Traditional multi-story house (Tower House) in Sana’a City, Yemen. An example of sustainable architecture

Abstract

Yemen characterized by its unique traditional architecture; it is evident that every region in the country has its architectural character, which influenced by the local context (natural and cultural environments), and has many heritage sites registered with UNESCO heritage areas.The study includes an overview of the different types of traditional houses in different regions in Yemen, and an analytical study for the traditional multi-story house (Tower House) in Sana'a City in Yemen as a case study with an emphasis on its components, building materials, construction systems, ornaments, opening's treatment (Qamariya and Mashrabiyyah), environment, and its spatial organization.The conclusion summarizes the Tower House components and its relationship to sustainable architecture and the lessons to be learned from this example. Keywords: Traditional architecture, Sustainable architecture, The multi-story house (Tower House), Mudbricks, Qamariya, Mashrabiyyah, Zero-carbon emission