This paper presents a thermal comfort study in a
naturally ventilated residential building located in a
tropical hot-humid climate region. The specific
objective of this study is to investigate whether
thermal comfort in this house can be achieved
through a passive system only.
The methods used in this study included
conducting hourly monitoring of the temperature and
relative humidity; measuring the air velocities; and
assessing occupants' thermal sensations through
questionnaires and interview. The data from the
questionnaires were matched to the monitored data to
assess the acceptable range of comfortable condition.
Then using an hourly simulation program, some
components of the building were also "modified" to
investigate whether the building can be made "more
comfortable".
This study shows that it is possible to provide a
thermally comfortable space in this region without
using mechanical air-conditioning systems. The
occupants' acceptable range of comfortable condition
is different than that of people in the northern
latitudes. The occupants sensed "neutrality" when
the operative temperature in the house was about 27
degree Celsius (80°F). The occupants could also
tolerate slightly warm conditions, that is up to 29
degree Celsius (84OF), and still never wanted to
install any air-conditioning systems.
The simulation showed that using light wall
materials would result in cooler indoor temperature at
night but warmer during the day. If all windows
were opened (25% the total floor area) the house
could be more comfortable at night but less
comfortable during the day. Findings of this study
are important for architects and engineers in
designing comfortable living spaces in these regions
