Climate and Its Relationship to the Design of Old Residential Houses (Shanashil) in Basra

Abstract

This research studies the relationship between the climate and the design of old residential houses (Shanashil) in Basra and identifies the main related climatic elements. It also focuses on Shanashil and their origin as well as the value of using wood as an essential component in building them. This research also demonstrates the main parts of the Shanashil house and shows the climatic importance of each part. The results have shown that wood and bricks are the main components in building Shanashil as they are characterized by a high thermal insulation and isolation ability. Shanashil are constructed in two floors. The first is built by bricks, gypsum, and H-iron beam channels, whereas in the second, wood makes the primary component in construction. Shanashil have a significant climatic importance. The recommendations of the research referred to the necessity to encourage construction according to the old style of buildings which is more adaptable to different climatic variations, and Shanashil make just one of these styles