Micro-environment characterization of Beijing courtyard houses based on ENVI-met

The Beijing courtyard house, a typical representative of traditional Chinese residential architecture, features unique micro-environmental characteristics. ENVI-met was used to simulate the microenvironment of Beijing courtyard houses, with Mao Dun’s former residence as the case study. Summer and winter scenarios were established to evaluate the key micro-environmental parameters, including Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET). The results indicate that MRT dominates seasonal thermal comfort in courtyard houses, correlating more strongly with PET in winter. Meanwhile, PET is also influenced by air temperature, humidity, and ventilation. In summer, hot, dry conditions intensify discomfort, while high shading rate and wind speed alleviate it. In winter, thermal comfort primarily depends on MRT during peak sunshine and air temperature during low-radiation periods. These findings reveal how thermal factors affect human thermal sensation, helping optimize courtyard thermal comfort.