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Relationship Between Building Envelope Design and Indoor Thermal Comfort

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between building envelope design and indoor thermal comfort, with emphasis on how the physical characteristics of the building envelope influence the thermal conditions experienced by occupants. The building envelope forms the primary barrier between indoor and outdoor environments and includes elements such as external walls, roofs, windows, doors, shading devices, and other enclosure components. The design and performance of these elements can influence heat gain, heat loss, indoor temperature, air movement, and the overall thermal environment of occupied spaces. The study will assess selected building envelope characteristics, including wall materials, roof construction, window-to-wall ratio, glazing type, shading provisions, openings, external finishes, and envelope orientation. Indoor thermal comfort will be assessed using indicators such as indoor air temperature, relative humidity, air movement, surface temperature, and occupants’ thermal perceptions. The study will examine how variations in these envelope characteristics correspond with differences in indoor thermal conditions within selected buildings. A descriptive cross-sectional research design will be adopted for the study. Selected buildings will be assessed through physical observation, building envelope measurements, environmental monitoring, photographic documentation, and structured questionnaires administered to occupants where appropriate. Data obtained will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate correlation or comparative tests may be applied to establish the relationship between building envelope characteristics and indoor thermal comfort. The study is expected to reveal that differences in building envelope design are associated with variations in indoor thermal conditions. Envelope characteristics that provide adequate resistance to external heat gain, effective shading, appropriate openings, and suitable control of solar exposure may contribute to more favourable indoor thermal conditions. Conversely, poorly performing walls, roofs, windows, and shading arrangements may increase indoor heat gain and contribute to thermal discomfort. Other factors such as building orientation, occupancy patterns, surrounding conditions, and natural ventilation may also influence the observed thermal environment. The findings will be useful to architects, building designers, developers, facility managers, environmental designers, and other professionals involved in the planning and management of buildings. The study may provide useful information for improving envelope design decisions and promoting passive strategies that enhance indoor thermal comfort. The findings may also support efforts to reduce dependence on mechanical cooling and improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of buildings. The study will conclude by establishing the relationship between building envelope design and indoor thermal comfort. It is recommended that envelope characteristics such as wall and roof construction, window design, shading, openings, and external finishes should be carefully considered during building design to achieve suitable indoor thermal conditions. Further studies involving different building types, climatic conditions, and envelope systems are recommended to provide broader guidance for climate-responsive and thermally comfortable building design.

Keywords: Building envelope design, indoor thermal comfort, building envelope, thermal performance, indoor air temperature, relative humidity, heat gain, solar radiation, wall materials, roof construction, window design, shading devices, natural ventilation, energy efficiency, climate-responsive design.