Swahili kıyısında biyoklimatik bir malzeme olarak mercan taşlarının fiziksel, termal, higroskopik ve ayrışmaya dayanıklılıklarının araştırılması

Coral stone has been the most distinguished construction material in Swahili coastal vernacular architecture, demonstrating reliable durability and performance in warm-humid, saline environments. Despite its historical benefits, it is rarely used in contemporary construction practice because of the limited scientific evidence supporting its reliability. With increased rainfall, humidity, and higher temperatures in tropical regions due to climate change, hygroscopic materials warrant detailed study and integration into building practices along the Swahili coastline, where construction activities are ever-expanding. This study investigates the properties of coral stone as a bioclimatic material through a series of physical, hydric, hygric, thermal, and durability tests under laboratory conditions, to generate a detailed dataset for future use and for conservationists working to protect historical buildings in the selected geographic area. Results indicate that the porous morphology and marine origin of coral stone exhibit favourable moisture-buffering and thermal-conductivity properties. However, its ability to transport salts via capillary action and to resist internal damage depends heavily on microstructural characteristics; similarly, its mechanical and surface durability depend on density and porosity. Overall, the findings support coral stone as a climatically responsive material when appropriately selected and implemented, guided by performance-based design. This research investigates vernacular material knowledge through the lens of contemporary building science to inform sustainable coastal construction, yet future practice with coral stone requires context-sensitive design strategies.