A New Look at Excavation Techniques and Design of Rock-Cut Architectures

Abstract

Rock-cut architecture is an essential yet little-known type of vernacular architecture whose nature is different from what we understand by the term “architecture”. This research seeks to answer the question of which technics, designs and digging procedures have been applied in this type of vernacular architecture. Out of the 300 rock-cut buildings and complexes found in Iran, nearly 70 were functionally assessed. Ten complexes were found to serve residential functions in different climates. Technique, type and the settlement context material were also briefly compared and contrasted, and thus, three general excavation techniques were recognized. The largest rock-cut residential complex in Iran, Meymand, was selected as the main case study. Fifty residential units in the oldest part of the village in two regions on both sides of the main valley were studied in terms of technique and design style. They were also compared and contrasted. The quantitative data obtained in this section were compared and contrasted using the descriptive statistical method. Although the rock-cut buildings are dispersed throughout Iran, three main techniques were employed to excavate them. Most of them were excavated using two or three of the said techniques. Application of the fine technique and the size of the particles constituting the settlement context are the two factors determining the quality of excavation. The findings in the area of special climatic design standards and technologies not only give us a better insight into rock-cut architecture but also contribute to setting some standards for design and construction of rock-cut buildings in the present era.

Energy consumption and thermal comfort of rock-cut and modern buildings

“…1 ). The historical origins of this architectural complex date back to the Parthian and Sassanian periods (250 BCE) [ 14 , 15 ]. Since then, the indigenous people have continued to inhabit this site.…”

“…Throughout history, the structures of this architectural style have found broader application in harsh climates such as warm and arid or cold regions. The reason for this prevalence is not only the ease of execution and technical feasibility but also the minimal energy usage required to adapt the structure to thermal comfort conditions [ 14 , 15 ]Therefore, comparing the internal thermal comfort and energy consumption of samples from this architecture in warm and arid climates with samples from modern architecture provides a better understanding of the climatic performance of both styles.…”

Earth-Based Construction: A Critical Review

“…It should be noted that out of all the articles found, only 1 discussed earth shelters, and indirectly so, as it concerned primarily excavation techniques and architecture carved from rock in Iran (Mangeli et al, 2022). Rock shelters are a subset of earth shelters and due to differences in material, cannot be justifiably equated with traditional earth shelters in which a building's envelope, which can be constructed of any material, is covered with soil.…”

Sustainable Design in Building and Urban Environment

“…The research conducted by Mangeli et al [8] focused on rock-cut architecture, a lesserknown type of vernacular architecture that differs from conventional architectural practices. The study aimed to explore the techniques, designs, and excavation procedures employed in this type of architecture.…”

“…The main case study was the Meymand residential complex, the largest rock-cut complex in Iran. The study examined 50 residential units in the oldest part of the village, analyzing techniques and design styles and comparing them [8].…”