Analysis on microclimate and construction of the vernacular architecture in Minangkabau of Sumatra, Indonesia

Minangkabau architecture is one of the most identical vernacular architectures in Austronesian world. This research aims to compare and analyze the microclimate of two Minangkabau vernacular houses in villages of Balimbing of Bukittinggi, Sumatra, Indonesia. One of them is covered with palm-sheath roof, and the other is covered with zinc roof. After investigation and a series of measuring assessment, we discover that as human residence, the interior environment of the house with the palm-roof is more comfortable than the zinc-roofed house. Due to a more successful prevention and reduction to high temperature and humidity of the inner space, the palm-roof is recognized as the better housing model to be pursued and using natural material as the efficient resource for the local community.