Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Multi-Layered Wall System for Heat Mitigation in Arid Environments

Desert agriculture is fundamentally constrained by extreme thermal environments, which induce high stress on plant systems and limit crop productivity. This study presents a systematic investigation of a multi-layered wall (MLW) architecture engineered to establish a controlled microclimate within interior agricultural environments under arid conditions. The MLW consists of a structured sequence of thermally functional layers. A high thermal-mass clay composite reduces conductive heat transfer. Semi-permeable membrane layers regulate convective exchange. An intermediate cavity incorporates stack-driven ventilation and embedded heat-exchange conduits to enhance passive heat removal. A reinforced concrete layer provides structural support, while a recycled-plastic fibrous insulation layer reduces residual heat flux. The system operates through passive thermal regulation mechanisms, including transient heat absorption, buoyancy-driven airflow, and thermal energy storage. Together, these processes reduce interior heat gain and moderate temperature fluctuations during prolonged exposure to high external thermal loads. Experimental evaluation under controlled laboratory conditions demonstrates that the MLW effectively mitigates heat transmission, suppresses thermal gradients, and sustains an interior microclimate favorable for plant growth, highlighting the efficacy of combining layered insulation, controlled convective flow, and high thermal mass. This framework establishes a scalable and energy-efficient approach for sustainable crop production in extreme desert climates and provides design insights for the development of resilient agricultural infrastructure in thermally challenging environments.