As with any climate-appropriate architecture, you don't use it in regions where it's unsuitable (in this case, places with high heating demand). FTA: "A skywe

As with any climate-appropriate architecture, you don't use it in regions where it's unsuitable (in this case, places with high heating demand). FTA: "A skywell, or "tian jing" (天井) in Mandarin, is a typical feature of a traditional home in southern and eastern China. Different from a northern Chinese courtyard, or "yuan zi" (院子), a skywell is smaller and less exposed to the outdoor environment." Based on pictures, the buildings surrounding a courtyard can be closed off from the elements, unlike the open floorplan design used in a skywell.