**4. Conclusions**

The traditional vernacular architecture of Azogues represents a rich source of knowledge and ancestral wisdom that contributes to sustainable development. However, studies on vernacular architecture remain limited.

The qualitative analysis conducted on the dwelling in the present study reveals that the strategies employed in the passive design of existing vernacular houses in Azogues are effective in coping with the local climatic conditions. This response is primarily supported by the thermal insulation of the building envelope, the buffering space (central courtyard), and the shape and orientation of the house in relation to the prevailing wind direction.

The placement of the main spaces that enclose the building around the central courtyard, as well as the surrounding corridors, also contributes to generating shade for the interior spaces located on the ground floor and to protecting the indoor thermal environment from solar radiation.

The passive features also contribute to improving the thermal insulation of the building, such as the use of locally sustainable materials in the construction of the building envelope, which is composed of bahareque. The relationship between the filled openings and the central courtyard allows natural light to enter the interior spaces, enhancing the thermal comfort of the dwelling. The in situ measurements conducted in the building align closely with the findings derived from the qualitative analysis. The experimental monitoring revealed that the traditional house benefits from natural ventilation. However, to avoid high air velocities within the spaces, it is advisable to avoid simultaneously opening a door and window in the direction of the prevailing external wind.

The experimental stages of monitoring and in situ measurements, followed by validation through dynamic simulation in EnergyPlus/Open Studio, were crucial for the studied building typology, which involved a higher degree of uncertainty and complexity. Only through this approach was it possible to quantify the thermal behavior of the building. However, there were limitations in the monitoring time for indoor environmental parameters, and it is recommended to extend the monitoring period for as long as possible to obtain more comprehensive data.

This study concludes that the climate-responsive strategies of traditional houses inspired by vernacular architecture, primarily based on natural ventilation, solar protection, thermal buffering, and heavy thermal mass, are effective in providing improved thermal comfort on hot days and cold nights.

The optimal use of local resources, a good location and geographic orientation, and an optimal building layout, along with a reasonable interior environment and the design of window openings can contribute to improving the thermal comfort of a building, even without the consumption of fossil fuels. Based on these findings, it is important to suggest that the passive design strategies used in traditional houses be employed, as much as possible, by new generations of architects and construction engineers in modern buildings located in climatic zones similar to those of the city of Azogues.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, F.Q.-M.; Methodology, P.M.-G. and F.Q.-M.; Investigation, P.M.-G.; Writing—original draft, P.M.-G. and F.Q.-M.; Writing—review and editing, F.Q.-M.; Project administration, F.Q.-M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** The project "Urban sustainability indicators for the city of Cuenca, Ecuador" was funded by the Catholic University of Cuenca. Grant number PICVII19-81.

**Data Availability Statement:** Data are contained within the article.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Catholic University of Cuenca and its Research Vice-Rectorate for providing the necessary funds for the research project "Urban sustainability indicators for the city of Cuenca, Ecuador".

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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