Climatic Adaptation-Based Evaluation of Vernacular Anatolian Houses: A Comparative Analysis of Stone and Adobe Materials in Terms of Energy, Environment, and Thermal Comfort

In terms of ensuring the sustainability of vernacular building culture, the evaluation of buildings should consider not only visual and cultural values but also energy efficiency, environmental impact, and indoor thermal comfort. This study comparatively examines the performance of stone and adobe wall materials, widely used in Anatolia, under different climatic conditions. In the simulations conducted using DesignBuilder software, building geometry and indoor use scenarios were kept constant, while only exterior wall material and climate data were treated as variables. Annual data for the year 2023 were analyzed. The findings indicate that adobe-walled structures stand out in hot and transitional climates with lower heating and cooling energy demands, reduced electricity consumption, lower carbon emissions, and better thermal comfort conditions. In Kars, representing a cold continental climate, both materials remained outside comfort thresholds; however, adobe structures performed better in terms of energy use, environmental impact, and thermal comfort. This comprehensive evaluation highlights the potential of climate-responsive use of local materials and offers valuable contributions to design strategies focused on sustainability and cultural heritage. The results present not only context-specific insights for Anatolia but also universally applicable, generalizable recommendations for other regions with similar climatic conditions and vernacular building cultures.