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The Effect of Courtyard Size on Natural Ventilation in Residential Buildings

Abstract

Natural ventilation is an important passive design strategy for improving indoor thermal comfort and reducing dependence on mechanical cooling in residential buildings. Courtyards can enhance natural airflow by creating internal open spaces that facilitate air movement, pressure differences, and heat dissipation. However, the size and proportions of a courtyard can significantly influence its ventilation performance. An appropriately sized courtyard may promote effective air circulation, while an excessively small or large courtyard may produce less favourable airflow conditions. Assessing the effect of courtyard size on natural ventilation is therefore important for climate-responsive residential design. This study examines the effect of courtyard size on natural ventilation in residential buildings by evaluating how different courtyard dimensions influence indoor air movement. The assessment considers courtyard area, width, length, height-to-width ratio, building height, opening configuration, and the relationship between the courtyard and surrounding rooms. Variations in airflow patterns and ventilation effectiveness are examined to determine how changes in courtyard size affect the movement and distribution of air within residential spaces. Particular attention is given to the relationship between courtyard geometry and prevailing wind conditions. Courtyards can channel, accelerate, redirect, or restrict airflow depending on their dimensions and the arrangement of surrounding building elements. The study therefore considers the influence of courtyard openings, window placement, building orientation, and internal spatial configuration on ventilation performance. The interaction between external wind conditions and the enclosed courtyard environment is also considered to understand how different courtyard sizes respond to natural airflow. The study further examines the role of courtyard size in supporting heat removal from residential interiors. During warm periods, effective airflow through courtyard spaces can assist in removing accumulated heat and improving indoor thermal conditions. Courtyard vegetation, surface materials, shading, and the proportion of open space may also influence air temperature and airflow behaviour. These factors are considered alongside courtyard dimensions to provide a broader understanding of the environmental performance of courtyard-based residential designs. Inadequate courtyard dimensions may result in restricted airflow, stagnant air zones, or insufficient ventilation of rooms located around the courtyard. Conversely, larger courtyards may provide greater exposure to prevailing winds but may also alter pressure relationships and airflow distribution within the building. These conditions demonstrate the importance of considering courtyard proportions rather than courtyard area alone. Understanding these relationships can help designers determine courtyard configurations that provide effective natural ventilation while supporting privacy, daylighting, and functional requirements. The study aims to determine how courtyard size influences natural ventilation performance in residential buildings and identify courtyard configurations that can support improved indoor environmental conditions. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects and building designers in determining appropriate courtyard dimensions, proportions, opening arrangements, and spatial relationships. The research can contribute to passive residential design approaches that improve natural airflow, enhance thermal comfort, reduce cooling energy demand, and promote more environmentally responsive buildings.

Keywords: Courtyard size, Natural ventilation, Residential buildings, Airflow patterns, Courtyard geometry, Thermal comfort, Passive cooling, Wind movement, Building orientation, Courtyard proportions, Ventilation openings, Heat dissipation, Climate-responsive design, Energy efficiency.