man cities colonnades were built along such. Tracing back from history, beside both sides of their major streets to hin- food, shelter is one of the essentials of der climatic elements on pedestrians human life on earth. The first humans (Oktay, 2002). In the Middle East, for built shelters and lived in caves to pro- example, windows are kept to a mini- tect themselves from harsh climatic mum to prevent the sun from entering conditions, such as rain, precipitation, the building in hot dry (arid) climates. storm, and cold weather (Ozay, 2005). As indicated in Figure 1, bright stucco From the beginning of time, around the finishes are used to reflect light to keep fourth century BC, the Greeks knew the bright environment. the importance of incorporating build- From this context, it is obvious that ings with climatic conditions. Like- local climate varies significantly within wise, they are knowledgeable about a small area due to changes in altitude the sun’s path and the need of placing and rainfall. Building techniques of lo- windows on the southern orientation cal climatic have been developed over to capture adequate needed heat for a long history of construction, and thermal comfort. Much progress was these have advanced to promote pas- made in the fourth century (110 BC), sive climatic conditioning to protect when interest in architectural design inhabitants from their harsh environ- with climate was first documented by ments. Those ideas and techniques of one of the great philosopher, Vitruvi- city planning, building form, and con- us. Vitruvius argued that we must take struction methods offer great insight note at the outset of the countries and to contemporary Architecture. Indeed, climate in which buildings are built climate simulates needs for shelter and (Oktay, 2001). influence local culture, including local For instance, in the old capital city of building materials. Similarly, studies Italy in Rome, builders were aware of have studied demonstrated climatic the importance of mitigating tempera- issues, which include both vernacu- ture (bright sun) by creating massive lar and modern buildings. This can walls with stone and their shadows. be seen in Vitruvius, Koppen Geiger, These walls were made of stucco bricks Dollfuse, and Olgyay’s study, which and were typically twelve to twenty provides useful data about climates feet wide, which allowed an extended and each of these studies unfolds the area to be captured in the shadows of classification of selected climatic zone the walls keeping the city cool during or area (Szokolay, 1980). Indeed, when the midday hours. The stuccoed walls individuals design with a specific local serve as climate-responsive architec- environmental characteristics in mind. ture or constructed to make use of the This creates an avenue to manipulate surrounding climate and its natural the relationship between the climates,

(a) (b) Figure 1. (a) Archetypal surviving (1st century A.D.) exterior stucco rendering on stone-faced concrete walls at Ercolano; (b) an exterior stucco rendering in the Middle East (Bronski, 2010).

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • T. O. Iyendo, Y. A. Akingbaso, H. Z. Alibaba, M. B. Özdeniz 71 the site, and the building, which in erknecht (1993) classified the major turn generates a local environment or factors affecting human comfort as, microclimate around the building. The temperature, humidity, in the form of “mini climate” that is created around vapour and precipitation, wind and air the building can decrease the apparent movement (breeze or draught), expo- severity of the climate, that is, the work sure to radiant heat sources (solar radi- the building must do to make for a ation), and cool surfaces to radiate for comfortable interior and exterior envi- cooling. Additionally, it is worthwhile ronment around the building. There is to mention that the air temperature that tendency, if badly handled or de- and mean radiant temperature of a signed can increase the severity of the homogeneous environment affect the local climate of the building (Moore, “dry” heat exchange of the body by 1993). convection and radiation. However, the rate of this heat exchange depends 2. Links between the microclimate, on the air velocity and on the clothing. site and buildings Under constant conditions of air veloc- Designing with the climate, micro, ity and vapour pressure, a rise in the or macroclimate of a particular geo- air temperature is responded to by an graphical location, the design should increase of skin temperature and sweat take into account the relationship be- rate. Moreover, this rate also depends tween the climate, site, and occupants, on the air velocity and humidity levels as well as the building itself in order to (Gut & Ackerknecht, 1993). Similarly, have a building base on the local mi- humidity of the air on the other hand, croclimate of the environment under indirectly affects the thermal comfort consideration. This supports the notion of the body and determines the evapo- that human thermal comfort in build- rative capacity of the air and hence the ing design is achieved by understating cooling efficiency of sweating. the basic principles of bioclimatic de- It is generally accepted that the in- sign, which deals with maintaining of ternal temperature of the human body thermal comfort within the building. should for all time be reserved con- Thus, thermal comfort is achieved tained by the narrow limits at around when there is a heat balance between 37°C, any variation of this value is an human beings and the surrounding in indication of sickness, and an increase which they live (Moore, 1993). Simi- of 5°C or a fall of 2°C from this value larly, Susie (2011) remarked that de- may lead to serious health problem or signing a climate responsive building even death. Likewise, air movement is require proficiency in the aspect of another factor that affects the thermal the climatic analysis of the area under comfort by both the evaporative capac- consideration as whole, thereby pro- ity of the air and the convective heat viding design strategies which favour exchange of the body. The effect of air the use of renewable energy, effective velocity on the evaporative capacity is site analysis, proper choice of build- interrelated with the effect of humid- ing materials, construction techniques, ity, as well as the effect of air velocity building forms, orientations, as well as and air temperature and the collective effective use of vegetation. However, heat exchange are interrelated (Gut & these design strategies depend on the Ackerknecht, 1993). A study has indi- microclimate of an area, that is to say cated that when the air temperature is that bioclimatic architecture happens below skin temperature these two ef- to be a concept of architecture which fects work in the same direction. While design helps conserve resources while on the other hand, if the air tempera- facilitating the use of the local climate ture is above the skin temperature around a dwelling to construct a green these two effects operate opposite way home or building that is passively sus- (Oktay, 1998). Therefore, to achieve a tainable (Taleb & Sharples, 2011). comfortable environment for occupants or intended users, significant 2.1. Major factors manipulating aspect needed to be considered which human comfort includes site condition and orienta- An investigation by Gut and Ack- tion, plan configuration, construction A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements 72 methods and materials, ventilation and terior and exterior part of the building shading properties, thermal mass, and (Indraganti, 2010). Similarly, choice of landscape of the building surround- reliable material has an impact on the ings. Furthermore, when all these ele- occupant depending on the climate, ments combine, indeed, relaxed tem- properties of materials such as ease of peratures and high indoor air quality cleaning, roughness, emission of heat are attained. However, other personal absorption of heat as well as its envi- variables that add to the human com- ronmental adaptability (Susie, 2011). fort ability includes activity, clothing, sweat, dieting habit (et cetera). The 2.1.3. Integration of renewable major factors needed to be considered energies when designing a climate responsive The global world today faces the building includes the following: challenge of averting the excess car- bon dioxide (CO2) produce global- 2.1.1. Building orientation and form ly. It could be argued that over half of It is important to consider the local emitted energy lead to the accumula- climate during the first stage of build- tion of greenhouse gasses and ozone ing design. That is, an energy conscious depleting gasses. Indeed, the overuse of design, which results in an energy effi- the available resources has reached un- cient building, has to be based on the acceptable limits, for example, regions local climate. Susie (2011) supported like Europe has come up with measures that in any building, the shape and the of producing low energy consumption orientation of the building should be buildings with the aid of the European first defined considering the climate of Union (EU) programs (Susie, 2011). the area, the wind, the temperature and Across studies, it has been demonstrat- the solar radiation. On the other hand, ed that renewable energy tends to have Oral and Yilmaz (2002) advocated that a high initial cost, but yields a prudent the most important design parameters result at a later stage. Interestingly, the affecting indoor thermal comfort and Eco friendly alternative has yielded energy conservation on the building subsentail benefit that promotes sus- scale are orientation, building form, tainable environments (Indraganti, optical and thermo physical proper- 2010; Taleb & Sharples, 2011). ties of the building envelope. These factors are of major concern in order 2.1.4. Water bodies to achieve the reduction and control of Water bodies are useful elements in a solar radiation as well as provision of particular building environment which natural ventilation and natural cool- provides an alternative in designing a ing of the external building surfaces by climate responsive building or envi- evaporative cooling (Susie, 2011). ronmentally conscious architecture through an intelligent use of water that 2.1.2. Building envelope and proves to be effective in the enhance- materials ment of occupant comfort (Chmutina, Building as a whole need to provide 2010). As this is a significant aspect to comfort for the occupant keeping the promote human comfort, Architects internal environment thermally bal- and urban designers should work col- anced so that the occupants can per- lectively toward implementation of this form their duties and the structures useful strategy, however, this need ini- serve its function as a shelter (İpekoğ- tial design consideration of individual lu, Böke, & Ozlem, 2007). However, to buildings or units of the building. This construct a building that is thermally strategy can be feasible when rain or balanced, heat gain from outside of the storm water are collected and used in building should be controlled and heat different ways in building surround- loss from the internal environment ings, such as creating fountains, pools should be minimised via the building as well as pond, especially in summer envelop. Contemporary methods of times to enhance thermal comfort bal- controlling heat loss and heat gain from ance (Indraganti, 2010). a building suggests double skin facade as an effective means to balance the in- ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • T. O. Iyendo, Y. A. Akingbaso, H. Z. Alibaba, M. B. Özdeniz 73

2.1.5. Daylight Strategies human comfort parameters. In the Indeed, daylight has a positive and design interface, this deal with factors negative effect on the activities of that can be incorporated at the design buildings and their occupants, despite stage to provide the desired comfort this, climate responsive buildings, en- and function through analysis and ef- ergy conscious design, explore the po- fective use of macro climate, microcli- tentials of natural ventilation, natural mate of the site, building design as well lighting and passive design to provide as human body and both factors work a comfortable environment (Susie, together to provide intelligent build- 2011). The major concept behind the ing. Similarly, the aspect of the efficient provision of day lighting strategy in mechanism devoted to the macro and buildings is to provide adequate illu- microclimate modification by addition mination for the interior using the en- or reduction of climatic factors using vironment and architectural elements architectural elements and much more. so that energy consumption can be Integration of passive and mechanical reduced and visual comfort enhanced. systems in building to work together It is of significance to note that day- in order to conserve energy as well as light strategy is considered at the ini- human regulatory and behavioural ad- tial design stage in order to minimise aptation, which have a direct effect on the over reliance on electricity through human behaviour and their activities transparent insulation, roof light, atri- within the building (Kanagaraj & Ma- ums, light duct and proper shading to halingam, 2011). avoid visibility glare from direct sunlight (Oral & Yilmaz, 2002). 3. Microclimatic factors and human comfort in North Cyprus settlements 2.1.6. Site vegetation/landscape From architecturally point of view, Vegetation or landscape is an im- there are three focal considerations portant aspect of design with climate guiding tropical design, which includes and environmental conscious design. the people and their needs, climate and For example, vegetation such as trees its attendant ills and the materials and can be used to protect the building the means of building. This implies from unwanted wind. It also provides a that, climate, sun, and humidity act as favourable atmosphere to buildings in the main liabilities, whereas wind is an sunny days, especially during summer asset. In this view, Tzikopoulos, Karat- as well as outdoor seating with some za, and Paravantis, (2005) suggests design architectural elements of out- that, to attain comfort in hot and hu- door spaces. In some places like India, mid regions, bioclimatic factors must they use deciduous trees on the south be taken into account in building con- and eastern sides for shading, the oc- struction, which includes topography, cupied space during the summer and (e.g. Slope, site orientation, site views), allowing solar penetration during the and movement of the sun and its im- winter season (Kanagaraj & Mahalin- pact during the year (i.e. Solar altitude gam, 2011). and azimuth). This same study also suggests other climatic conditions such 2.1.7. System participation in as prevailing wind patterns, incoming building design solar radiation, temperature, air mois- There are general system parame- ture; environmental conditions such ters to be considered when designing as daylight and shading of the con- and building an ecological building or struction site; mass, volume and size of a climate responsive building, these in- building; local architectural standards, clude influencing parameters, design and availability of local building mate- interface, and efficient mechanism. rials. In addition, the utilisation of veg- The Influencing parameters take into etative cover or non-reflective flooring consideration factors that will an have materials also helps in preventing re- effect on the proposed building and flected radiation and glare, as well as occupants upon completion, such as flattening day and night temperature macro parameters, outdoor parame- swings within the interiors. Moreover, ters, desired indoor parameters and it has also been suggested that the cre- A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements 74

Figure 2. (a) Location of the three basic cities in North Cyprus map (Modified by author); (b) temperature data for Northern Cyprus (Dinçyürek, Mallick, & Numan, 2003). ation of the open arcaded hall situated ary) ranges from 12–15 oC. In summer, on the south and proportioned in such the average maximum temperature in a way to keep away the high summer coastal regions is 32 oC. The maximum sun, while letting in the low winter can temperature often reaches 40 oC – 47 increase comfort in hot humid regions oC in July and August. The wet sea- (Dinçyürek, Mallick, & Numan, 2003). son extends from November to March, In line with the Mediterranean cli- with most (approx. 60%) of the rain mate, North Cyprus is the third largest falling between December and Febru- island situated in the north – eastern ary (Giannakopoulos et al., 2010). part of the Mediterranean Sea (34.5N latitudes and 32.5E longitude) (Ak- 4. North Cyprus climate responsive sugur, 1996). It is 65 km away from design approaches Turkey, 95 km from Syria, 350km In hot and cold climate, climate re- from Egypt and 750 km from Greece sponsive architecture uses special tech- (Palmer, 1990). As portrayed in Figure niques and designs to help get the most 2a, North Cyprus climatic features can benefit out of the natural environment. be scrutinised from four main regions; This is done by taking advantage of Lefkosa (Nicosia) island, Gazimağusa the surrounding environment and the (Famagusta), located on the eastern average climate conditions of the re- coast, Girne (Kyrenia), situated on the gion. Around the globe, there are well- northern coast, and Guzelyurt on the known examples of buildings and set- western coast. However, these regions tlements that employ such designs. To are characterized in the same climat- overcome variations in climatic con- ic zone called the semi-arid Mediter- ditions, North Cyprus buildings, im- ranean climatic zone and are in close plements several aspects of climate re- proximity to each other. These regions sponsive design. However, the impact can be categorised under three distinct of climate on the architectural designs climatic conditions, such as hot–arid, in rural areas can be seen more often in hot–humid, and composite climates. crowded villages. This is due to the geographical qualities such as topographical values and prox- 4.1. Compacted settlements/housing imity to the sea (Oktay, 2002). In the Vernacular Cypriot settle- Climatically, North Cyprus Island ments, houses in towns and villages has an intense Mediterranean climate are characterized by optimal protec- that comprises of typical seasons, long tion against solar radiation by mutu- hot dry summer from (June – Septem- al shading, which leads to compact ber), moderately cold winters with little settlements, narrow streets and small cloud cover or changeable rainy days squares. The discerning factors of (November – March), which is separat- these buildings lie in the array of the ed by a short autumn and spring sea- dwellings, around social centre and son of rapid change in (October, April especially in the narrow streets. These – May) (Price, Michaelides, Pashiardis, narrow streets that meet at the cen- & Alpert, 1999). As presented in Figure tre leave space open for westerly and 2b, the average coldest daytime tem- more infrequently easterly winds and perature in winter (January – Febru- are designed in a way to shed shad- ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • T. O. Iyendo, Y. A. Akingbaso, H. Z. Alibaba, M. B. Özdeniz 75

Figure 3. (a) Map portrays a traditional quarter in Famagusta (Oktay, 2002); (b) a narrow Street in the traditional quarter of Arabahmet, Lefkosa (Authors archives, 2013). ows to lessen the impact of acute heat and reduces temperature around the felt in the streets during summers. As surrounding. Shade of plants or trees demonstrated in Figure 3a & b, the lowers daytime temperatures and heat narrow streets permit breeze flows and emission at night, thus resulting in which, also facilitate passive cooling. appropriate balanced temperatures Buildings are closely joined (Oktay, for the occupant comfort. It balances 2002; Günçe, Ertürk, & Ertürk, 2008). the humidity in the building environ- For example, Dechra settlements in It- ment as well. During precipitation, aly cluster their houses close together much of the free water is absorbed and facing the south in order to minimize during dry periods, water is evaporat- heat loss (Bensalem, 1995). Likewise, ed through vegetation. Figure 4 shows in North Cyprus settlement, com- a typical example of how vegetation is pacted streets make it walking easier, used in Cypriot houses. due to the shade it casts on the streets and allows the occupants, particularly 4.3. Utilisation of the cooling the women to sit in the street (Oktay, effect of water 2002). As indicated in Figure 5, in some region within North Cyprus, for exam- 4.2. The use of vegetation ple, in the Kyrenia area, water bodies Designs using vegetation in the ur- are integrated close to buildings, which ban environment are of functional, in evaporate and therefore reduces the landscaping and aesthetic as well as surrounding temperature, as well as for the climatic importance of its radia- thermal balance of the building occu- tion absorbent surface and its evapo- pants in most cases. rative and shade-giving properties. The vegetation in and around houses also 4.4. Usage of arcades, bay windows has definite effects on air movement. (cumba) cantilevered roofs Landscaping or vegetation around As illustrated in Figure 6, the bay buildings improves the microclimate windows (cumba), thick adobe walls, outdoors and indoors. It checks hot pitch roof structures and their over- and dusty winds. Planting trees around hangs are all the expression of the cli- building help in leaves transpiration matic responsive design (Ozay, 2005).

Figure 4. Describes the use of vegetation in Boyunca Street in Lefkosa (Authors archives, 2013).

A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements 76

Figure 6. Portraying bay windows (Cumba) Figure 5. A typical building in the Kyrenia in a street- walled city of Lefkosa (Authors area, portraying water boding around the archives, 2013). building for cooling effect (Source: Authors archives, 2013). 4.5. Using of small enclosed In Cypriot settlements, arcades, porch- courtyards in Cypriot houses es, colonnades, cantilevered roof or Most of the Cypriot houses have components, and membranes serve courtyards due to the weather in the as traditional responses to the climate summer period, and are almost simi- in the villages and urban settings; lar in shape, which is either rectangu- this gives an inward looking and pro- lar or square in nature. The courtyard vides a transition from indoor to out- is where most of the daily activities door light. The most prominent cli- are carried out and is used for various mate-modifying element in some of activities, which includes social gath- these houses is the arcaded hall, which ering and entertainment (such as play- is located on the south without excep- ing local cheese), preparation of food tion. The porch, which is positioned and eating of food, domestic works are in the southern part of the dwelling, done there during spring and summer is of great worth to Cyprus traditional periods, washed cloths are dried in the dwelling and consists of a semi-open courtyard likewise (Oktay, 2002). As and arcaded space. It is more condu- depicted in Figure 8a & b, vegetables, cive in winter period due to the pas- flowers and trees are grown to provide sage area, which is located in between a fascinating eye-bird appearance of the closed and open areas. It allows nature. In addition, vegetation in the penetration of sunrays in winter and courtyard act as evaporative agent and keeps out cool flow of air. During the coolants in the courtyard. They also summer period, it provides an ideal serve the purpose of air filters; such space and allows for the cool flow of as dust in the atmosphere within the air (Dinçyürek, Mallick, Numan, 2003; courtyard. Furthermore, the court- Günçe, Ertürk, & Ertürk, 2008). As yards also serve as accommodation represented in Figure 7, it also serves as for the household pets, and tradition- shading elements for most of the day’s al oven is used for baking bread for especial sunny periods, and for heavy the household or visitor in the court- rainfall yard (Günçe, Ertürk, & Ertürk, 2008).

Figure 7. Cases of porch in a single storey Cyprus traditional dwelling (Günçe, Ertürk, & Ertürk, 2008).

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • T. O. Iyendo, Y. A. Akingbaso, H. Z. Alibaba, M. B. Özdeniz 77

Figure 8. (a) A typical old traditional village Cypriot courtyard (Pulhan, 2008); (b) an archetypal courtyard Cypriot dwelling from the 1960s (Ozay, 2005).

Moreover, the courtyards serve as troduced over their building windows wind protected exterior spaces in win- to direct the airflow upwards and to ter and cooling effect or cool air pools serve as shading elements as well. Bal- that occur in courtyards in summer to conies above the ground floor are usu- satisfy effective comfort of the occu- ally used as outdoor sitting area during pants. It minimises the solar radiation the summer time when the sun inten- impact on the outside walls and pro- sity is much in order to have comfort- vides a cool area within the building, able living spaces. The canopies also which is surrounded by rooms. Other provide a sitting environment with a requirements such as safety defence, nourishing vista usually around pools, privacy, and lifestyle are also attained cafes and many more. As described in in the Cypriot rural traditional dwell- Figure 9, the terraces of the traditional ing courtyard. However, a centrally Cypriot dwellings or houses serve the situated courtyard may not be suitable purpose of food drying and clothes for houses in North Cyprus, due to the drying in some occasions. Construc- severe summer heat and sometimes tion provision of the balconies must compromises this intended purpose, ensure discontinuity of their extended, because of inadequate cross ventilation exposed structure to the air, which is li- within the courtyard (Pulhan & Nu- able to act as a thermal bridge to the in- man, 2006). ternal slab. Unfortunately, most houses in North Cyprus are poorly designed in 4.6. Using balconies, terrace and terms of balconies. The balcony is al- canopies ways narrowly constructed, especially As one of the primordial forms of in apartment buildings, and this un- architecture, “courtyard styles” may be dermines the intended purpose. relevant for any type of building, be it residential, commercial, institutional 4.7. The use of shading devices or industrial. “Special places that are In Cyprus, shading devices are used outside yet almost inside, open to the in both residential and public build- sky, usually in contact with the earth, ings, but feature prominently in some but surrounded by rooms” (Blaser, public buildings. The need arises be- 2010). In some cases, canopies are in- cause of radiation experienced in the form of increased air temperature, radiant heat and glare mostly in the summer time, when there is much intense heating and need to keep the internal environment cool to control warm air or direct sunlight effect on the occupant. As shown in Figure 10a & b, adequate shading reduces these effects considerably, and which call for both Figure 9. A dwelling with an effective vertical and horizontal shading used in terrace along salamis road in Famagusta North Cyprus buildings. (Authors archives, 2013).

A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements 78

Figure 10. (a) A mix-use apartment block with combined shading devices - horizontal shading devices (Authors archives, 2013); (b) apartment block with horizontal shading devices (Ozay, 2005).

4.8. The use of bright colours used instead of wood. Marble is used As depicted in Figure 11, most as flooring covering materials with buildings in Cypriot settlements are respect to the climatic conditions. In carefully painted with bright colours, some cases, yellow limestone and ado- this is due to the climatic condition of be are also used. However, in the rural the area, and most of the colours that area building materials and techniques are used in their buildings are light or are chosen based on topography and bright colours. Bright colours are ap- resources of the local environment. For plied in Cypriot building facades to example, in Mesaorian regions, adobe reduce reflection of sun into buildings, is the most substantial building mate- since the reflection of sunlight increas- rials in use. Stone is commonly used in es heat penetration to the interior. Ap- the mountainous region, with respect plication of bright colours in Cypriot to climatic and topographic condi- building immensely facilitates in the tions. Consequently, to attain climatic reduction of heat penetration to the in- comfort for dwellers using the natural door environment, thereby providing a sources available (Oktay, 2002). conducive surroundings for occupants, as well as reducing the defects of sun- 5. Conclusion light on the exterior walls. The study indicates that designing with climate in North Cyprus is of two 4.9. The use of building materials fold, the vernacular and contemporary In line with climatic characteristics, buildings. The vernacular buildings building material was carefully select- and its environment are more sustain- ed in the rural areas of Cypriot settle- able compare to the modern ones. The ments. For example, in the Traditional organisation in the city and villages building material like ‘adobe’ is com- differs from each other, this account monly used in the village settings, as for more appropriate in the climate ac- it is locally available materials, which commodation. Climatic condition and provides Its energy efficiency and can social aspect differences have driven be recycled. As shown in Figure 12, specific acclimatization of the people stone infill structures were mostly through the buildings. In Famagusta

Figure 12. A building depicting availability Figure 11. Portraying the use of bright of local building material (stone and adobe), colour in Cypriot vernacular dwellings in Arabahmet, Lefkosa (Authors archives, (Authors archives, 2013). 2013).

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • T. O. Iyendo, Y. A. Akingbaso, H. Z. Alibaba, M. B. Özdeniz 79

Table 1. Classification of the vernacular and contemporary settlements in terms of sustainable and non-sustainable. Sustainable Unsustainable Sustainable Unsustainable

1 Figure ground 2 Use of water bodies Delibrate design of some forms of The narrowness of the streets On the other hand, absence While on the other hand, water bodies (such as pond, wtaer and arrangement of buildings of any water body and at scattered buildings create fall) or adoption of existing lakes, simply defines the surrounding the same time, absence of irrelevant space and disqualifies wetland, stream e.t.c as a cooling space for alternate uses and users. vegetation around buildings the orientation and use of spaces device makes living comfortable Compacted streets and buildings may insure more ventilation created within. for both human and animal species makes walking easier. cost on the inhabitation. within immediate environment.

3 Street layout 4 Use of windows Large or small size of window frame Narrowed street pattern was Recent designed buildings Some newly developed parcel also has respective roles in creation a delibrate climate adaptive are with larger window sizes area divisioning does nt give of comfort in a house. Likewise, mechanism that enables in smaller numbers, which cognisance to this potential and the wooden or aluminium frame shadow casting which cools the makes the assumed volume therefore creates some wider materials utilized determines the frontages for sitting and walking of air not to be properly cross streets along parcel blocks. degree of heat absorption or air comfortability ventilated. penetration into the building.

5 Use of Vegetation 6 Roof utilisation To provide favourable A lack of such a conducive atmosphere in sunny days, environment increases the Another sustainable way of obtaining While inexistence of alternate certain species or combination tendency of adverse discomfort, comfort in a house is through the energy control methods of many plant are used increase spread of diseases, adoption of cantilevered roofs and would result in the adoption to support outdoor sitting high cost of housing renovation porches to help maximize the air and of mechanism that are more elements. While same tree is resulting from harshness of the solar energy in either season which is cost consuming. use as wind blockage in the cold heating and cooling of building used in the vernacular settings. winter wind. walls.

7 Use of Courtyard 8 Building material

Beyond a space, the courtyard Contemporary building designs Vernacular use of adobe (clay), Metal, concrete, cement was for building and streets assumes the role of courtyard timber and yellow stone materials is most unique to the linkages, social, domestic and as waste and irrelevant thereby were practically meant to moderate unsustainable contemporary ventilation derivation deprived of such connections. climatic temperatures. houses.

A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements 80 and Lefkosa regions, several aspects References of design with climate and sustainable Aksugur, N. (1996). Climatic Perfor- architecture can be found easily, espe- mance of Mass Housing in North Cy- cially in term of acclimatization to the prus. ENHR/SBI housing research con- nature. However, this is a great im- ference, Denmark. provement. As indicated in Table 1, in Bensalem, R. (1995). Climate-re- some buildings, the concept of climate sponsive Architecture. Retrieved June design and sustainability are totally 24, 2014, from, http://www.hdm.lth. neglected, especially in the apartment se/TRAINING/Post grad/AEE/pa- buildings within these regions. The pers/1997/01_AEE1997.pd f. newer developments, just similar to Blaser, W. (1985). Atrium: Five Thou- other cities in the world are neglecting sand Years of Open Courtyards. Verlag: the natural-local aspect, culture, and Wepf & Co. tradition of the users. The older mate- Bronski, M. (2010). The Design of rial such as stone and earth has higher Concrete for Durability by the Ancient thermal lag than new constructed con- Romans, Part 2 – Protecting Concrete temporary buildings. Wooden opening from the Weather. Retrieved materials were effectively used-no glass April 4, 2014, from, http://vitruvius- house effect in the older houses. In ad- footsteps.wordpress.com/ 2010/04/06/ dition, the new housing developments week-30-%E2%80%93-the- design-of- undermine the used of balconies, concrete-for-durability-by-the-ancient- which is one of the ways to respond to romans-part-2-%E2%80%93-protect- the climatic condition for human com- ing-concrete from-the-weather/. fort. Chmutina, K. (2010). Building Energy When a building is designed with Consumption and its Regulations in Chi- energy maximisation in mind, com- na. China Policy Institute, School of Con- fortable environment is achieved at a temporary Chinese Studies, International lesser cost. Resources used efficiently House, The University of Nottingham. to judiciously manage waste and recy- Dinçyürek, O., Mallick, F. H., & Nu- cle as much as possible makes a living man, I. (2003). Cultural and environ- more sustainable. In the vernacular mental values in the arcaded Mesaorian buildings, many of these features are houses of Cyprus. Building and environ- considered greatly, while construction ment, 38(12), 1463 – 1473. process is carried out, whereas, many Giannakopoulos, C., Hadjinicolaou, of the contemporary buildings neglect P., Kostopoulou, E., Varotsos, K. V., & the simple and basic facts that one can Zerefos, C. (2010). Precipitation and benefit from nature. Building in the temperature regime over Cyprus as a re- newly developed quarters of Famagus- sult of global climate change. Advances in ta is seen to lack many of these basic Geosciences, 23(23), 17 – 24. natural mechanisms for a more con- Günçe, K., Ertürk, Z., & Ertürk, S. ducive habitation, which does not only (2008). Questioning the “prototype have an effect on man but also on the dwellings” in the framework of Cyprus biological species available to the eco- traditional architecture. Building and En- system. Just as a bird would inhabit on vironment, 43(5), 823 – 833. the trees that provides shade for man Gut, P., & Ackerknecht, D. (1993). Cli- during a hot weather, the chances for mate responsive buildings: Appropriate such species of plant is likewise nar- building construction in tropical and sub- rowed. Responding to climate through tropical regions. Fislisbach, Switzerland: many of the above listed techniques SKAT Foundation. creates a symbiotic relationship be- Indraganti, M. (2010). Understand- tween man and nature through building the climate sensitive architecture of ing design and construction. In this Marikal, a village in Telangana region in view, this study suggests incorporating Andhra Pradesh, India. Building and En- the vernacular buildings responsive vironment, 45(12), 2709 – 2722. design approaches and its physical, İpekoğlu, B., Böke, H., & Ozlem C. environmental characteristic into the (2007). Assessment of material use in re- contemporary edifices for adequate ha- lation to climate in historical buildings. bitants’ comfort. Building and Environment, 42 (2), 970 – ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • T. O. Iyendo, Y. A. Akingbaso, H. Z. Alibaba, M. B. Özdeniz 81

978. S., & Alpert, P. (1999). Long term changes Kanagaraj, G., & Mahalingam, A. in diurnal temperature range in Cyprus. (2011). Designing energy efficient com- Atmospheric Research, 51(2), 85 – 98. mercial buildings—a systems frame- Pulhan, H. (2008). Reading Architec- work. Energy and Buildings, 43(9), 2329 ture: A Conceptual Understanding of – 2343. the Traditional Urban House of Cyprus. Moore, F. (1993). Environmental Con- Breakfast seminar, department of archi- trol Systems. McGraw Hill, New York. tecture, oxford Brookes University, 25 No- Oktay, D. (2001). Planning housing vember 2008, oxford. environments for sustainability. Evalua- Pulhan, H., & Numan, I. (2006). The tions in Cypriot settlements, Istanbul: Yapi traditional urban house in Cyprus as ma- Industri Markezi AS. terial expression of cultural transforma- Oktay, D. (2002). Design with the cli- tion. Journal of Design History, 105 – 119. mate in housing environments: an anal- Susie, K. (2011). Using bioclimatic ysis in Northern Cyprus. Building and design to build passive sustainable build- Environment, 37(10), 1003 – 1012. ing. Retrieved May 20, 2011, from http// Oral, G. K., & Yilmaz, Z. (2002). The green building elements.com limit U values for building envelope re- Szokolay, V. (1980). Environmental sci- lated to building form in temperate and ence handbook. New York: Halsted press cold climatic zones. Building and Envi- book. ronment, 37(11), 1173 – 1180. Taleb, H. M., & Sharples, S. (2011). Ozay, N. (2005). A comparative study Developing sustainable residential build- of climatically responsive house design ings in Saudi Arabia: A case study. Ap- at various periods of Northern Cyprus plied Energy, 88(1), 383 – 391. architecture. Building and Environment, Tzikopoulos, A. F., Karatza, M. C., & 40(6), 841 – 852. Paravantis, J. A. (2005). Modeling energy Palmer, T. (1991). Discover Cyprus efficiency of bioclimatic buildings.Ener - and North Cyprus: Heritage House. gy and buildings, 37(5), 529 – 544. Price, C., Michaelides, S., Pashiardis,

A relative study of microclimate responsive design approaches to buildings in Cypriot settlements