Symbiotic Design for Tropical Heritage: An Adaptive Conservation Framework for Fujia Vernacular Residence of China

Abstract

This study presents an adaptive conservation framework for the Fujia Residence, a vernacular house located in the tropical region of Hainan, China. The primary aim of this study is to develop a symbiotic design approach that integrates GIS spatial analysis, modular design, and community participation to ensure the long-term sustainability, cultural preservation, and resilience of vernacular housing in tropical regions. The framework leverages GIS data, including elevation, temperature distribution, ecological features, and water systems, to inform the design, ensuring it is both disaster-resilient and environmentally adaptive. The modular design components, such as prefabricated structures and flexible spaces, offer a sustainable and adaptable solution to meet residents’ needs while preserving cultural heritage. The community participation model, incorporating a revenue-sharing mechanism and government subsidies, encourages the long-term involvement of local residents in the maintenance and protection of the residence. The outcome of this study demonstrates that the proposed framework provides a replicable model for cultural heritage preservation in tropical and economically underdeveloped regions, offering a scalable and adaptable solution to address the challenges of vernacular housing conservation in similar contexts.

1. Introduction and Background

Traditional vernacular architecture in tropical regions represents the collective wisdom of human adaptation to the natural environment [1,2]. Over time, these buildings have developed unique practices in spatial layout, building materials, and climate responsiveness. These dwellings not only meet the living needs of local residents but also carry rich cultural memories and community identity, thus holding significant historical and contemporary value [3]. The traditional vernacular architecture of the Qiongbei region (The northern part of Hainan) in Hainan is a typical example. Its architectural form is influenced by the tropical climate, geography, and various cultural exchanges, showcasing characteristics of adaptability and inclusiveness. With the growing global focus on climate change and cultural diversity, the question of how to protect and preserve traditional vernacular architecture in tropical regions has become a shared concern in both academic and practical fields.

However, traditional dwellings in the Qiongbei region are facing multiple threats. On one hand, the natural environment is increasingly impacting these buildings, with typhoons, heavy rainfall, and the hot–humid climate accelerating their deterioration [4]. On the other hand, there has been insufficient long-term financial investment from the government, and there is a lack of effective daily maintenance mechanisms [5]. Additionally, local residents generally have a low level of awareness regarding preservation, and with the outflow of labor, daily upkeep and repair are neglected. For example, the Fujia Residence (For consistency, the term “Fujiazhai” used throughout this paper refers to the case study building and is synonymous with “Fujia Residence”), a representative traditional dwelling, has gradually fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance, and its cultural and functional value urgently needs to be restored. In this context, the traditional government-led, one-time repair model cannot ensure long-term protection, necessitating the exploration of more sustainable approaches.

Previous studies generally agree that tropical traditional dwellings rely heavily on passive strategies such as natural ventilation and shading to adapt to the hot and humid climate [6,7]. For example, the stilt houses of Southeast Asia and the deep eaves of traditional southern Chinese roofs both reflect a shared approach to achieving indoor thermal comfort through passive design [8,9]. These studies have established a fundamental consensus on climate adaptability, showing that traditional buildings have accumulated effective climate wisdom through long-term practice. However, there are differences in research methods. Some studies rely on field measurements and thermal comfort models to validate the effects of ventilation and shading [10,11], while others use CFD simulations or energy consumption comparisons to provide quantitative evidence [12,13,14]. The former is more grounded in practical reality, but limited by sample size and time span; the latter offers more universal conclusions but often neglects real-world usage scenarios. Overall, although studies have thoroughly revealed the relationship between dwellings and climate, most of the findings are still limited to the individual building scale, lacking a comprehensive examination at the settlement or regional level. This leads to a disconnect between the “climate adaptability” of building physics and the “protection practices” of community governance [15,16,17]. Many scholars have expanded their focus to the settlement scale, emphasizing the role of courtyards, streets, and green–blue spaces in regulating the tropical climate [18,19,20]. Research shows that ventilation corridors, drainage systems, and the microclimate of courtyards play crucial roles in reducing flood risks and alleviating the urban heat island effect [21,22]. These findings suggest that the settlement space is not a passive container but an important component of environmental adaptability. However, much of the existing literature remains at the morphological description or spatial syntax analysis level, lacking integration with disaster event data (such as typhoon paths and flood events) [23,24,25]. This lack of “spatial-disaster” coupling makes settlement resilience assessments remain at the theoretical level, unable to translate into actionable protection strategies. In terms of materials and construction techniques, numerous studies highlight the ecological adaptability and sustainability of local materials. For instance, wood, stone, and rammed earth not only possess excellent thermal inertia and humidity regulation properties but are also easy to source locally [26,27,28,29]. Moreover, traditional craftsmanship and repair experience often offer low-cost, highly replaceable solutions [30]. However, some studies have pointed out that the introduction of modern alternative materials often leads to “mismatch” problems. For example, although thin metal roofing is inexpensive, its poor thermal inertia leads to the overheating of indoor environments [31]. Some scholars propose a “traditional + modern” hybrid approach, such as incorporating modern waterproofing and anti-corrosion materials while preserving the traditional structural appearance [32,33]. Critically, existing research tends to focus on the performance comparison of individual materials or construction details, lacking an integrated study of “materials—craft—community maintenance mechanisms.” In other words, the question of how to combine material improvements with the daily maintenance responsibilities of residents remains a research gap. Traditional dwellings in tropical regions are generally exposed to environmental risks such as typhoons, heavy rainfall, and pests [34,35]. Existing studies have proposed some vulnerability assessment methods, such as establishing a vulnerability list for building components or using post-disaster survey data for quantitative analysis [36,37]. These studies are valuable in clarifying the relationship between threat types and damage mechanisms. However, comparative analysis shows that most studies focus on the engineering structural level while neglecting the overall risk resilience of settlements [38]. While some scholars have analyzed the wind resistance of individual buildings, few have attempted to integrate GIS-based regional risk mapping with the vulnerability of building elements. This leaves the “from regional environment to individual building” protection logic lacking systematic support. In recent years, community participation has gradually become an important issue in heritage conservation. Existing studies emphasize the core concept of “living heritage,” which suggests that the daily use and maintenance by residents is the most effective form of preservation [39,40,41]. Some cases indicate that co-management and community-based tourism (CBT) models can effectively enhance the sustainability of preservation [42,43]. Despite the high theoretical regard for “community participation,” most studies lack clear mechanisms for implementation. For example, how to distribute maintenance tasks among residents, how to share benefits within the community, and how to link government subsidies with residents’ responsibilities are questions that remain insufficiently addressed in the literature [44,45]. Therefore, although there are successful examples of community participation internationally, the conversion of “principles into mechanisms” still remains a challenge. In recent years, GIS technology has been gradually introduced into heritage conservation studies for settlement pattern analysis, environmental risk assessments, and spatial accessibility calculations [46,47]. These methods have the advantage of being replicable and scalable, providing quantitative support for the preservation of traditional dwellings. However, most applications stop at overlaying spatial distribution and environmental factors [48,49]. While numerous studies have explored GIS as a tool for environmental and spatial analysis, few have successfully integrated these results with community participation mechanisms or design interventions in a way that forms an actionable, comprehensive framework. Much of the existing literature focuses either on the technical aspects of GIS or on community-based participatory methods in isolation, without recognizing the synergy between the two. This fragmented approach often leads to the underutilization of GIS’s potential in the context of sustainable heritage conservation. Therefore, the integration of GIS data with social mechanisms in our study represents a significant contribution by addressing this gap and offering a holistic approach to adaptive conservation, which has not been sufficiently explored in existing research.

In summary, existing research has made significant progress in areas such as climate adaptability, settlement morphology, materials and construction, disaster risk, community participation, and methodological tools. Traditional dwellings have accumulated valuable climate wisdom through spatial organization, local materials, and traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating ecological adaptability and sustainability. Community participation and the concept of living heritage are gaining acceptance, and spatial tools such as GIS have provided quantitative support. These findings offer multi-dimensional theoretical and practical foundations for the preservation of tropical vernacular architecture. However, these studies are mostly confined to single-dimension discussions and lack systematic integration, making it difficult to form replicable and holistic approaches. Specifically, three prominent gaps remain: (1) insufficient interdisciplinary integration—most studies focus on one aspect, such as building physics, materials performance, or community governance, without an integrated framework that combines environmental analysis, design intervention, social mechanisms, and economic incentives; (2) insufficient quantification and reproducibility—although some studies use CFD simulations or GIS, many remain limited to spatial distribution and environmental overlays without providing a transferable, step-by-step analysis path that can be applied to different cases; (3) incomplete community participation mechanisms—while the importance of community participation is widely recognized, most studies lack clear designs for participation tasks, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and government subsidies. Consequently, while existing studies provide valuable insights, there remains a clear gap between theory and practice. Given the gaps identified in existing research, this study addresses the following key questions: How can an adaptive conservation framework be developed for vernacular housing in tropical regions, particularly for the Fujia Residence case study? How can the integration of modular design, disaster resilience, and community participation contribute to the long-term sustainability and cultural preservation of vernacular housing? What are the challenges and opportunities in applying this framework to similar heritage sites in tropical and economically underdeveloped regions? Given these gaps, this paper proposes a “Tropical Heritage Symbiosis Design Framework” based on the case study of the Fujia Residence in Qiongbei, Hainan. By integrating GIS environmental analysis, architectural design strategies, resident participation mechanisms, and economic incentives, the framework aims to construct an adaptive protection model that facilitates a symbiotic relationship between the building, residents, and government. “Symbiotic Design” is an innovative design framework [50,51,52] that integrates architecture, community participation, and environmental sustainability. It is grounded in theories such as adaptive management, social-ecological systems, and community co-management. Adaptive management emphasizes flexible and responsive strategies in complex environments, which is aligned with the evolving nature of cultural heritage conservation. Social-ecological systems theory suggests that human communities and their surrounding environments are interconnected, and thus, the management of heritage buildings must involve the active participation of local communities. Furthermore, community co-management underscores the importance of shared responsibility between the government, the community, and other stakeholders in heritage conservation. By blending these established theoretical frameworks, “Symbiotic Design” offers a comprehensive approach to adaptive conservation, ensuring that the design is both sustainable and rooted in local needs. This framework not only addresses the shortcomings of existing research but also provides a replicable and scalable pathway for the preservation and transmission of traditional dwellings in tropical regions.

Based on the background and issues discussed above, this paper aims to propose a tropical heritage symbiosis design framework for the adaptive preservation of traditional vernacular architecture. The framework is based on the Fujia Residence in Qiongbei, Hainan, using GIS environmental analysis, field surveys, and resident interviews to identify the vulnerabilities and preservation needs of the dwellings under natural environmental conditions. By combining resident participation and economic incentives, the framework constructs a symbiotic model between the building, residents, and government. The innovation of this study lies in the integration of technical analysis (GIS and architectural design), social mechanisms (community participation), and economic support (benefit-sharing and policy subsidies), presenting a reproducible and scalable methodology. This exploration not only provides practical pathways for the preservation and transmission of traditional vernacular architecture in Qiongbei but also offers valuable insights for heritage conservation in other tropical regions. To provide context, regional data on the Qiongbei region is presented in Section 2.2, followed by details of the specific building case in Section 3, where the design proposal is introduced and assessed.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Area and Case Selection

This study focuses on the Qiongbei region of Hainan Province as the research area, with the Fujia Residence selected as the typical case study. Located in the northern part of Hainan Island (Figure 1), the Qiongbei region has a typical tropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm and humid conditions year-round, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall in the summer, and frequent extreme weather events such as typhoons. The local vernacular architecture is closely related to the natural environment and is mainly constructed using indigenous materials. These buildings exhibit strong climate adaptability, especially in terms of ventilation and shading, with unique regional characteristics in their design. The Fujia Residence is a typical example of traditional vernacular architecture in the Qiongbei region. Its architectural form blends Hainan’s traditional culture with tropical building wisdom. Located in Wenchang City, this historical building reflects the cultural heritage and community values of the area. However, with the advancement of modernization, the Fujia Residence has gradually revealed several issues regarding its climate adaptability, disaster resilience, and daily maintenance. Therefore, adaptive preservation design is necessary. The selection of the Fujia House as the case study is based on several considerations: First, as a typical traditional dwelling in Qiongbei, the structure and design of the Fujia Residence reflect the architectural features of tropical vernacular houses. Second, as a nationally protected heritage site, the Fujia Residence holds significant local cultural and historical value, making it a crucial object for studying the preservation of Hainan’s traditional architecture. Finally, from a practical perspective, the Fujia Residence faces challenges such as environmental degradation and a lack of effective preservation mechanisms, making it urgent to develop a sustainable and adaptive preservation solution. Through the study of the Fujia Residence, this research aims to propose an adaptive preservation framework combining climate adaptability, resident participation mechanisms, and government subsidies, providing valuable practical insights for the preservation of traditional vernacular architecture in Hainan and other tropical regions.

2.2. Data Sources and Analysis

The data for this study were primarily obtained through field surveys, questionnaire interviews, and GIS spatial analysis. These methods were used to collect and analyze relevant information about the Fujiazhai and its surrounding environment.

2.2.1. Questionnaire Survey Results

This study conducted a questionnaire survey to collect basic information from residents near Fujiazhai. The survey sample included a diverse group of participants, consisting of farmers, workers, government staff, and students, to reflect the demographic diversity of the local community. The questionnaire was designed in simple and easily understandable language, considering that most survey participants were local farmers. A Likert five-point scale (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) was used to assess various aspects such as living comfort, safety, facilities, and willingness to participate in daily maintenance.

A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed, and 292 valid responses were collected, resulting in a response rate of 97%. The gender distribution of the respondents was nearly equal, with 48% male and 52% female participants. In terms of age distribution, 65% of respondents had lived in the area for over 20 years, indicating that most of the participants had long-term experience and a deep understanding of the local living environment. The sample composition was designed to ensure a representative cross-section of the local population. The inclusion of farmers (the predominant occupation in the area), workers, government staff, and students allowed for capturing a broad range of perspectives regarding the living conditions and needs of the community. The age distribution and gender balance further ensured that different demographic groups were well-represented. The sample size of 292 valid responses was deemed sufficient to achieve statistical reliability and generalizability. Based on the population of approximately 2000 residents in the area, the sample size corresponds to a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of 5%. This ensures that the survey results are representative of the broader population and can provide reliable insights for the design strategies. To ensure the reliability and validity of the survey, a pilot test was conducted with 30 residents prior to the full survey. The pilot test revealed no major issues with the survey design, and minor adjustments were made based on feedback. The questions were carefully formulated to avoid ambiguity, and the use of a five-point Likert scale allowed for consistent data collection and easier analysis. The data collection process was also designed to minimize bias by ensuring that respondents were selected randomly from various demographics within the local community.

In terms of living comfort, most residents were generally satisfied with the temperature comfort of their homes; however, 13% of residents expressed significant dissatisfaction, indicating room for improvement in the thermal comfort of Fujiazhai. Regarding safety, approximately 26% of residents were dissatisfied with the safety of their homes, suggesting that Fujiazhai faces challenges in disaster resilience, particularly in terms of wind and water resistance. Concerning facilities, about 67% of residents indicated a strong need for improvements in drainage and shading facilities, highlighting deficiencies in these areas. Lastly, in terms of residents’ willingness to participate in daily maintenance, the majority (83%) expressed willingness, with 51% showing a strong willingness, indicating active interest in the protection and maintenance of traditional houses. These findings provide strong support for the subsequent design strategies, offering valuable insights into how to meet residents’ needs and improve the adaptability of the architecture in the design (Figure 2).

2.2.2. GIS Data Analysis

To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial characteristics of Fujiazhai and its surrounding environment, this study employed GIS technology for multidimensional environmental analysis. The analysis utilized both vector and raster data, where vector data included features such as road networks and administrative boundaries, and raster data included continuous variables such as temperature distribution and elevation.

Table 1. Summary of GIS Data Used in Environmental Analysis.

Data Type	Data Name	Source	Resolution	Unit	Time Period
Vetor Data	Road Network	OpenStreetMap (OSM)	1:50,000	N/A	Latest Available
	Administrative Boundaries	Hainan Provincial GIS	1:50,000	N/A	Latest Available
Raster Data	Temperature Distribution	Hainan Provincial Meteorological	1 km × 1 km	Celsius (°C)	Past Year
	Elevation Data	Hainan Provincial GIS	30 m	Meters (m)	Latest Available
	Ecological Features (Land Use)	National Basic Geographic Information Center	30 m	N/A	Latest Available
	Traffic Flow	OpenStreetMap (OSM)	1:50,000	Vehicles per hour	Latest Available

summarizes the key GIS data used in the analysis, including data names, sources, resolutions, units, and time periods. These datasets were aligned to the same spatial reference system to ensure compatibility, and where necessary, raster data was resampled to match the resolution of the vector data. By integrating both vector-based and raster-based data, this study employed GIS spatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS 10.8.2) to overlay the datasets and extract relevant spatial information. This allowed for a comprehensive analysis of spatial relationships, such as kernel density analysis for road networks and Euclidean distance calculations for population data.

The integration of vector and raster data facilitated a thorough understanding of the spatial environment surrounding Fujiazhai. The GIS analysis provided valuable insights into temperature patterns, elevation changes, ecological features, and traffic flows, contributing significantly to the adaptive design framework proposed for Fujiazhai. The analysis results are visualized in various GIS maps, which inform the design decisions, ensuring that the building responds to both environmental and socio-economic factors.

(1) Elevation Analysis

The elevation analysis shows the topography of the area where Fujiazhai is located, based on data from Hainan provincial geographic sources. The elevation map (Figure 3) reveals the complex terrain of the Qiongbei region, with low-altitude areas being found mainly along the coastline and plains, while high-altitude regions are found in the inland mountains. These variations significantly influence architectural design.

High-elevation areas are advantageous in disaster prevention, offering protection against floods and windstorms. However, building entirely in high-altitude areas is not always feasible, as these regions may create rain shadows and sheltered areas that affect local climate, accessibility, and integration with surrounding communities. Therefore, higher elevations should be considered for critical structures to enhance resilience. Low-elevation areas, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to typhoons and heavy rainfall. To address these, the design incorporates optimized waterproofing and drainage systems, including enhanced drainage pipes and a rainwater harvesting system, particularly in flood-prone zones. GIS analysis also provides data on elevation variations, helping to identify areas where water may accumulate during heavy rainfall or flooding. For example, low-elevation coastal regions require elevated walkways and platforms to prevent flood damage. The design also includes elevated foundations and water-resistant materials for buildings in these flood-prone areas. For high-altitude areas, the design emphasizes reinforcing structural elements to withstand windstorms, while for low-altitude zones, it prioritizes water flow management through additional drainage outlets, permeable pavements, and rainwater storage optimization. This targeted design approach ensures that Fujiazhai is equipped with appropriate measures to address specific topographical challenges.

(2) Temperature Distribution Analysis

The temperature distribution analysis was based on spatial interpolation of monthly average temperature data from Hainan provincial meteorological sources, covering the past year. This analysis generated continuous raster data that helps assess the climate conditions around Fujiazhai, providing essential support for adaptive design.

The temperature distribution map (Figure 4) shows that the Qiongbei region generally experiences high temperatures, with Fujiazhai’s location, especially along the southeastern coast, having temperatures consistently above 20 °C, reaching up to 20.88 °C. Given the high humidity in Hainan’s tropical climate, these temperatures are considered particularly hot and present a challenge for architectural design. Effective shading and natural ventilation are critical to enhancing indoor comfort. Based on this analysis, the design incorporates shading facilities and ventilation corridors, particularly in high-temperature areas exceeding 20 °C. Areas facing southeast, which receive the most sunlight, will feature larger, adjustable shading devices to prevent excessive heat gain. Additionally, the placement of ventilation corridors is designed to enhance airflow, promoting better air circulation and helping hot air escape. This approach ensures that the building remains comfortable for residents and energy-efficient, addressing the specific climate challenges of Fujiazhai while improving overall sustainability.

(3) Ecological Feature Analysis

The ecological feature analysis evaluates the ecological value of the area surrounding Fujiazhai based on land use types (such as farmland, forest, wetland) and their assigned ecological value coefficients. Using raster data analysis and the Spatial Analyst tool, we performed a weighted summation to generate the ecological feature map, which provides environmental references for the design.

The ecological feature map (Figure 5) shows that most areas in the Qiongbei region are low- or medium-value zones, with inland regions classified as high-value areas. Low-value areas are mostly farmland and urban expansion zones, while wetlands and forests are of higher ecological value. Based on this analysis, the design focuses on integrating sustainable building materials and green design strategies in low-value areas. Energy-efficient construction materials and green roofs will be prioritized in these regions to minimize the ecological footprint. For high-value areas such as wetlands and forests, the design includes protective measures to reduce human impact. This includes using permeable paving materials, minimizing hardscapes, and introducing green spaces. Additionally, locally sourced, low-impact materials are encouraged to preserve natural habitats. By incorporating ecological feature analysis, the design ensures the buildings are in harmony with their surroundings, promoting sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

(4) Farmland-Water System Distribution Analysis

This analysis combined water system data from OpenStreetMap (OSM) and land use data from the National Basic Geographic Information Center. Using the land type extraction tool, we performed overlay analysis of farmland and water system spatial data to assess the impact of water distribution on agricultural production and flood risk near Fujiazhai.

The farmland-water system distribution map (Figure 6) shows a well-developed water system in the area, with farmland concentrated near these water resources. However, some areas face irrigation deficiencies and flood risks, particularly in low-lying zones near natural waterways, where irrigation infrastructure is inadequate. Based on this GIS data, the design prioritizes water resource management, particularly in flood-prone and irrigation-deficient areas. To mitigate flood risks and ensure sustainable agriculture, the design integrates natural waterways with rainwater harvesting systems. For low-lying flood-prone areas, the design incorporates improved drainage systems connected to existing waterways to manage water flow and reduce flood risks. Additionally, permeable materials for paths and roads can enhance water infiltration and mitigate rainfall impacts. In high-value farmland areas with sufficient water resources, the design emphasizes irrigation efficiency, including rainwater storage systems to ensure a steady agricultural output during dry periods. These systems are integrated into the landscape with strategically placed storage tanks to collect excess water during rainy periods for future irrigation use. The proposed strategies ensure the sustainable use of water resources, supporting both agricultural productivity and disaster risk management.

(5) Traffic Analysis

Traffic analysis was performed using the Network Analyst tool to assess the accessibility and mobility of the area around Fujiazhai. Based on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, this analysis evaluated access to key facilities (e.g., schools, hospitals, shops) and traffic flow density.

The traffic flow map (Figure 7) shows that Fujiazhai is well-connected, with higher traffic concentrated in the city center and along major roads. However, heavy traffic may cause congestion and environmental pollution. To address this, the design proposes pedestrian pathways and shared bike lanes, reducing car reliance and promoting sustainability. Green buffer zones along major roads will help mitigate pollution, reduce noise, and enhance the area’s esthetic appeal. These design changes, based on traffic analysis, aim to support the sustainable development of the Fujiazhai area, making it more livable and environmentally friendly.

2.3. Field Investigation and Analysis

Fujiazhai, located in Songshu Village, Wenchang Town, is one of the most representative ancient houses in the Qiongbei region and is designated as a national key cultural heritage site. However, our research has revealed a number of concerning issues regarding its current state. Although Fujiazhai is currently uninhabited, it is situated at the center of Songshu Village, with many local residents living in the surrounding buildings. The term “residents” in this paper refers to these surrounding villagers, who are the primary users of the surrounding space, rather than those residing within Fujiazhai itself. The roof is severely damaged, primarily due to prolonged exposure to typhoons, particularly Typhoon Mangkhut, which worsened the already deteriorating condition. The roof structure has been weakened and shows signs of collapse, making the building highly vulnerable to further deterioration during future extreme weather events. Water leakage has exacerbated the damage to both the interior and the structure (Figure 8).

The overall condition has worsened due to the impact of Typhoon “Mangkhut.” Inside the building, the decorative elements are particularly damaged. Many of the originally exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and clay sculptures have either peeled off or faded, and the wall decorations are in a deteriorated state, with many traditional patterns now unrecognizable. Due to a lack of timely repairs, these cultural symbols, which bear local esthetic and spiritual significance, are gradually disappearing, greatly diminishing the building’s cultural and artistic value (Figure 9).

As a key cultural heritage site, the loss of interior decorations means that not only is the spatial form aging, but its cultural significance is also fading. Furthermore, the surrounding courtyard is overgrown with weeds, and some areas have been temporarily cultivated by villagers as vegetable plots. This not only destroys the original appearance of the courtyard but also disrupts the functional order of the space. Despite its status as a national heritage site, renovation efforts have been stalled for a long time. Existing protective measures, such as plastic coverings and steel cables, lack systematic and scientific approaches, and these measures are insufficient to fundamentally address the building’s problems (Figure 10).

The lack of effective transportation and promotion further weakens Fujiazhai’s social impact. Located in a remote village with poor public transportation, visitor numbers are minimal. Although Fujiazhai is designated as a “tourist attraction,” there is insufficient publicity, and the local residents are unaware of the connection between “Songshu Dawang” and “Fujiazhai.” As a result, its recognition and influence are far less than its cultural value would suggest. More importantly, there is a lack of management. Currently, daily management of Fujiazhai relies solely on local villagers, with no involvement from a professional team. Some villagers, due to the lack of relevant training, not only fail to provide professional tours but also exploit their “entry privileges” for personal gain. These issues highlight the stark contrast between Fujiazhai’s “key cultural heritage status” and its “current endangered situation,” underscoring the disconnect between the protection mechanisms and their actual implementation.

2.4. Data Analysis Methods and Technical Approach

This study employs several analysis methods and technical approaches. These include data collection and processing, spatial analysis, and questionnaire data analysis, which ultimately contribute to the construction of a comprehensive adaptive protection design framework. This framework aims to ensure the protection and inheritance of Fujiazhai and similar traditional dwellings. The first step of the study was to collect relevant data on Fujiazhai and its surrounding environment through questionnaire surveys and GIS spatial data. The questionnaire mainly collected data on residents’ housing needs, comfort, safety, facility demands, and willingness to participate, using a Likert five-point scale for quantitative assessment. GIS data included temperature distribution, elevation, ecological features, traffic flow, and water system distribution, which were essential for the subsequent environmental analysis. The data were then standardized and preprocessed, including cleaning, handling missing values, and converting formats to ensure consistency and accuracy.

The study then performed multi-dimensional GIS data analysis using tools such as ArcGIS and QGIS 3.44, focusing on elevation, temperature distribution, ecological features, and traffic flow in the area around Fujiazhai. These spatial analyses helped in understanding the environmental adaptability of the area and provided scientific evidence for the design process. In parallel, the questionnaire data underwent descriptive statistical analysis, and correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between resident needs and building adaptability, particularly in terms of climate adaptability and disaster protection requirements.

Based on the spatial analysis and questionnaire survey results, this study proposes an adaptive protection design framework, which integrates climate adaptability, architectural design, resident participation mechanisms, and government support. This framework aims to provide a sustainable solution for the protection and inheritance of Fujiazhai. Specifically, the study used a data fusion approach to integrate the GIS spatial data and questionnaire survey results, identifying the environmental characteristics of the area where Fujiazhai is located and the needs of the residents. Based on these analyses, corresponding design solutions were developed. The key elements of the design include: first, the use of modular and prefabricated components to provide flexibility in the design of the courtyard and buildings, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors; second, in terms of disaster adaptability, designing protective measures that can withstand typhoons, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather events, based on elevation analysis and temperature distribution data; third, encouraging local residents to participate in daily maintenance, and ensuring the sustainability of the design through benefit-sharing mechanisms and government subsidies, based on the results of the questionnaire survey.

Through the above analyses, this study establishes a multi-dimensional adaptive protection design framework, ensuring both the reproducibility of the method and the operability of the design. The technical approach of this study guarantees the systematic nature of the research and the reproducibility of the method, while providing data support and scientific evidence for the adaptive protection design of Fujiazhai (Figure 11).

3. Design Proposal and Practice

3.1. Design Proposal Overview

Fujiazhai is located in Songshu Village, Wenchang City, Hainan Province, situated in the Qiongbei region (Figure 12). This area has a typical tropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm and humid weather throughout the year, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall during the summer, and frequent occurrences of extreme weather such as typhoons and heavy rain. The area where Fujiazhai is located is a typical rural community, predominantly inhabited by farmers, and is surrounded by rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The selection of this site is based on the following considerations: First, Fujiazhai is a representative traditional dwelling in the local area, bearing rich historical and cultural value. Second, its geographical location offers good transportation accessibility and natural environmental adaptability, which aligns with the requirements for adaptive protection design.

This study’s design proposal is based on the symbiotic design concept, aiming to achieve the adaptive protection and inheritance of Fujiazhai through an innovative approach. The core idea of the design is to establish a “heritage-community-government” symbiotic framework. Specifically, the community provides daily protection and maintenance for the building, while the building, through multifunctional design, generates economic benefits for the community. In return, the government provides subsidies to support this process. The implementation of this framework not only ensures the protection of Fujiazhai’s cultural heritage but also promotes community participation, increases residents’ willingness to protect the heritage, and creates a virtuous cycle. The design proposal does not involve a complete reconstruction of Fujiazhai, but rather adopts a combination of traditional maintenance and modern renovation. This approach preserves part of the original architectural cultural value while making necessary modifications to meet modern functional needs. In particular, the main building is redesigned as an exhibition hall to display the history, culture, and traditional value of Fujiazhai, while the courtyard is renovated using modular design to enhance its functionality and meet the needs of both residents and visitors. The core of the modular design is to provide a more flexible and convenient spatial layout for Fujiazhai through prefabricated components and simple, easy-to-assemble/disassemble modular furniture, while facilitating daily maintenance by the residents and reducing the complexity and cost of traditional building upkeep. Through modular furniture and facilities, the courtyard can not only meet the daily needs but also be flexibly adjusted according to different activities and seasons, enhancing both functionality and sustainability. Additionally, the design incorporates disaster adaptability and green sustainable design by considering the elevation, temperature, and ecological characteristics of the region where Fujiazhai is located. Measures to protect against extreme weather conditions, such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, are designed, and local materials are used to reduce the building’s environmental impact and enhance its ecological adaptability. Through this design proposal, Fujiazhai will not only protect its historical and cultural heritage but also increase its tourism appeal, generating economic benefits for the surrounding villagers, which, in turn, will enhance community involvement in heritage protection. This innovative design model provides a viable symbiotic framework for the protection of traditional dwellings in tropical or economically underdeveloped areas and offers valuable practical insights for heritage conservation and community development in similar regions.

3.2. Key Elements of the Design Proposal

This study’s design proposal leverages the innovative application of modular design and prefabricated components, integrating the environmental characteristics of Fujiazhai and the needs of the local community. The core elements of the design include modular facilities, disaster resilience design, community participation mechanisms, and design flexibility. These elements are closely interconnected, ensuring that Fujiazhai meets the needs of local residents while maintaining long-term sustainability and adaptability. Based on field surveys, issues such as building damage, inadequate maintenance, and management deficiencies were identified, and Fujiazhai floor plan was created based on relevant data and site measurements (Figure 13).

In the design of Fujiazhai, modular design is primarily applied to the courtyard facilities to enhance functionality and convenience. The core design includes a simple assembly wooden sunshade frame and modular wooden benches in the courtyard. The sunshade frame is made from longan wood and local rattan, both of which are highly resistant to decay and insect damage, making them ideal for outdoor use in humid environments. This sunshade frame not only provides effective shade and rain protection but can also be reconfigured to meet the needs of gatherings, sales, and educational activities, while offering a comfortable space for the community to relax. The wooden benches are ergonomically designed and easy to move, with a hollow structure that reduces weight, making them more portable for elderly people and children. The flooring and fixed seating in the courtyard use volcanic rock, a local material known for its durability, esthetic appeal, and porosity, providing both environmental sustainability and comfort.

Additionally, Fujiazhai’s design thoroughly considers disaster resilience, particularly in response to extreme weather such as heavy rainfall and typhoons, given its location in a low-altitude area with abundant water systems. Based on elevation analysis, the design increases the capacity of the drainage system, with multiple drainage holes added on the north side of the courtyard to ensure quick water runoff. To improve thermal comfort, the roof design incorporates the traditional boat-shaped roof of Hainan, enhancing wind resistance and effectively providing thermal insulation. Additionally, the roof’s incline helps reduce wind pressure during typhoon conditions, ensuring the building’s stability. Surrounding Fujiazhai, there are several high-ecological-value areas, such as wetlands and forests. To minimize disturbance to these ecologically sensitive zones, a careful approach was adopted during the construction phase. Measures were implemented to limit the impact of construction, such as restricting the use of large equipment near these areas and establishing protective barriers to prevent damage. In the courtyard, native plants were chosen for landscaping, and vegetative slopes were designed to enhance ecological adaptability, retain water, and prevent soil erosion. These actions help to integrate the site harmoniously with its natural environment while preserving the integrity of the surrounding ecosystems.

Furthermore, the materials used in the design, such as longan wood and local rattan, are not only abundantly available in Hainan but are also deeply rooted in the region’s traditional craftsmanship. Both materials are highly durable, resistant to decay, and ideal for use in the humid tropical climate. Their local availability ensures a steady supply, and their relatively low cost makes them economically viable. By relying on these locally sourced materials, the design minimizes environmental impact while supporting sustainable development and reducing the carbon footprint associated with material transportation. Furthermore, their widespread use in the region ensures that they do not contribute to deforestation or environmental degradation, making them a sustainable and culturally significant choice.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of Fujiazhai and community participation, a revenue-sharing mechanism and government subsidy system are proposed. Residents can receive direct economic returns through tourism income, facility rental, and cultural exhibitions at Fujiazhai. A percentage of these revenues will be allocated to the residents who participate in the maintenance of the property, supporting their daily work and improving the environment of Fujiazhai. The government can provide periodic subsidies and tax incentives to reduce the financial burden on residents and ensure their ongoing participation in maintenance activities. Additionally, the government could implement a rewards system, including cash incentives and social security benefits, to strengthen residents’ sense of responsibility and ownership.

Lastly, to ensure the flexibility of Fujiazhai’s functions, the design incorporates a modular system that allows the space to be adapted according to various needs. For example, during events, modular components can be combined to create sales areas, exhibition zones, or educational spaces. During off-peak periods or non-tourist hours, these modules can be disassembled, transforming the space into a relaxation area for villagers or a children’s play area, significantly enhancing the adaptability and sustainability of the space.

Through the proposed design, Fujiazhai can not only preserve its historical and cultural heritage but also enhance its tourism appeal and community involvement, providing economic benefits to surrounding residents and driving the protection and transmission of cultural heritage. This design model offers a replicable symbiotic framework (Figure 11) for traditional heritage protection in tropical and economically underdeveloped regions, with significant practical and demonstrative value.

3.3. Design Proposal Evaluation

The evaluation of the design proposal in this study utilizes the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method [53,54], aiming to comprehensively assess the design of the Fujiazhai building across several key dimensions. These evaluation dimensions include feasibility, practicality, disaster resilience, community participation, economic benefits, and long-term sustainability. By quantifying these dimensions, the evaluation provides an objective basis for assessing the feasibility, implementation effectiveness, and the actual impact of the design within the community. Each evaluation dimension is assigned different weights according to its importance in the design, and is quantified using a 1 to 5-point scoring system, where 1 represents “strongly does not meet the requirements” and 5 represents “fully meets the requirements.” The final aggregated score will help evaluate the potential of the design proposal in actual implementation, ensuring that it meets the expected outcomes across all aspects. To ensure objectivity, five professors from Hainan University’s design department, along with two local government experts, were invited to participate in the evaluation, and feedback from the local community was also incorporated into the scoring.

However, we acknowledge that the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) relied solely on pre-implementation expert scoring, without the inclusion of objective post-implementation data. As a result, the evaluation is based on expert judgment and may therefore carry a certain degree of subjectivity. This limitation has been explicitly acknowledged in the revised manuscript. We emphasize that the results of this analysis should be viewed as preliminary and should be validated through subsequent empirical research and real-world implementation data. Specifically, future studies should include post-implementation data and community feedback to refine and validate the evaluation framework, ensuring that the design is both effective and sustainable in practice. Furthermore, we propose that future research focus on validating the framework through post-implementation studies, using longitudinal data and monitoring to assess the framework’s impact on the long-term sustainability of the design and its ability to meet the needs of the local community. We emphasize that the results of this analysis should be viewed as preliminary and should be validated through subsequent empirical research and real-world implementation data. Future studies should include post-implementation data and community feedback to refine and validate the evaluation framework, thereby ensuring that the design is both effective and sustainable in practice.

To further clarify, we have reframed the evaluation method as a “framework feasibility analysis,” focusing on assessing the initial feasibility of the design concept and its adaptability, while emphasizing the need for future empirical validation based on real-world data. Feasibility was evaluated based on its technical implementation and resource requirements. According to expert reviews and technical analysis, the design of Fujiazhai performed excellently in terms of technical and resource feasibility, particularly in the application of modular design and prefabricated components, which simplified the construction process and reduced implementation difficulty. The design uses locally common materials such as longan wood and volcanic rock, which not only reduces costs but also complies with Hainan’s building codes and environmental conditions. Therefore, the design proposal received a high rating of 4 points for feasibility. Practicality is another key factor in the evaluation, focusing on whether the design can meet the daily needs of residents and improve the functionality and comfort of Fujiazhai. Feedback from local residents, obtained during presentations and discussions, showed that the majority rated the design’s functionality and convenience positively, particularly the introduction of modular facilities that provide flexible spatial layouts and ease of use. Additionally, the design considers temperature comfort and ventilation, ensuring that Fujiazhai can provide a comfortable living environment in the hot and humid climate. As a result, practicality was rated 5 points. In terms of disaster resilience, the design benefited from elevation analysis, temperature distribution, and water system distribution data. Fujiazhai is located in a low-elevation area, making it vulnerable to flooding and heavy rainfall. The design incorporates enhanced drainage systems, a boat-shaped roof for better wind resistance, and increased windproof features to handle extreme weather events, such as typhoons and heavy rain. The design also takes into account the ecological environment, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding high-value ecological areas such as wetlands and forests, and protecting the natural environment as much as possible. As a result, the disaster resilience dimension scored 5 points.

Community participation was evaluated primarily based on residents’ willingness to engage and their feedback. According to survey results, the majority of residents are willing to participate in the daily maintenance of Fujiazhai, and the introduction of a revenue-sharing mechanism and government subsidies guarantees long-term participation. This mechanism encourages community members to play an active role in the cultural heritage preservation and environmental protection of Fujiazhai. The high level of community participation ensures the long-term implementation and maintenance of the design proposal. Therefore, community participation was rated 5 points. Economic benefits were assessed based on tourism revenue, facility rental income, and cultural display revenue. Fujiazhai, as a cultural heritage site, not only attracts tourists but also generates economic returns through facility rentals and event hosting. The introduction of a reasonable revenue-sharing mechanism ensures that a portion of these earnings is returned to residents who participate in maintenance, enhancing their economic returns. It is anticipated that Fujiazhai will bring stable economic benefits to the community, thus the economic benefits dimension received a score of 4 points.

Finally, long-term sustainability was evaluated based on the design’s ability to adapt to future environmental changes. The design uses green design principles and local materials, allowing Fujiazhai to maintain its function over time while minimizing environmental impact. The modular design also allows the building to flexibly adapt to changing needs, ensuring long-term adaptability and ease of maintenance. Therefore, the sustainability dimension scored 5 points.

In summary, based on the comprehensive evaluation of the design proposal across the dimensions of feasibility, practicality, disaster resilience, community participation, economic benefits, and long-term sustainability, the design proposal achieved an overall score of 4.75 points (

Table 2. Evaluation Table.

Evaluation Dimension	Score	Weight	Weighted Score	Description
Feasibility	4	20%	0.8	High Feasibility, Suitable for the Existing Environment
Practicality	5	20%	1.0	Meets the Majority of Residents’ Needs, with High Functionality and Convenience
Disaster Resilience	5	20%	1.0	Strong Ability to Handle Disasters such as Typhoons and Heavy Rainfall
Community Participation	5	15%	0.75	High Resident Participation Enthusiasm, with an Effective Benefit-Sharing Mechanism
Economic Benefits	4	15%	0.6	The Design Scheme Can Provide Economic Returns to Residents
Long-term Sustainability	5	10%	0.5	Green Design and Modular Solutions Enhance Long-term Adaptability
Total Score	4.75	100%	4.75	High Total Score, with Good Performance of the Scheme

). This indicates that the design performs excellently across all evaluated dimensions, demonstrating high feasibility and adaptability, while effectively meeting the needs of the local community. The design also holds strong economic potential and long-term sustainability. Thus, this design proposal provides a practical and viable solution for the protection and transmission of Fujiazhai, and offers an important reference for heritage protection and community development in tropical or economically underdeveloped regions.

3.4. Feedback on the Design Proposal

To ensure the effective implementation and continuous improvement of the design proposal, this study introduces a mid-term evaluation mechanism and feedback mechanism aimed at monitoring the implementation effectiveness of the design proposal through regular assessments and ongoing feedback, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Given that the design proposal for Fujiazhai has long-term impacts and requires gradual implementation, the establishment of a mid-term evaluation is crucial. The mid-term evaluation period is set for 1 to 2 years, a time frame that allows for an assessment of the design proposal’s initial performance and captures the changes in long-term feasibility and community participation. By evaluating the design proposal across multiple dimensions, including functionality, community participation, disaster resilience, and economic benefits, the proposal can be adjusted in a timely manner to resolve any issues that may arise, optimizing the design to better align with community needs and environmental changes.

The feedback mechanism of the design proposal will collect input from residents and the community through regular surveys, community meetings, and online platforms, ensuring that the opinions of all stakeholders are adequately reflected. The core of the feedback mechanism is to continuously collect residents’ opinions to assess the effectiveness of the design implementation. Specifically, to maintain the sustainability of community participation, an incentive mechanism based on subsidy levels is proposed. This mechanism encourages residents to engage in the daily maintenance of Fujiazhai over the long term. According to this system, residents are classified into different levels based on the frequency of participation and workload, with higher levels receiving greater subsidies. Long-term non-participation will result in a downward adjustment of their level. This incentive measure not only increases residents’ participation enthusiasm but also ensures that they continue to contribute to the protection and transmission of cultural heritage in the long term.

However, we recognize the importance of formal validation of the feedback mechanism. At this stage, the mechanism has not yet been validated through post-implementation data. Future research will focus on validating the feedback mechanism by conducting longitudinal studies and monitoring community participation over time. Feedback from residents, alongside data on the effectiveness of the incentive system, will provide insights into the mechanism’s long-term viability and its impact on cultural heritage preservation. The validation process will also include community satisfaction surveys and evaluation of the system’s adaptability in various environmental conditions.

To further enhance the design’s long-term adaptability and sustainability, this study proposes an annual evaluation mechanism. Every year, the community committee will conduct a regular evaluation of the implementation of the design proposal, focusing on aspects such as resource efficiency, environmental adaptability, community participation, and economic benefits. Continuous annual assessments will effectively monitor the performance of the design proposal under different environmental and social conditions, ensuring that it continues to operate efficiently in the long run. The evaluation results will be shared publicly through reports, ensuring transparency and fairness. To make the feedback and evaluation process more clear and intuitive, this study has designed a simple feedback framework diagram that outlines the entire process from collecting resident feedback to evaluation and design adjustments (Figure 14). The purpose of this framework is to help stakeholders understand the operation of the feedback mechanism and provide a reference for future assessments and optimizations. With this structured feedback framework, design adjustments can be made more systematically, ensuring the ongoing protection and transmission of Fujiazhai with the active involvement of the community.

Through the design of the above evaluation and feedback mechanisms, this study ensures the long-term sustainability of the Fujiazhai design proposal. It not only provides a feasible solution for the protection and transmission of this building but also offers valuable experience and a replicable framework for cultural heritage preservation in similar regions. By combining community participation, government support, and a flexible subsidy incentive mechanism, Fujiazhai will be able to maintain its cultural value over the long term and bring stable economic and social benefits to the surrounding community.

4. Discussion

The design proposal presented in this study integrates modular design, disaster resilience, and community participation to enhance the functionality, comfort, and long-term sustainability of the Fujia Residence. The design not only effectively preserves the cultural heritage of the residence but also introduces modern elements to meet the practical needs of the local community. This section summarizes the main findings of the study, compares the findings with existing research, discusses the limitations, provides policy and practical recommendations, and outlines future research directions.

4.1. Summary of Findings

The proposed design demonstrates significant advantages across multiple dimensions. First, the innovative application of modular design and prefabricated components enhances the functionality and convenience of Fujia Residence. For example, the wooden sunshade structures and modular benches in the courtyard not only provide comfortable leisure spaces for the villagers but can also be flexibly combined and dismantled to accommodate different activities. The use of local materials such as longan wood and volcanic rock not only suits the local climate conditions but also reduces construction costs while enhancing the ecological adaptability of the building. Second, in terms of disaster resilience, the low-altitude location of Fujia Residence and its proximity to abundant water systems necessitate the design’s response to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and typhoons. The design addresses these challenges by strengthening the drainage system, incorporating a boat-shaped roof with wind-resistant and heat-insulating properties, and ensuring minimal disruption to high ecological value areas such as wetlands and forests. Most importantly, the design integrates a community participation mechanism, enabling villagers to easily engage in the daily maintenance of the residence, with incentives provided through revenue-sharing mechanisms and government subsidies. This approach not only ensures the long-term sustainability of the design but also enhances the community’s sense of ownership and responsibility for cultural heritage preservation.

This study contributes to the fields of cultural heritage preservation and modular design by presenting an innovative approach that combines disaster resilience, sustainability, and community participation. Unlike traditional preservation methods that focus primarily on the physical restoration of heritage buildings, this research emphasizes adaptive design solutions that address both current and future challenges. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated use of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDI), combining expert evaluations with community feedback to create a more context-sensitive, locally relevant design framework. The study also innovatively integrates vector and raster data in a unified GIS framework to address spatial challenges such as temperature distribution, elevation, and water system distribution, ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based design process. The introduction of modular design using local materials and prefabricated components is another novel aspect of this research. This approach not only improves construction efficiency and reduces costs but also aligns with the local cultural and environmental context, ensuring that the design is both sustainable and culturally relevant. The study’s contribution extends to the integration of community participation mechanisms in the design process, which ensures the long-term viability and ownership of cultural heritage by local residents, thereby promoting sustainable heritage preservation in rural areas.

4.2. Comparison with Existing Research and Limitations

The design proposal showcases both similarities and differences compared to existing research in the fields of tropical architecture and cultural heritage preservation. In the field of tropical building design, many studies focus on climate adaptation, emphasizing passive design strategies such as natural ventilation and shading [1,55]. However, these studies often overlook the importance of community participation. This study bridges that gap by combining community participation with disaster resilience design, presenting a comprehensive preservation framework that emphasizes community-driven conservation. Despite the innovation in the design, there are certain limitations. First, as a single-case study, Fujia Residence’s unique characteristics may limit the generalizability of the design framework. Although the residence is representative, its specific regional, cultural, and environmental conditions may differ from other areas. Therefore, applying this framework to other tropical regions or less economically developed areas may face different challenges and adaptation issues. Second, the study lacks mid-term evaluation data and assessments of the implementation phase, making it difficult to fully understand the effectiveness of the design in practice. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring, collecting feedback from residents and environmental data to further validate the long-term effectiveness of the design.

4.3. Practical and Policy Recommendations

To ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of Fujia Residence, the government should establish a dedicated cultural heritage protection fund, which could be jointly funded by national and local governments as well as cultural heritage preservation organizations. This fund would ensure financial stability and continuity for the preservation and restoration of traditional residences like Fujia Residence. Additionally, the government should introduce tax incentives and subsidy policies to encourage communities, residents, and businesses to participate in heritage preservation efforts. For example, residents involved in the maintenance of Fujia Residence could benefit from income tax reductions or subsidies for restoration materials, thereby lowering the cost of participation and encouraging more community involvement. Furthermore, the government should establish laws and regulations to outline the responsibility for maintaining traditional residences, requiring regular assessments of the preservation status of these buildings to ensure that cultural heritage is continuously preserved and restored. In terms of community incentive mechanisms, the government could provide long-term incentives such as social security, health benefits, or educational opportunities to ensure that residents continue to participate in conservation efforts and strengthen community cohesion. By guiding policy, the government can encourage local communities to take charge of the restoration and maintenance work, establishing community committees or village-based self-management organizations to help residents create and implement conservation plans, thus increasing their sense of participation and responsibility. Moreover, the government should support public education and awareness-raising activities to promote the importance of cultural heritage preservation. These efforts can be made through local media, such as radio, television, and social media platforms, to increase public involvement and support. In terms of integrating cultural heritage preservation with tourism, the government can support the development of cultural tourism industries, using Fujia Residence as a platform for cultural heritage display. Tourism revenue, as well as income from facility rentals and cultural exhibitions, can be used to fund the continuous preservation of the project. Simultaneously, the government can encourage local residents to engage in the cultural creative industry, such as handcraft production, local culture exhibitions, and traditional art performances, turning cultural heritage into economically valuable products.

4.4. Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on long-term evaluation and data-driven decision-making support, incorporating sensor data and smart building technologies. Real-time monitoring of environmental data (e.g., temperature, humidity, ventilation) and structural health data will provide a more accurate assessment of the design’s adaptability and long-term functionality [56,57,58]. Furthermore, long-term community participation assessments should also be a focus of future studies, collecting residents’ feedback through regular surveys and participation logs to understand changes in community involvement [59,60]. This data will help evaluate the long-term effectiveness of incentive mechanisms and subsidy policies. Research should also focus on the promotion and optimization of the integrated design framework, especially through practical testing in other tropical regions or similar environments, assessing the adaptability and effectiveness of the design framework, and making adjustments based on different cultural and environmental conditions. As urbanization progresses, future studies could explore how to protect traditional cultural heritage within the context of modern urbanization, addressing the balance between traditional building preservation and infrastructure development, especially concerning the expansion of cities and changes in land use. The sustainable development of cultural tourism is another important research direction [61,62], investigating how to balance tourist flow with daily life of the residents, avoiding over-commercialization that could lead to cultural distortion or heritage degradation. Cross-disciplinary collaboration will be key in future research, integrating architecture, sociology, economics, and environmental science to comprehensively understand the multi-dimensional impacts of the design proposal and ensure the organic integration of cultural heritage preservation and community development.

5. Conclusions

This study presents a design proposal that integrates modular design, disaster resilience, and community participation, with the aim of enhancing the functionality, comfort, and long-term sustainability of the Fujia Residence. The proposed design not only effectively protects the cultural heritage of Fujia Residence but also meets the practical needs of the local community by introducing modern elements. The case of Fujia Residence demonstrates the potential for the adaptive reuse of traditional architecture in tropical regions, highlighting the importance of community involvement and disaster resilience in preserving cultural heritage.

The design’s modular approach, use of local materials, and disaster-resistant features provide a sustainable solution for the long-term maintenance and protection of Fujia Residence. This study contributes to the understanding of how community-driven models can enhance the preservation of cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs. Furthermore, the integration of disaster resilience and community participation mechanisms within the design offers a replicable framework for similar cultural heritage projects in tropical or economically underdeveloped regions.

However, there are some limitations to this study. As a single-case study, the findings may not be directly applicable to other regions with different cultural, environmental, or socio-economic conditions. Additionally, the lack of mid-term evaluation data and implementation-phase assessment limits our ability to fully gauge the long-term effects of the design. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and evaluation, using resident feedback, environmental data, and performance metrics to validate the effectiveness of the design in real-world conditions. Specifically, the validation of both the adaptive protection framework and the feedback mechanism will be essential. Future studies should include post-implementation data, community satisfaction surveys, and longitudinal monitoring to evaluate the long-term impact and sustainability of the design.

Looking ahead, several research directions should be explored. First, future studies should investigate the integration of smart technologies and sensor data for the real-time monitoring of the built environment, allowing for more accurate assessments of the design’s adaptability and long-term performance. Second, research should explore the scalability of the proposed framework in other tropical regions, testing its applicability and adjusting the design to different cultural and environmental contexts. Finally, future research should examine the balance between urbanization and the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly in rapidly developing areas where traditional structures may be at risk of being displaced by modern infrastructure [63,64].

Overall, the proposed design framework for Fujia Residence offers valuable insights into the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage in tropical environments, with the potential for wider application in other regions facing similar challenges. This study underscores the importance of integrating community participation, disaster resilience, and adaptive design strategies to ensure the long-term viability and relevance of traditional architecture in the modern world. The validation of the framework and feedback mechanism will provide further insights into the effectiveness of these strategies in preserving cultural heritage over time.