Design Criteria for Modernized, Microclimate-Adaptive Rural Housing in the Red River Delta

Anh-Vu Le; Viet-Long Dang; Nam-Phong Le; Nguyen-Tung Hoang; Quoc-Son Ly; Hoang-Hiep Nguyen; Trong-Chung Do; Viet-Huy Nguyen; Huong-Lan Vu Thi

Authors

Anh-Vu Le Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2819-5674
Viet-Long Dang Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0210-0902
Nam-Phong Le Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6163-6383
Nguyen-Tung Hoang Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4748-3669
Quoc-Son Ly Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2777-2449
Hoang-Hiep Nguyen Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0532-1202
Trong-Chung Do Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7217-1139
Viet-Huy Nguyen Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9815-7548
Huong-Lan Vu Thi Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6850-6020

Keywords:

Vernacular Architecture, Rural Housing, Microclimatic Adaptation, Red River Delta, CFD Simulation, Building Performance Simulation

Abstract

Urbanization and the pursuit of modern lifestyles have profoundly reshaped functional demands and aesthetic aspirations in the rural Red River Delta. This study examines the potential for revitalizing rural housing typologies while preserving the cultural identity of traditional indigenous architecture, alongside adaptations that enhance both indoor and outdoor environmental performance. Employing validated ENVI-met CFD simulations and Ladybug + Honeybee building energy modelling, the results reveal negligible impacts on outdoor thermal comfort but a 20 % increase in energy use intensity (from 36.9 to 44.28 kBTU/ft²) caused by uncontrolled solar gain, despite significant gains in airtightness, daylight quality, and widespread occupant acceptance of the modernized design. The research proposes evidence-based design criteria that strategically hybridize retained vernacular elements with selective contemporary interventions. These guidelines pave the way for a new paradigm of indigenous contemporary architecture that successfully reconciles modern living comfort with restored climatic adaptability and enduring cultural authenticity.