A Study on the Living Behavior and Space Usage Preference of Residents in Traditional Huizhou Dwellings

This study explores the challenges faced by traditional dwellings amid modernization and urbanization, with a particular focus on Huizhou dwellings, which struggle with issues such as inefficient space use and suboptimal spatial quality. This study employs UWB (ultra-wideband) indoor positioning technology to examine differences in residents’ production/living behaviors and their spatial usage preferences between two Huizhou traditional dwellings with distinct preservation statuses during both the summer and winter seasons. The study reveals the following findings: (1) The hall, courtyard, and kitchen spaces are the most frequently used living areas, followed by wing rooms and patio spaces. Differences in spatial organization patterns significantly influence residents’ preferences for alternating between various functional spaces. Residents tend to favor functional spaces centered around or adjacent to key circulation areas; (2) In summer, the patio space provides shade and ventilation, creating a cool and comfortable environment that supports a variety of living activities, resulting in high utilization rates. In winter, however, the patio space hinders heat retention for the inner facade, leading to lower temperatures and reduced usage; (3) The utilization rate of wing room spaces has significantly improved after simple renovations, whereas unrenovated wing rooms and side rooms exhibit relatively low utilization rates; (4) During fine weather in winter, the courtyard space maintains a relatively comfortable temperature, making it highly utilized. In contrast, the courtyard becomes excessively hot in summer, leading to significantly lower utilization rates compared with winter. By analyzing residents’ behavioral trajectories, the study explores the differences in living behaviors and their correlation with residential spaces across the different seasons and preservation states of traditional dwellings. These results offer important perspectives for the sustainable development of residential conservation and renewal efforts.