Examining the changes in the thermal behavior of the space by considering the role of "water" in the basement and the courtyard of a; case study model of Yazd houses

Iranian architecture has historically confronted various climatic challenges in desert regions, often leading to innovative solutions. One such challenge is the increase in temperature coupled with decreased relative humidity, particularly during the hottest days of the year. A sustainable climatic solution for achieving thermal comfort and mitigating harsh weather conditions in this region involves the integration of central courtyards and basements. However, the lack of moisture in the air renders the mere construction of these spaces insufficient for thermal comfort. To address this, pond spaces were incorporated into the yard and, in some cases, into the cellar or basement to help lower temperature and increase relative humidity.

This study employs descriptive and analytical methods alongside library and internet research. Additionally, simulation techniques were utilized to explore the impact of the pond factor within the two spaces of the cellar and yard.

The findings indicate that introducing a moisture source (pond) results in an average temperature reduction of up to 3.5 degrees Celsius in the yard and up to 2.5 degrees Celsius in the basement compared to scenarios without a pond on the hottest day of the year. Furthermore, the presence of a pond in the yard does not lead to significant changes in the temperature and humidity levels of the basement, even with air circulation.

While the pond is essential for reducing the temperature of the yard itself and cannot be omitted from the design of desert homes, its role in enhancing thermal comfort within the cellar is particularly notable during peak heat hours. In the pond scenario, the temperature difference compared to the outside reaches approximately 9 degrees Celsius, whereas the scenario without the pond yields a difference of about 5 degrees. This underscores the undeniable importance of the water pond and the associated humidity in achieving thermal comfort.