Adopting Vernacular Building Design Strategies for Contemporary Green Building

The demand for more energy-efficient buildings has increased, driven by the need to reduce energy consumption and mitigate climate change. Recently, the use of vernacular building strategies has gained increasing attention because such strategies are often based on local knowledge and practices developed over time to respond to specific environmental conditions and cultural contexts. In Jordan, there is a rising interest in integrating vernacular design strategies into contemporary buildings, aiming to enhance indoor environmental quality and minimize energy consumption. This study employs a case study approach to investigate the adoption of vernacular design techniques in contemporary green buildings in Jordan, while also exploring the underlying factors influencing their selection and implementation. The findings reveal that contemporary green buildings employ diverse vernacular design strategies including the use of stone as a building material, incorporation of thermal mass, implementation of shading features, and careful positioning of windows to optimize natural lighting, ventilation, and energy efficiency. These design strategies have the potential to contribute to sustainable development goals, preserve cultural heritage, and serve as a guiding model for future modern building designs in Jordan.