Bioclimatic architectural design strategy for thermal comfort in Kumasi Region Ghana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59651/jt.v1i1.280Keywords:
Bioclimatic Architecture, Thermal Comfort, Kumasi, Thermal Simulation, TropicalAbstract
This study evaluates bioclimatic architectural design strategies in improving thermal comfort of residential buildings in Kumasi, Ghana. Using thermal simulation approach and field study, the existing building model and the proposed bioclimatic design were analyzed. Results show that the application of cross ventilation, natural shading, and thermal insulation materials can reduce the average internal temperature by 2.6°C and increase the thermal comfort zone from 38% to 62%. This study recommends the integration of bioclimatic principles in tropical architectural design for energy efficiency and improved occupant quality of life.
References
Givoni, B. (1998). Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. John Wiley & Sons.
Olgyay, V. (2015). Design with Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism. Princeton University Press.
ASHRAE. (2021). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2021: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Szokolay, S.V. (2008). Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design. Elsevier.
Bansal, N. K., Hauser, G., & Minke, G. (1994). Passive Building Design: A Handbook of Natural Climatic Control. Elsevier.
Ghana Meteorological Agency (2023). Climate Data Archive. Retrieved from: https://www.meteo.gov.gh
EnergyPlus Weather Data (2024). Kumasi Climate File. Retrieved from: https://energyplus.net/weather
Yannas, S. (1994). Passive Solar Architecture: Principles and Practice. Earthscan.
Watson, D., & Labs, K. (1983). Climatic Building Design: Energy-Efficient Building Principles and Practices. McGraw-Hill.
Kwame, E. (2020). Thermal Comfort in Ghanaian Urban Housing: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of African Architecture, 12(2), 45–58.
