The Effect Of Floor Height On Indoor Thermal Comfort In Case Of Municipal Residential Buildings: Case Of Hawassa City, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of floor height on indoor thermal comfort in municipal residential buildings in Hawassa, Ethiopia. The research underscores the critical role of architectural design? specifically, floor height? in influencing thermal performance, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating Design Builder simulations, occupant surveys, field measurements, and behavioral observations through hidden cameras to analyze these effects. Findings reveal that lower floor heights (below 2.5 meters) contribute to increased thermal discomfort due to poor ventilation, heat accumulation, and a heightened sense of confinement. In contrast, higher floor heights (above 2.65 meters) improve natural ventilation, reduce heat retention, and enhance perceptions of spatial comfort. Hidden camera footage further highlights behavioral adaptations, such as increased use of cooling devices and residents seeking outdoor shaded areas to mitigate discomfort. Additionally, government-constructed residential buildings often prioritize cost efficiency at the expense of thermal comfort, exacerbating these challenges. Based on the findings, the study recommends a minimum floor height of 2.65 meters for new residential developments, alongside passive cooling strategies and retrofitting solutions to enhance thermal conditions in existing structures. These insights provide valuable guidance for architects, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to design sustainable, thermally comfortable, and psychologically supportive residential environments in Ethiopia and other tropical regions.