Climate-responsive earthen architecture
Multi-scale environmental analysis of passive house design in Classical Olynthos
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19216586 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Matthew Fitzjohn (0000-0002-3722-8370, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Andrew T Wilson (0000-0001-9380-0557, Pomona College) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-20 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-29 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | World Archaeology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0043-8243 • E-ISSN: 1470-1375 |
| Publisher | Routledge (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00438243.2026.2680492 |
| OpenAlex | W7162799404 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 31 |
This article presents the first quantitative analysis of the thermal performance of mud brick housing in Classical Greek cities. By integrating 3D architectural modelling with Rhinoceros 3D and the Ladybug and Honeybee environmental simulation toolsets, it introduces a novel methodological framework for studying ancient earthen architecture. Focusing on housing blocks at Olynthos, the study examines how architectural form, material properties, and house location shaped indoor climates. Results demonstrate that mud brick moderated temperature fluctuations, yet specific building forms and locations created perceptible differences in thermal comfort between rooms, storeys and house position within a city block. By moving beyond purely morphological or economic readings of domestic space, this research shows how earthen architecture shaped lived social experience and advances debates on the temporality of life, equality and standards of living in the Classical polis.
Environmental analysis · Environmental impact assessment · Passive house · Architecture and Cultural Influences · Hygrothermal properties of building materials · Water management and technologies
Economic Growth in Ancient Greece
The Athenian Adonia in Context
Household and City Organization at Olynthus
EnergyPlus
Inequality in Late-Classical Democratic Athens
Ancient Greek Housing
Bioclimatic strategies of traditional earthen architecture
Hellenic Houses at Ammótopos in Epirus
Towards a Multi-Scalar, Multidisciplinary Approach to the Classical Greek City
Olynthiaka
Olynthiaka, 5-6
Constructing the ‘Urban Profile’ of an Ancient Greek City
The Defence of Olynthus
Affect theory and the concept of atmosphere
Visualising solar-passive design of courtyard houses and the rhythms of life in Classical Olynthos, Greece
Durability aspects of ancient mortars of the archeological site of Olynthos
The running sands of time
Architecture and Behavior
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |