An analysis on microclimate and construction of Tongkonan and alang-alang in Tana Toraja of Sulawesi, Indonesia

Fallow the nature makes it vernacular have always been the highest principles of vernacular architecture. This research uses Toraja traditional residence houses (Tongkonan) and the rice barn (alang-alang)in Tana Toraja of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Through this, we attempt to understand how vernacular architecture effectively controls the indoor environment in the high-temperature, high humidity environment to achieve comfortableness with local materials attained and construction methods. By using thermo recorder equipment to recording and measuring the microclimate record for the residence house and the rice barn. After investigation, comparison and analysis of temperature and relative humidity we discover that the interior environment is more comfortable for human residence in the Tongkonan; at the same time the rice barn is presented as the best storage space for their rice and crops. Both types of buildings create a most habitable environment for people and storage space for grains. It also proves that natural material is an efficient resource for local community as sustainable matter.