Hygrothermal performance analysis of traditional timber-framed houses in Turkey

The study aims to analyse hygrothermal performance of traditional timber-framed houses in order to discuss building skins’ energy efficiency. There are numerous types of traditional timber-framed houses in Anatolia depending on social, cultural and regional features. Within the scope of this paper, the traditional architectural features of Safranbolu County of Turkey is selected as the case study. Safranbolu is placed in the Western Black Sea region, where specific examples of traditional timber-framed constructions with adobe infill are housed. As a significant example, “hımış” is a hybrid construction of stone masonry walls on ground level, and infilled timber-frame walls in upper levels. The construction of hımış is organized by rectangular studs of pinewood, and infill material of adobe. Wooden diagonals, which cope with the dynamic loads, especially earthquake, support the system and provide long-term durability for these buildings. In this study, hımış construction wall type with adobe infill is selected. The selected example is simulated by Delphine 6.0 for the evaluation of hygrothermal performance. Considering energy efficiency, hygrothermal performance is investigated by heat transfer and moisture control in order to raise awareness of traditional timber-framed capacities. The main purpose to focus on hygrothermal performance analysis is to integrate indigenous knowledge into contemporary architecture regarding social, economic and cultural characteristics in a sustainable manner. The expected outcome of this study is the determination of the selected type of traditional timber-framed buildings’ hygrothermal performance.