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Influence of Building Orientation on Indoor Thermal Conditions in Residential Buildings

Abstract

The study examines the influence of building orientation on indoor thermal conditions in residential buildings. Building orientation determines the direction in which major building surfaces, windows, and openings face and can significantly affect the amount of solar radiation received by indoor spaces. Appropriate orientation may contribute to improved thermal comfort, reduced indoor heat gain, and better environmental conditions, particularly in residential buildings located in warm climates. The study will assess the relationship between building orientation and indoor thermal conditions in selected residential buildings. Attention will be given to the orientation of major building facades, window openings, and principal spaces, while indoor thermal conditions will be evaluated using parameters such as indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and thermal comfort. Measurements will be obtained at selected periods of the day to identify variations in indoor conditions associated with differences in building orientation. A field-based comparative research design will be adopted for the study. Selected residential buildings with different orientations will be identified using an appropriate sampling technique and assessed using standardized observation and measurement procedures. Data will be collected through site observation, building orientation assessment, environmental measurements, and relevant occupant responses where applicable. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate comparative and correlation tests will be used to examine differences in thermal conditions among buildings with different orientations. The study is expected to reveal differences in indoor thermal conditions among residential buildings with varying orientations. Buildings with orientations that reduce excessive exposure to direct solar radiation may demonstrate lower indoor temperature and improved thermal conditions, while orientations with greater exposure may experience higher heat gain during certain periods of the day. The extent of these differences may also be influenced by window placement, shading, building materials, ventilation, and surrounding environmental conditions. The findings will be useful to architects, building designers, environmental planners, housing developers, and other professionals involved in residential building design and construction. The study may provide useful information for improving passive design strategies and reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. It may also contribute to the development of residential buildings that provide more comfortable indoor environments while responding appropriately to local climatic conditions. The study will conclude by determining the influence of building orientation on indoor thermal conditions in residential buildings. It is recommended that building orientation should be carefully considered during the planning and design of residential buildings, alongside appropriate shading, window placement, natural ventilation, and other passive environmental control strategies. Further studies involving larger samples and different climatic settings are recommended to provide broader information on orientation and residential thermal performance.

Keywords: Building orientation, indoor thermal conditions, residential buildings, thermal comfort, indoor air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, heat gain, passive design, natural ventilation, building performance, residential architecture, climatic design, energy efficiency, environmental design.