Research on Climate-Adapted Sustainable Low-Carbon Vernacular Building Construction and Techniques

In some of the dry-hot valley climate regions, rural development lags behind, and villagers have limited financial resources. Their ability to build better houses is constrained, resulting in basic living conditions with poor indoor thermal environments and inadequate earthquake resistance. However, with the progress of rural revitalization, villagers' economic and technical conditions are steadily improving, and their desire to build beautiful, livable homes is growing.

In this context，the Fund has supported Kunming University of Science and Technology to initiate a research on climate-adapted sustainable low-carbon vernacular building construction and techniques. The project focuses on the sustainable use of natural building materials, sourcing materials locally, and adopting a cooperative building model that involves villagers as primary builders. The goal is to promote the construction of sustainable, low-carbon rural homes in the dry-hot valley regions.

Partner(s)：

Project objectives

Project Strategy

1.Leveraging local bamboo resources to their fullest potential, alongside modern processing techniques, our aim is to enhance the resistance of bamboo and wood to mold and termite damage, thereby increasing their overall durability. To address the limitations of traditional rammed earth and adobe, including low strength and poor water resistance, we will integrate modern technologies to bolster their structural integrity and water resistance.

2.Our focus will be on developing novel structural techniques, such as employing bamboo and wood structures for earth-retaining walls, to further enhance durability and fire protection. This approach will not only improve the thermal stability of residential buildings but also enhance indoor thermal environments.

3.Introducing the concept of "micro-renovation": for well-maintained older homes, our strategy involves techniques such as reinforcing walls without altering existing pillars and utilizing reinforced concrete for floor slabs. These enhancements will effectively address issues like soundproofing, hygiene, and waterproofing of earthen roofs, all within the confines of the existing space.

Progress

1.The team has established a bamboo and wood material processing facility for mold and termite prevention, sourcing local bamboo from villagers to assist in boosting their income.

2.A construction technique has been developed to reinforce rammed earth walls, enhancing their waterproofing capabilities. Additionally, a series of structural tests on bamboo and wood seismic wall panels have been completed. Results indicate that this technique meets the seismic fortification requirements for rural low-rise homes, demonstrating excellent seismic performance. Building upon this, a hybrid structure system combining bamboo and wood seismic wall panels with prefabricated steel frames has been developed.

3.To improve the thermal insulation properties of walls, research has been conducted on the construction and installation processes of low-carbon earthen buildings combined with carbon-negative bamboo and wood structures for residential exterior walls. These technologies will be applied in experimental house construction, with ongoing optimization based on construction experiments. Several patented technologies have been formally accepted by the National Intellectual Property Administration.

4.Building upon these technologies, the team has completed designs for twelve residential units across five categories. These designs take into account the population and economic status of village households, providing flexibility for future economic and industrial development. In 2024, the team renovated a two-story wooden house and constructed the main structure of nine new homes in Yuzu Village and Baipotou Shangzhai Village.

5.To complement artisan training in rammed earth techniques, a comprehensive guidebook and technical implementation atlas has been compiled and completed.

6.Plans are underway to develop a guidebook on sustainable, low-carbon bamboo and wood structural techniques.

Project and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Projects	UN Sustainable Development Goals	SDG Targets	Overarching Efforts
Research on Climate-Adapted Sustainable Low-Carbon Vernacular Building Construction and Techniques	Good Health and Well-Being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages	3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.	1.Revamp traditional dwellings to elevate indoor environmental standards, cultivating healthier living environments. 2.Establish eco-friendly residences designed for hot-river valley climate, mitigating indoor overheating issues during summer.
	Clean Water and Sanitation Ensure access to water and sanitation for all	6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity	1.Incorporate water-saving appliances in residential buildings to optimize water usage. 2.Utilize rainwater harvesting and infiltration technologies to minimize surface runoff and enhance soil moisture retention.
	Decent Work and Economic Growth Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all	8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value	1.Foster local villagers to acquire skills in constructing sustainable, low-carbon housing, assisting in improving livelihood capabilities. 2.Involve women in the construction of residential buildings, ensuring equal pay for equal work during the construction process.
	Reduced Inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries	10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status	1.Through sustainable low-carbon construction, we aim to create demonstrations that enhance villagers' sense of self-fulfillment. 2.Promoting rural cultural by establishing a village history museum.
	Sustainable Cities and Communities Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable	11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums 11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage 11.A Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning	1. Support community-led construction of livable houses to preserve the heritage of earthen architecture. 2. Encourage the exchange of experiences in creating green, low-carbon living environments between urban and rural areas.