Thermal Performance of Ancient Underground Dwellings in Tunisia: Thermal Performance of Ancient Underground Dwellings in Tunisia MONCEF KRARTI, Ph.D.
Joint Center for Energy Management
CEAE Department, CB 428
University of Colorado at Boulder
Presentation Outline: Presentation Outline Why Underground Dwellings
Ancient Underground Dwellings
Tunisian Troglodyte Dwellings
Field Measurements
Summary and Conclusions
Why Underground Dwellings: Why Underground Dwellings ADVANTAGES
Protection from stressful climates
Reduced maintenance cost and energy cost
Preservation of land
Increased safety from vandalism
Reduced noise problems
DISADVANTAGES
Claustrophobia (Lack of windows)
Poor Ventilation
Ancient Underground Dwellings: Ancient Underground Dwellings Earth-Sheltered House in Northern China (Semi-Arid Climate)
Underground Settlements in the Cappadocia Area (Center of Turkey)
Troglodyte Dwellings in Southern Tunisia (Arid and Hot Climate)
Tunisian Troglodyte Dwellings: Tunisian Troglodyte Dwellings HISTORY: Developed by the berbers (first known inhabitants of north Africa). As early as 500 BC and as late as 1900 AC.
LOCATION: Matmata plateau north of the Sahara desert (altitude = 500 m.).
ADVANTAGES
Easy soil to excavate (free of stones)
Shelter against invaders attack
Protection from hot and arid climate
Tunisian Troglodyte Dwellings: Tunisian Troglodyte Dwellings Types:
(a) Vertical design with central patio
(b) Horizontal design on mountain slopes
Floor plan of one section of the Marhala Hotel in Matmata: Floor plan of one section of the Marhala Hotel in Matmata
Field Measurements: Field Measurements Parameters Measured: Air temperatures and relative humidity both outdoors and indoors
First Field Study: Golany (1982) using Psychrometer
Present Field Study: Krarti (1997) using sensors and a data acquisition system
Monthly Soil temperature Variations at Various Depths: Monthly Soil temperature Variations at Various Depths
Hourly dry-bulb temperature measured during 1982 for winter: Hourly dry-bulb temperature measured during 1982 for winter
Hourly dry-bulb temperature measured during 1982 for summer: Hourly dry-bulb temperature measured during 1982 for summer
Hourly dry-bulb temperatures measured during summer 1997: Hourly dry-bulb temperatures measured during summer 1997
Indoor temperature variation with height at 1 p.m. in the back and the front of the room (site 6): Indoor temperature variation with height at 1 p.m. in the back and the front of the room (site 6)
Thermal conditions in various rooms in the Marhala hotel at 3 p.m. of July 24, 1997: Thermal conditions in various rooms in the Marhala hotel at 3 p.m. of July 24, 1997
Comparison of indoor environment for typical winter and summer days in a subterranean dwelling and a conventional above-ground house in Matmata: Comparison of indoor environment for typical winter and summer days in a subterranean dwelling and a conventional above-ground house in Matmata
Summary and Conclusions: Summary and Conclusions Field measurements indicated that the troglodyte dwellings provide more comfortable environment than above-grade houses in the Matmata region throughout the year.
The optimum depth for the dwellings is 10 m. as discovered by the first inhabitants of Matmata.
Design of Matmata dwellings needs to be improved to correct for lack of ventilation and natural lighting.