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Assessment of Overheating Problems in Modern Residential Buildings

Abstract

Overheating has become an important environmental and comfort challenge in modern residential buildings, particularly in warm and humid climates where high outdoor temperatures can combine with solar heat gain, limited ventilation, and inefficient building envelope design. Contemporary residential buildings often incorporate large glazed areas, compact floor plans, extensive concrete surfaces, and mechanical cooling systems, which can contribute to excessive indoor temperatures when passive design considerations are inadequate. Persistent overheating can reduce thermal comfort, increase dependence on air-conditioning, raise household energy consumption, and negatively affect occupants' health and wellbeing. This study assesses overheating problems in modern residential buildings by examining indoor temperature conditions, the frequency and duration of overheating, and the architectural factors that contribute to excessive heat accumulation. The assessment considers variables such as building orientation, window-to-wall ratio, glazing characteristics, roof design, wall construction, shading provision, ceiling height, and natural ventilation. Differences between rooms and building orientations are also considered to identify spaces that are particularly vulnerable to overheating during hot periods. Particular attention is given to the relationship between solar exposure and indoor thermal conditions. Large or poorly shaded windows can allow significant solar radiation into residential spaces, while inappropriate building orientation may increase exposure to intense solar gains. The study also examines the influence of roof and wall materials, building thermal mass, insulation, and surface finishes on heat absorption and retention. These factors are assessed collectively to determine how building envelope characteristics influence the development and persistence of overheating. Natural ventilation is also considered as an important strategy for reducing indoor heat accumulation. The effectiveness of window placement, cross-ventilation, ventilation openings, airflow paths, and nighttime ventilation is examined in relation to indoor temperature reduction. However, the effectiveness of natural ventilation may vary depending on outdoor temperature, humidity, wind conditions, security requirements, and occupant behaviour. Understanding these interactions is important for developing residential buildings that can maintain acceptable indoor conditions without excessive reliance on mechanical cooling. Overheating can have significant implications for residential energy performance and occupant wellbeing. Prolonged exposure to elevated indoor temperatures may contribute to sleep disruption, discomfort, reduced productivity, dehydration, and other heat-related health concerns, particularly among vulnerable occupants. At the same time, increased use of air-conditioning to compensate for poor passive performance can result in higher electricity consumption and operating costs. Addressing overheating therefore requires an integrated approach that considers climatic conditions, architectural design, occupant behaviour, and building energy performance. The study aims to identify the major architectural and environmental factors responsible for overheating in modern residential buildings and evaluate strategies for reducing excessive indoor heat. The findings are expected to support climate-responsive residential design through improved building orientation, effective solar shading, appropriate glazing, enhanced natural ventilation, and better-performing building envelopes. The research can contribute to the development of residential buildings that provide improved thermal comfort, reduced cooling demand, healthier indoor environments, and greater resilience to increasing outdoor temperatures.

Keywords: Residential buildings, Overheating, Thermal comfort, Indoor temperature, Solar heat gain, Natural ventilation, Building envelope, Solar shading, Glazing, Building orientation, Passive cooling, Energy efficiency, Occupant wellbeing, Climate-responsive design.