Assessment of Passive Design Strategies for Thermal Comfort in Residential Buildings in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of thermal discomfort in residential buildings within tropical climates has intensified the need for climate-responsive architectural solutions, particularly passive design strategies that reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This study assesses the implementation of passive design strategies for improving thermal comfort in residential buildings in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining field observation, building audit checklists, and occupant-based assessments across 40 residential buildings. The study examined key passive design parameters including building orientation, natural ventilation, window-to-wall ratio, shading devices, roof insulation, courtyard integration, vegetation, ceiling height, and operable windows. Findings indicate that natural ventilation is the most commonly adopted passive strategy, whereas roof insulation and courtyard-based designs are the least implemented. Specifically, natural ventilation is fully present in 55.0% of the audited buildings, while 55.0% completely lack roof insulation and 62.5% do not incorporate courtyards. Overall, the buildings exhibit a moderate to low level of integration of passive design principles, relying mainly on basic ventilation rather than a comprehensive climate-responsive system. The study concludes that residential buildings in Ede require improved integration of holistic climate- responsive strategies. It recommends stronger policy enforcement, architectural design innovation, and increased awareness to promote sustainable residential development in tropical regions.
Keywords
Passive designthermal comfortresidential buildingsnatural ventilationclimate- responsive architecture.
References
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