A Comparative Analysis Of Subjective Thermal Comfort Perception In Selected Residential Building Typologies In Jos-Nigeria

Abstract

The principle applied in the design and construction of the residential building's envelope influences its thermal performance and occupants' thermal satisfaction level. This study examined the design and material ensemble of existing residential buildings in Jos and assessed the level of thermal satisfaction of their occupants. The study was carried out in two seasons that is dry season and rainy season. The study involved post occupancy thermal comfort survey of households and physical measurement of thermal parameters, with subjective and objective data obtained respectively. Two building typologies were selected for the thermal comfort survey and 80 respondents who were occupants of these two building types, (a 3-bedroom bungalow and 4-bedroom duplex at the University of Jos Senior Staff Quarters) responded to the questionnaire administered. ASHRAE’s Standard 55 and European Standard EN 15251 which adopted the thermal comfort model by Fanger were used as voting scales. The subjective data obtained from the occupant survey were analysed using SPSS Statistics version 21, while the subjective data were analysed using tables. Findings reveal that the main determinants of Occupants' thermal comfort are air temperature, relative humidity, radiant temperature, and construction material/ensemble. The replies from the occupants revealed that the building's design, materials, and overall composition have an impact on these parameters, as seen by the marginal variations in heat perception between the occupants of the four-bedroom duplex and the three-bedroom cottage. This situation is clearly due to the differences in the design and material ensemble of the two building types. However, by using thoughtful design techniques and selecting and applying materials carefully, it is possible to improve the thermal conditions in the two types of buildings.