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Assessment of Building Orientation and Its Relationship with Indoor Humidity

Abstract

Building orientation is an important factor in determining indoor environmental conditions, including humidity levels within occupied spaces. The positioning of a building in relation to solar exposure, prevailing winds, rainfall, and surrounding environmental conditions can influence moisture accumulation, ventilation, and drying potential. Excessive indoor humidity may contribute to discomfort, condensation, mould growth, material deterioration, and poor indoor air quality. Assessing the relationship between building orientation and indoor humidity is therefore important for improving building performance and occupant wellbeing. This study assesses building orientation and its relationship with indoor humidity, focusing on how different orientations influence moisture conditions within residential and other occupied buildings. It examines the relationship between building alignment, façade exposure, window placement, ventilation openings, and indoor relative humidity. The study also considers how orientation interacts with local climatic conditions and seasonal variations to influence moisture movement and humidity levels. Particular attention is given to the role of prevailing winds and natural ventilation in regulating indoor humidity. Buildings oriented to capture favourable wind directions may experience improved air exchange, which can assist in removing moisture generated by occupants, cooking, bathing, and other indoor activities. Conversely, orientations that restrict airflow may contribute to stagnant conditions and increased moisture accumulation. The study therefore examines the relationship between orientation, airflow, ventilation effectiveness, and indoor humidity. The study also considers the influence of solar exposure on moisture conditions. The amount and duration of solar radiation received by different façades can affect surface temperatures, evaporation, and the drying of building materials and interior spaces. Orientation may consequently influence the occurrence of condensation and moisture-related problems, particularly where ventilation is inadequate. Other factors such as shading, roof design, building envelope characteristics, and surrounding obstructions are considered in understanding these interactions. Occupancy patterns, building materials, room functions, and moisture-generating activities are also examined because indoor humidity is influenced by more than building orientation alone. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and densely occupied spaces may produce higher levels of indoor moisture. The study therefore considers how spatial organization, ventilation provisions, material properties, and user behaviour interact with orientation to determine humidity conditions within buildings. The study aims to establish the relationship between building orientation and indoor humidity and identify orientation-based strategies that can contribute to better moisture control and indoor environmental quality. Its findings are expected to assist architects, building designers, and planners in incorporating climatic considerations into early design decisions. Appropriate orientation, combined with effective ventilation, solar control, and moisture management strategies, can help reduce excessive indoor humidity, improve occupant comfort, and support healthier and more durable buildings.

Keywords: Building orientation, Indoor humidity, Relative humidity, Natural ventilation, Moisture control, Indoor environmental quality, Solar exposure, Prevailing winds, Building envelope, Thermal comfort, Moisture accumulation, Climate-responsive design, Building performance, Passive design.